S.B. 2306 Summary

• Standardizes the types of documents accepted as proof of domestic or sexual violence victim status across multiple Hawaii state laws to reduce inconsistency and encourage victims to seek assistance.

• Expands acceptable evidence to include: court or government agency records (police reports, restraining orders, injunctions against harassment, criminal documents); documentation from victim services organizations or domestic/sexual violence programs and shelters; and documentation from medical professionals, mental health providers, attorneys, advocates, social workers, or clergy who provided assistance.

• Applies uniform proof standards to laws governing wireless service contract termination (HRS 269-16.93), employment discrimination and leave protections (HRS 378-2 and 378-72), unemployment insurance good cause determinations (HRS 383-30.5), workplace safety leave (HRS 383-7.6), rental agreement early termination (HRS 521-80), and address confidentiality programs (HRS 801G-3).

• Limits employer verification of victim status to no more than once every six months, except when a protective order with an expiration date is provided—verification cannot be requested again until after the order's expiration or extensions.

• Effective upon approval.