SB1231 - Uniform Parentage Act Summary

• Repeals Chapter 584 (Uniform Parentage Act of 1973) and establishes a new parentage chapter based on the Uniform Parentage Act of 2017, updating Hawaii's laws to reflect modern family structures and assisted reproduction technologies.

• Expands parentage definitions to include presumed parents, acknowledged parents, genetic parents, functional parents, and intended parents under assisted reproduction and surrogacy agreements, with equal treatment regardless of marital status or gender of parents.

• Establishes procedures for parentage determination through voluntary acknowledgment, genetic testing, and court adjudication, with streamlined processes including expedited acknowledgment at birthing hospitals and strict timelines for challenging acknowledgments (60 days or 2 years depending on circumstances).

• Regulates surrogacy agreements (both gestational and genetic) with specific requirements including court validation, age/health requirements, mandatory legal representation, and detailed provisions protecting surrogate rights while establishing intended parent parentage.

• Updates related statutes across chapters 338 (vital records), 560 (probate), 571 (family court), 576B/E (child support), and 580 (divorce) to conform with new parentage framework and replace references to outdated paternity terminology with gender-neutral "parentage" language.

• Effective date: January 1, 2026.