S.R. No. 42 Summary

• Requests the Department of Education to convene the Erin's Law Task Force to research and develop recommendations for establishing a comprehensive sexual violence prevention education program in Hawaii's public schools (prekindergarten through grade 12).

• Task force must research current policies, programs, and curricula; identify gaps in sexual violence prevention education; and recommend age-appropriate instruction that includes techniques for recognizing abuse, developing reporting skills, and training for school staff and parents.

• Task force comprises 10 required members including the Superintendent of Education (chair), directors of health and human services, Attorney General, and representatives from schools, legislature, and state commissions, plus 5 invited members from youth services and abuse prevention organizations.

• Initial meeting must convene by August 10, 2024; task force must submit findings and recommendations to the legislature by 20 days before the 2025 regular session and a follow-up report by 20 days before the 2026 session; task force ceases to exist March 31, 2026.

• Hawaii is one of 14 remaining states without Erin's Law; the task force will consider mandatory elements including culturally sensitive curricula, professional training for educators, parental involvement components, Title IX compliance, and sex trafficking prevention.