SB 236 Summary

• Expands victim-counselor privilege under Hawaii Rules of Evidence to include confidential advocates designated by the University of Hawaii to assist victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual harassment.

• Defines "confidential advocate" as a University of Hawaii-designated person who has completed a minimum of 35 hours of training and whose primary function is providing advice, counseling, or assistance to victims.

• Adds dating violence, stalking, and sexual harassment to the list of issues covered under victim-counselor privilege alongside existing protections for sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.

• Increases the minimum training requirement for domestic violence victims' counselors from 25 hours to 35 hours to match sexual assault counselor requirements.

• Takes effect upon approval and includes a severability clause to preserve the Act if any provision is found invalid.