HB 1962: Parentage Proceedings; Divorce Proceedings; Domestic Abuse; Mediation
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-03-24
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-06-05: Act 089, on 06/05/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1189).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Establishes an exemption from mediation in parentage proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse. Clarifies the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse. (SD1)
Establishes an exemption from mediation in parentage proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse. Clarifies the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Establishes an exemption from mediation in parentage proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse. Clarifies the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes an exemption from mediation in parentage proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse. Clarifies the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1962 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO FAMILY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 584A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
(1) Mediation is authorized by the alleged victim of the domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged victim, by a mediator who is trained in the field of domestic abuse.
(b) A mediator who receives a referral or an order from a court to conduct mediation shall screen for the occurrence of domestic abuse between the parties. A mediator shall not engage in mediation when it appears to the mediator, or when either party asserts, that domestic abuse has occurred, unless:
(1) Mediation is authorized by the alleged victim of the domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged victim, by a mediator who is trained in the field of domestic abuse.
(c) An attorney or other individual designated by a party may accompany the party to, and participate in, a mediation. A waiver of participation given before the mediation may be rescinded.
(d) As used in this section, "domestic abuse" has the same meaning as in section 586-1."
SECTION 2. Section 580-41.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§580-41.5 [Battered spouses;]
Domestic abuse; exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings. (a) In
contested divorce proceedings where there are allegations of [spousal] domestic
abuse, the court shall not require a party alleging the [spousal] domestic
abuse to participate in any component of any mediation program against the
wishes of that party. The court may order mediation or refer the
parties to mediation only if:
(1) Mediation is authorized by the alleged victim of the domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged victim, by a mediator who is trained in the field of domestic abuse.
(b)
A mediator who receives a referral or an order from a court to
conduct mediation shall screen for the occurrence of [family violence] domestic
abuse between the parties. A
mediator shall not engage in mediation when it appears to the mediator,
or when either party asserts, that [family violence] domestic
abuse has occurred, unless:
(1) Mediation is
authorized by the alleged victim of the [alleged family violence;]
domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is
provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged
victim, by a mediator who is trained in [family violence; and
(3) The victim is
permitted to have in attendance at mediation, a supporting person of the
victim's choice including but not limited to an attorney or advocate. If the victim chooses to exercise such
option, any other party to the mediation will be permitted to have in
attendance at mediation, a supporting person of the party's choice including
but not limited to an attorney or advocate.] the field of domestic
abuse.
[(c) In a proceeding concerning the custody or
visitation of a child, if a protective order is in effect, the court shall not
require a party alleging family violence to participate in any component of any
mediation program against the wishes of that party.
(d)] (c) In a proceeding concerning the custody or
visitation of a child, if [there is an allegation of family violence and a
protective order is not in effect,] a party has alleged domestic abuse,
the court may order mediation or refer either party to mediation only if:
(1) Mediation is
authorized by the alleged victim of the [alleged family violence;]
domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is
provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged
victim, by a mediator who is trained in [family violence; and
(3) The victim is
permitted to have in attendance at mediation, a supporting person of the
victim's choice including but not limited to an attorney or advocate. If the victim chooses to exercise such
option, any other party to the mediation will be permitted to have in
attendance at mediation, a supporting person of the party's choice including
but not limited to an attorney or advocate.] the field of domestic
abuse.
(d) An attorney or other individual designated by a party may accompany the party to, and participate in, a mediation. A waiver of participation given before the mediation may be rescinded.
(e) As used in this section, "domestic abuse" has the same meaning as in section 586-1."
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
Parentage Proceedings; Divorce Proceedings; Domestic Abuse; Mediation
Description:
Establishes an exemption from mediation in parentage proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse. Clarifies the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1962 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO FAMILY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 584A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
(1) Mediation is authorized by the alleged victim of the domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged victim, by a mediator who is trained in the field of domestic abuse.
(b) A mediator who receives a referral or an order from a court to conduct mediation shall screen for the occurrence of domestic abuse between the parties. A mediator shall not engage in mediation when it appears to the mediator, or when either party asserts, that domestic abuse has occurred, unless:
(1) Mediation is authorized by the alleged victim of the domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged victim, by a mediator who is trained in the field of domestic abuse.
(c) An attorney or other individual designated by a party may accompany the party to, and participate in, a mediation. A waiver of participation given before the mediation may be rescinded.
(d) As used in this section, "domestic abuse" has the same meaning as in section 586-1."
SECTION 2. Section 580-41.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§580-41.5 [Battered spouses;]
Domestic abuse; exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings. (a) In
contested divorce proceedings where there are allegations of [spousal] domestic
abuse, the court shall not require a party alleging the [spousal] domestic
abuse to participate in any component of any mediation program against the
wishes of that party. The court may order mediation or refer the
parties to mediation only if:
(1) Mediation is authorized by the alleged victim of the domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged victim, by a mediator who is trained in the field of domestic abuse.
(b)
A mediator who receives a referral or an order from a court to
conduct mediation shall screen for the occurrence of [family violence] domestic
abuse between the parties. A
mediator shall not engage in mediation when it appears to the mediator,
or when either party asserts, that [family violence] domestic
abuse has occurred unless:
(1) Mediation is
authorized by the alleged victim of the [alleged family violence;]
domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is
provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged
victim, by a mediator who is trained in [family violence; and
(3) The victim is
permitted to have in attendance at mediation, a supporting person of the
victim's choice including but not limited to an attorney or advocate. If the victim chooses to exercise such
option, any other party to the mediation will be permitted to have in
attendance at mediation, a supporting person of the party's choice including
but not limited to an attorney or advocate.] the field of domestic
abuse.
[(c) In a proceeding concerning the custody or
visitation of a child, if a protective order is in effect, the court shall not
require a party alleging family violence to participate in any component of any
mediation program against the wishes of that party.
(d)] (c) In a proceeding concerning the custody or
visitation of a child, if [there is an allegation of family violence and a
protective order is not in effect,] a party has alleged domestic abuse
the court may order mediation or refer either party to mediation only if:
(1) Mediation is
authorized by the alleged victim of the [alleged family violence;]
domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is
provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged
victim, by a mediator who is trained in [family violence; and
(3) The victim is
permitted to have in attendance at mediation, a supporting person of the
victim's choice including but not limited to an attorney or advocate. If the victim chooses to exercise such
option, any other party to the mediation will be permitted to have in
attendance at mediation, a supporting person of the party's choice including
but not limited to an attorney or advocate.] the field of domestic
abuse.
(d) An attorney or other individual designated by a party may accompany the party to, and participate in, a mediation. A waiver of participation given before the mediation may be rescinded.
(e) As used in this section, "domestic abuse" has the same meaning as in section 586-1."
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Parentage Proceedings; Divorce Proceedings; Domestic Abuse; Mediation
Description:
Establishes an exemption from mediation in parentage proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse. Clarifies the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1962 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO FAMILY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 584A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
(1) Mediation is authorized by the alleged victim of the domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged victim, by a mediator who is trained in the field of domestic abuse.
(b) A mediator who receives a referral or an order from a court to conduct mediation shall screen for the occurrence of domestic abuse between the parties. A mediator shall not engage in mediation when it appears to the mediator, or when either party asserts, that domestic abuse has occurred, unless:
(1) Mediation is authorized by the alleged victim of the domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged victim, by a mediator who is trained in the field of domestic abuse.
(c) An attorney or other individual designated by a party may accompany the party to, and participate in, a mediation. A waiver of participation given before the mediation may be rescinded.
(d) As used in this section, "domestic abuse" has the same meaning as in section 586-1."
SECTION 2. Section 580-41.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§580-41.5 [Battered spouses;]
Domestic abuse; exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings. (a) In
contested divorce proceedings where there are allegations of [spousal] domestic
abuse, the court shall not require a party alleging the [spousal] domestic
abuse to participate in any component of any mediation program against the
wishes of that party. The court may order mediation or refer the
parties to mediation only if:
(1) Mediation is authorized by the alleged victim of the domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged victim, by a mediator who is trained in the field of domestic abuse.
(b)
A mediator who receives a referral or order from a court to conduct
mediation shall screen for the occurrence of [family violence] domestic
abuse between the parties. A
mediator shall not engage in mediation when it appears to the mediator,
or when either party asserts, that [family violence] domestic
abuse has occurred unless:
(1) Mediation is
authorized by the alleged victim of the [alleged family violence;]
domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is
provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged
victim, by a mediator who is trained in [family violence; and
(3) The victim is
permitted to have in attendance at mediation, a supporting person of the
victim's choice including but not limited to an attorney or advocate. If the victim chooses to exercise such
option, any other party to the mediation will be permitted to have in
attendance at mediation, a supporting person of the party's choice including
but not limited to an attorney or advocate.] the field of domestic
abuse.
[(c) In a proceeding concerning the custody or
visitation of a child, if a protective order is in effect[,]the court shall not
require a party alleging family violence to participate in any component of any
mediation program against the wishes of that party.
(d)] (c) In a proceeding concerning the custody or
visitation of a child, if [there is
an allegation of family violence and a protective order is not in effect,] a
party has alleged domestic abuse the court may order mediation or refer
either party to mediation only if:
(1) Mediation is
authorized by the alleged victim of the [alleged family violence;]
domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is
provided in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged
victim, by a mediator who is trained in [family violence; and
(3) The victim is
permitted to have in attendance at mediation, a supporting person of the
victim's choice, including but not limited to an attorney or
advocate. If the victim chooses to
exercise such option, any other party to the mediation will be permitted to
have in attendance at mediation, a supporting person of the party's choice
including but not limited to an attorney or advocate.] the field of
domestic abuse.
(d) An attorney or other individual designated by a party may accompany the party to, and participate in, a mediation. A waiver of participation given before the mediation may be rescinded.
(e) As used in this section, "domestic abuse" has the same meaning as in section 586-1."
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Parentage Proceedings; Divorce Proceedings; Domestic Abuse; Mediation
Description:
Establishes an exemption from mediation in parentage proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse. Clarifies the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1962 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to family.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 584, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
(1) Mediation is authorized by the alleged victim of the domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged victim, by a mediator who is trained in the field of domestic abuse.
(b) A mediator who receives a referral or an order from a court to conduct mediation shall screen for the occurrence of domestic abuse between the parties. A mediator shall not engage in mediation when it appears to the mediator, or when either party asserts, that domestic abuse has occurred, unless:
(1) Mediation is authorized by the alleged victim of the domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged victim, by a mediator who is trained in the field of domestic abuse.
(c) An attorney or other individual designated by a party may accompany the party to, and participate in, a mediation. A waiver of participation given before the mediation may be rescinded.
(d) As used in this section, "domestic abuse" has the same meaning as in section 586-1."
SECTION 2. Section 580-41.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§580-41.5 [Battered spouses;]
Domestic abuse; exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings. (a) In
contested divorce proceedings where there are allegations of [spousal] domestic
abuse, the court shall not require a party alleging the [spousal] domestic
abuse to participate in any component of any mediation program against the
wishes of that party. The court may order mediation or refer the
parties to mediation only if:
(1) Mediation is authorized by the alleged victim of the domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged victim, by a mediator who is trained in the field of domestic abuse.
(b)
A mediator who receives a referral or order from a court to conduct
mediation shall screen for the occurrence of [family violence] domestic
abuse between the parties. A
mediator shall not engage in mediation when it appears to the mediator,
or when either party asserts, that [family violence] domestic
abuse has occurred unless:
(1) Mediation is
authorized by the alleged victim of the [alleged family violence;]
domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is
provided, in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged
victim, by a mediator who is trained in [family violence; and
(3) The victim is
permitted to have in attendance at mediation, a supporting person of the
victim's choice including but not limited to an attorney or advocate. If the victim chooses to exercise such
option, any other party to the mediation will be permitted to have in
attendance at mediation, a supporting person of the party's choice including
but not limited to an attorney or advocate.] the dynamics of domestic
abuse.
[(c) In a proceeding concerning the custody or
visitation of a child, if a protective order is in effect[,]the court shall not
require a party alleging family violence to participate in any component of any
mediation program against the wishes of that party.
(d)] (c) In a proceeding concerning the custody or
visitation of a child, if [there is
an allegation of family violence and a protective order is not in effect,] a
party has alleged domestic abuse the court may order mediation or refer
either party to mediation only if:
(1) Mediation is
authorized by the alleged victim of the [alleged family violence;]
domestic abuse; and
(2) Mediation is
provided in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the alleged
victim, by a mediator who is trained in [family violence; and
(3) The victim is
permitted to have in attendance at mediation, a supporting person of the
victim's choice, including but not limited to an attorney or
advocate. If the victim chooses to
exercise such option, any other party to the mediation will be permitted to
have in attendance at mediation, a supporting person of the party's choice
including but not limited to an attorney or advocate.] the dynamics of
domestic abuse.
(d) An attorney or other individual designated by a party may accompany the party to, and participate in, a mediation. A waiver of participation given before the mediation may be rescinded.
(e) As used in this section, "domestic abuse" has the same meaning as in section 586-1."
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
Parentage Proceedings; Divorce Proceedings; Domestic Abuse; Mediation
Description:
Establishes an exemption from mediation in parentage proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse. Clarifies the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Jun 5, 2026 | Act 089, on 06/05/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1189). |
| Jun 5, 2026 | Act 089, 06/05/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1189). |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 823). |
| Apr 23, 2026 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| Apr 23, 2026 | Passed Final Reading as amended in SD 1 with Representative(s) Pierick voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Cochran, Garcia, Muraoka voting no (3) and Representative(s) Evslin excused (1). |
| Apr 23, 2026 | House agrees to Senate amendment(s). |
| Apr 23, 2026 | Received notice of House reconsideration of action in disagreeing to the amendments proposed by the Senate (Hse. Com. No. 815). |
| Apr 22, 2026 | Reconsideration of action taken on 04-16-26. |
| Apr 17, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 780). |
| Apr 16, 2026 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 646) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | One Day Notice 04-14-26. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3783) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in JDC were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Awa. |
| Apr 1, 2026 | The committee(s) on JDC will hold a public decision making on 04-07-26 10:15AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 25, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC. |
| Mar 25, 2026 | Reported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3170) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC. |
| Mar 18, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HHS were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, McKelvey, Kanuha, Keohokalole, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 13, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS has scheduled a public hearing on 03-18-26 1:00PM; CR 225 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Referred to HHS, JDC. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 328). |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Passed Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Kong, Pierick excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Tuesday, 03-10-26. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1124-26) as amended in HD 2, recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 25, 2026 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Cochran, Hashem, Kahaloa, Sayama, Takayama, Garcia, Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Belatti. |
| Feb 23, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Wednesday, 02-25-26 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on JHA with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Reported from HSH (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 371-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to JHA. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | The committee on HSH recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Marten, Olds, Amato, Hartsfield, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Takayama, Takenouchi, Alcos, Garcia; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Feb 5, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by HSH on Tuesday, 02-10-26 9:30AM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Referred to HSH, JHA, referral sheet 3 |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Pending introduction. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 23, 2026 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 14, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
|
| Mar 18, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services |
Passed |
|
| Mar 10, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Feb 25, 2026 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
|
| Feb 10, 2026 | The committee on HSH recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Commission to Promote Uniform Laws | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Commission to Promote Uniform Laws | *** Support | Feb 10, 2026 |
| Department of Transportation | *** Support | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Family Court of the First Circuit | *** Support | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women | *** Support | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Hawaii Women Lawyers | *** Support | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Hawaii Women's Coalition | ** Support | |
| Hawaii Women’s Coalition | *** Support | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Hawai‘i Children's Action Network Speaks! | *** Support | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Hawai‘i State Coalition Against Domestic Violence | *** Support | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Judiciary, State of Hawai‘i | *** Support | Apr 6, 2026 |
| League of Women Voters of Hawai'i County | *** Support | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Luna Kānāwai ʻOhana Nui | *** Support | Feb 25, 2026 |
| National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws | *** Support | Feb 25, 2026 |
| Uniform Law Commission | ** Support | |
| ʻAha Hoʻokolokolo ʻOhana o ke Kaʻapuni ʻEkahi | *** Support | Feb 25, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1124-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 1962
H.D. 2
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 1962, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FAMILY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Establish an exemption from mediation in parentage proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse; and
(2) Clarify the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Judiciary; Uniform Law Commission; Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; and five individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.
Your Committee finds that mandatory mediation in family law matters may place survivors of domestic abuse in unsafe or coercive situations and that inconsistent statutory language has previously resulted in confusion about when mediation may be required. This measure strengthens uniform protections for domestic abuse survivors by clearly prohibiting compelled mediation in cases involving domestic abuse and requiring that any permitted mediation be survivor authorized and trauma informed.
Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1962, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1962, H.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,
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____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 371-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 1962
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness, to which was referred H.B. No. 1962 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FAMILY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Establish an exemption from mediation in parentage proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse; and
(2) Clarify the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Judiciary; Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women; Hawaii Women's Coalition; Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; and two individuals.
Your Committee finds that while mediation can be a valuable tool for many to resolve family disputes, it can be inappropriate and even harmful in cases involving domestic abuse. This measure will ensure that parties involved can still reach positive results while avoiding or minimizing the harmful effects of conflict and litigation on children and families.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Placing the new section in Chapter 584A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, rather than Chapter 584, Hawaii Revised Statutes, which has been repealed;
(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1962, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1962, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services & Homelessness,
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____________________________ LISA MARTEN, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 6, 2026 | HB1962_SD1_TESTIMONY_JDC_04-07-26_.PDF |
| Mar 18, 2026 | HB1962_HD2_TESTIMONY_HHS_03-18-26_.PDF |
| Feb 25, 2026 | HB1962_HD1_TESTIMONY_JHA_02-25-26_.PDF |
| Feb 10, 2026 | HB1962_TESTIMONY_HSH_02-10-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
3MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services
2MIN
House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
25SEC
House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
4MIN
House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
