THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2475
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to sex trafficking and sexual abuse prevention training.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that sex trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. According to a 2018 report published by Arizona State University, one in every eleven men over the age of eighteen in Hawaii is an online sex shopper. When nonresidents are included, the report estimated that 74,362 sex shoppers are potentially active in the islands. Moreover, IMUAlliance, a local victim service provider for survivors of sexual servitude, estimates that one hundred fifty establishments participate in the commercial sex trade in the State, placing them at a high risk for sex trafficking.

The legislature further finds that education ends exploitation. By empowering students to protect themselves from harm and build healthy relationships; training school staff in how to respond to at-risk youth in a trauma-informed manner; and creating sexual health programs that include information about sexual abuse, sex trafficking, and consent, schools can equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent themselves from becoming victims of sexual exploitation, both as minors and upon reaching adulthood.

The purpose of this Act is to protect Hawaii's children from sexual exploitation by authorizing the department of education to provide voluntary training to teachers and school staff on sexual abuse and sex trafficking.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A-    Sexual abuse and sex trafficking prevention training. (a) The department may offer voluntary training for teachers, educational officers, and school-based behavioral health specialists on sexual abuse and sex trafficking prevention and response, including:

(1) Methods used to lure children into sexual abuse and sex trafficking;

(2) Identifying victims of sexual abuse and sex trafficking;

(3) Effects of sexual abuse and sex trafficking on a victim's social, mental, and physical health;

(4) Strategies to assist in the prevention of sexual abuse and sex trafficking of children;

(5) Trauma-informed strategies for responding to victims of sexual abuse and sex trafficking;

(6) Informational resources for victims of sexual abuse and sex trafficking; and

(7) Information on agencies that provide services to students who have been identified as victims of sexual abuse and sex trafficking or who are at risk of victimization.

(b) At the beginning of each school year, explanatory information about protocols that the department has approved for providing services to victims of sexual abuse and sex trafficking shall be made available to teachers, educational officers, and school-based behavioral health specialists.

(c) The department may coordinate and contract with any state or county department or agency, any victim services provider, or any other expert in the field of sexual abuse or sex trafficking prevention and response to implement this section.

(d) As used in this section, "victim services provider" means any non-governmental organization that provides social, medical, mental health, legal, case management, educational, emergency, or housing services to victims of sex trafficking or sexual abuse."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Sexual Abuse and Sex Trafficking Prevention Training; DOE

Description:

Authorizes DOE to provide sexual abuse and sex trafficking prevention training to certain staff. Requires DOE to make available to certain staff explanatory information about protocols that DOE has approved for providing services to victims of sexual abuse and sex trafficking.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.