HB1284 Summary

• Adds "political affiliation" as a protected class under Hawaii's discrimination laws, defining it as belonging to, endorsing, or voting for candidates of a political party.

• Prohibits employers from refusing to hire, discharging, or discriminating in compensation or employment terms based on an employee's political affiliation.

• Extends political affiliation protections to employment agencies and labor organizations, preventing discrimination in job referrals, membership, and apprenticeship agreements.

• Prohibits discrimination based on political affiliation in places of public accommodation regarding access to goods, services, facilities, and privileges.

• Takes effect upon approval and applies the same enforcement mechanisms as existing Hawaii civil rights discrimination protections.