STAND. COM. REP. NO. 694

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 45

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 45, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MINORS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize a school counselor, domestic violence victim advocate, or other mental health professional licensed by the State to petition for a protective order on a minor's behalf when the minor's parent or guardian is unable to submit a petition.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Stonewall Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, Rainbow Family 808, and four individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education and Hawai‘i State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Your Committee finds that adolescents in abusive romantic relationships that were entered into without parental approval may be reluctant to approach their parents for assistance. Some adolescents have the option of seeking the help of another trusted adult who is not their parent, such as a school counselor or domestic violence victim advocate. Trusted adults in the lives of adolescents may be able to help obtain a protective order when it is necessary for the adolescent's safety and protection.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 45, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

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KARL RHOADS, Chair