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HI SB1520

Bill

Status

Engrossed

3/4/2025

Primary Sponsor

Karl Rhoads

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Creates a new exemption from mandatory mediation in paternity proceedings when a party alleges domestic abuse, allowing the alleged victim to opt out of mediation programs

  • Requires mediators in paternity cases to screen for domestic abuse and prohibits mediation unless the alleged victim authorizes it and a trained domestic abuse mediator conducts it in a manner protecting victim safety

  • Prohibits courts from requiring mediation participation when a temporary restraining order or protective order is in effect between the parties in paternity proceedings

  • Amends existing divorce proceeding mediation exemption law by replacing "spousal abuse" and "family violence" terminology with "domestic abuse" as defined in section 586-1

  • Removes provisions allowing supporting persons to attend mediation sessions, while retaining requirements that mediation only proceed with victim consent and specialized domestic abuse-trained mediators

Legislative Description

Relating To Family.

Mediation

Last Action

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

12/8/2025

Committee Referrals

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs3/21/2025
Human Services & Homelessness3/6/2025
Judiciary2/14/2025
Health and Human Services1/27/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available