SB3024

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Patsy Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, also known as Title IX, triggered a seismic shift in the education landscape by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex by any education program or activity receiving federal funds. Hawaii is proud of Congresswoman Mink's signature legislation, which has given millions of girls and women educational opportunities in the classroom, on playing fields, in employment, in graduate schools, and in research, teaching, medicine, law, and other professions that were out of reach prior to the enactment of Title IX.

The legislature recognizes, however, that Congresswoman Mink's goals for Title IX have not been fully realized, and that the efficacy of Title IX federal protections against sex discrimination in education has been diminished and eroded. Decades after Title IX's enactment, the state department of education remains out of compliance, as does the university of Hawaii system.

The legislature notes that annual reports from the university of Hawaii, department of education schools, and state public charter schools on Title IX sex-based discrimination and non-Title IX sexual harassment complaints received by the schools suggest that, when compared with data from student surveys, incidents of sex-based discrimination and sex-based harassment go largely unreported. This creates a hostile environment and can negatively impact a student's learning, mental health, physical wellbeing, and ability to continue their education. Stronger state protections are needed to ensure that no student is denied, or faces barriers to, equal educational opportunities on the basis of the student's sex.

The legislature also notes that the incoming federal administration has expressed an intention to eliminate certain federal civil rights protections and leave these issues to the states. Maintaining a vague framework in state law and relying primarily on federal Title IX protections may not be sufficient in these times.

The legislature further finds that the courts have consistently interpreted the relationship between federal and state protections in areas where states have enacted stronger laws as one where federal law establishes a baseline or "floor", allowing states to provide greater protections without being preempted, as long as there is no direct conflict with federal law. This principle is rooted in the concept of federalism, which permits states to legislate in areas not exclusively reserved for federal authority, as long as their laws do not obstruct federal objectives.

In State v. Viglielmo, 105 Haw. 197 (2004), the Hawaii supreme court emphasized that states have a sovereign right to adopt constitutional provisions and laws that confer broader individual liberties than those provided by the federal constitution. The court noted that Hawaii's constitution has often been interpreted to afford greater protections than its federal counterpart, particularly when a sound regard for the purpose of the rights involved warrants such an expansion. This case illustrates that state courts can interpret their constitutions and statutes to provide enhanced protections, even in areas where federal law applies, as long as the state law does not contravene federal constitutional provisions or amount to a taking without just compensation.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to clarify and strengthen the State's protections against sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, and retaliation, including discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and pregnancy-related conditions.

SECTION 2. Chapter 368D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding eight new sections to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§368D-A Protections against sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, and retaliation. (a) A covered entity shall promptly and effectively respond to any complaint of sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, or retaliation that occurred:

(1) On the covered entity's campus;

(2) On the covered entity's digital platform; or

(3) At a covered educational program or activity.

(b) A covered entity may dismiss a complaint of sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, or retaliation at any time if the complainant is no longer a student or an employee of the covered entity; provided that the covered entity shall continue to offer supportive measures to the complainant.

(c) A covered entity may use an informal resolution process such as mediation or a restorative process to resolve a complaint of sex-based harassment where both parties are students.

(d) A covered entity shall not retaliate against an individual for filing a complaint or for their participation or lack of participation in an investigation of a compliant.

(e) A covered entity may refuse to investigate a compliant; provided that the covered entity shall provide written notice of the refusal by certified mail to the complainant.

§368D-B Protections for pregnant and parenting students. (a) A covered entity shall not discriminate against a student based on past, current, or potential pregnancy or related conditions.

(b) Participation by student who is pregnant or has a related condition in an alternative covered educational program or activity shall not constitute a violation of this chapter; provided that:

(1) Participation is voluntary; and

(2) The alternative covered educational program or activity is comparable to those offered to students who are not pregnant or have a related condition.

(1) Obtain approval from a parent, guardian, or health care provider to participate in a school program or activity if approval is not required of other students; or

(2) Submit documentation to receive reasonable accommodations, a modification, alternative programming, or lactation space if prior documentation was sufficient or documentation is not required of other students.

(d) A covered entity shall allow a voluntary leave of absence for a student who is pregnant or has a related condition if the student's health care provider deems it medically necessary and shall reinstate the student at their prior academic status and, where practicable, prior extracurricular status, upon the student's return.

(e) A covered entity shall consult with a student who is pregnant or has a related condition to offer individualized and voluntary reasonable accommodations, unless the accommodation would fundamentally alter the school's program or activity.

(f) A covered entity shall provide a private, clean, non-bathroom lactation space for students who are pregnant or have a related condition.

(g) A covered entity shall not apply a policy, practice, or procedure that discriminates against a student's past, current, or potential parental, family, or marital status based on gender.

§368D-C Protections for LGBTQI+ students. A covered entity shall allow individuals to participate in classes and activities, use bathrooms and locker rooms, and dress and groom themselves in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity or expression.

§368D-D Protections against sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, or retaliation; mandatory reporting. All non-confidential employees of a covered entity shall report any incidents of sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, or retaliation to the covered entity's Title IX coordinator; provided that if the incident of sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, or retaliation occurs at the university of Hawaii, the non-confidential employee may also inform the victim how to contact the university of Hawaii's Title IX coordinator.

§368D-E Consent; when ineffective. (a) Consent to sexual activity cannot be granted when it is:

(1) Given by a person who is under the age of consent or who lacks the ability to give consent by reason of a mental disease, disorder, or defect;

(2) Given by a person who is incapacitated, physically helpless, disoriented, asleep, or unconscious for any reason, including through the use of alcohol or drugs; or

(3) Induced by force, intimidation, duress, deception, or coercion.

(b) Silence, lack of protest, or lack of resistance shall not be interpreted to mean granting of consent; provided that resistance shall be considered a clear indication that consent was not granted.

(c) The existence of a dating relationship, domestic partnership, or marriage between the parties involved in a complaint is not an indicator of consent.

(d) Consent shall be ongoing throughout any sexual activity and may be withdrawn at any time.

§368D-F Investigations. (a) A covered entity shall act promptly to resolve all complaints of sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, or retaliation; provided that a covered entity may impose reasonable delays for good cause when investigating a complaint for sex-based harassment or sex discrimination.

(b) When investigating a complaint, a covered entity shall:

(1) Presume the respondent is not responsible;

(2) Establish a process to determine the credibility of any witnesses; provided that for complaints of sex-based harassment involving more than one student complainant or more than one student respondent, the covered entity shall also establish a process for interviewing each party and witness; and

(3) Use a preponderance of evidence standard as the degree of proof required to determine if the alleged conduct resulted in a violation of this chapter; provided that if clear and convincing evidence is the standard of proof required by the covered entity in all comparable proceedings regarding instances of discrimination based on race or disability, the covered entity shall use that standard.

(c) A covered entity may require an employee or other person authorized by a covered entity to provide aid, benefits, or services under a covered education program or activity to participate as a witness in, or otherwise assist with, an investigation, proceeding, or hearing.

§368D-G Decisions. (a) If the decision-maker is persuaded that the conduct alleged in a complaint resulted in a violation of a covered entity's sex discrimination or retaliation policy, the decision-maker shall issue a cause finding.

(b) If the decision-maker is not persuaded that the conduct alleged in the complaint resulted in a violation of a covered entity's sex discrimination and retaliation policies, the decision-maker shall issue a no cause finding.

§368D-H Training. All covered entities shall provide training to all employees on how to recognize and report sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, and retaliation. Covered entities shall provide additional training for all Title IX officials, including coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, informal resolution facilitators, confidential advocates, and any person who can modify or terminate supportive measures."

SECTION 3. Section 368D-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§368D-1 Covered educational programs and activities; discrimination prohibited. (a) No person in the State, on the basis of sex, including gender identity or expression as defined in section 489-2, [or] sexual orientation as defined in section 489-2, or pregnancy or related condition, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any covered educational program or activity.

(b) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude a person who is aggrieved by a violation of this chapter from filing a private civil action, which may include actions for compensatory and punitive damages as well as injunctive relief, in a court of competent jurisdiction.

(c) A person, or an organization or association on behalf of a person alleging a violation of this chapter may file a complaint pursuant to this chapter.

(d) A covered educational program or activity shall be in compliance with this chapter during the school year when state funds are received or expended.

(e) A private civil action brought pursuant to this section shall be commenced within two years of:

(1) The date of the last incident constituting a violation of this chapter; or

(2) If a complainant has filed a complaint, the date of a determination, finding of fact, appeal, or final determination, whichever is the latest;

provided that if a covered entity refuses to conduct an investigation, a suit shall be brought within two years of the date the complainant received notice of the covered entity's decision pursuant to section 368D-A."

SECTION 4. Section 368D-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

"(a) The purpose of this chapter is to [~~provide a framework for the state law corollary to~~ ~~Title IX that is established by section 368D-1.~~] enforce and implement protections against sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, and retaliation as provided in Title IX and article I, sections 3 and 6 of the state constitution."

SECTION 5. Section 368D-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

1. By adding fifteen new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read:

""Admission" means selection for part-time, full-time, special, associate, transfer, exchange, or any other enrollment, membership, or matriculation in a covered educational program or activity.

"Complainant" means:

(1) A student or employee enrolled at or employed by a covered entity who is alleged to have been subjected to conduct by another student or employee of the covered entity that could constitute sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, or retaliation under this chapter; or

(2) A person other than a student or employee who is alleged to have been subjected to conduct that could constitute sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, or retaliation under this chapter and who was participating in or attempting to participate in a covered educational program or activity at the time of the alleged sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, or retaliation.

"Complaint" means an oral or written request to the covered entity that can objectively be understood as a request for the covered entity to investigate and make a determination about alleged sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, or retaliation under this chapter.

"Confidential employee" means:

(1) An employee of a covered entity whose communications made within the scope of their duties are privileged and confidential under federal or state law;

(2) An employee of a covered entity whom the covered entity has designated as a confidential employee pursuant to this chapter for the purpose of providing services related to sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, or retaliation to individuals; provided that if the employee has duties other than providing services related to sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, or retaliation, the employee's confidential status shall extend only to information received in connection with the provision of services related to sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, or retaliation; or

(3) An employee of a covered entity who is conducting an approved human-subjects research study designed to gather information about sex discrimination; provided that the employee's confidential status shall extend only to information received while conducting the study.

"Consent" means knowing, voluntary, and clear permission by word or action to engage in sexual activity.

"Decision-maker" means an impartial individual or individuals designated by the covered entity's Title IX coordinator who has decision-making authority within the administrative compliant procedure. "Decision-maker" may refer to either an individual or a panel.

"Employee" means all individuals employed by a covered entity.

"Incapacitated" means a state where a person is unable to react or respond in a clear manner to that which is going around them due to a temporary or permanent physical or mental health condition, involuntary physical restraint, or the consumption of incapacitating drugs. "Incapacitated" is not synonymous with intoxication, impairment, blackout, or drunk.

"Investigator" means an impartial investigator assigned by the covered entity's civil rights coordinator to gather facts, assess relevance, synthesize the evidence, and compile the information into a fact-finding report.

"Parental status" means a person who is:

(1) A biological parent, adoptive parent, foster parent, or stepparent;

(2) A legal custodian, guardian, or person acting in loco parentis; or

(3) Actively seeking legal custody, guardianship, visitation, or adoption of an individual eighteen years of age or younger or an individual over the age of eighteen who is incapable of self-care because of a physical or mental disability.

"Pregnancy or related conditions" means pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation and any medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation, including recovery.

"Retaliation" means an adverse action taken by the covered entity, an employee of the covered entity, or a student enrolled with the covered entity in response to a claimant exercising any right or privilege secured by Title IX or this chapter. "Retaliation" includes but is not limited to lowering grades or restricting access to educational resources; social ostracism, bullying, or harassment by peers or employees of the covered entity; unjustified disciplinary actions, such as suspensions or terminations; and threats, intimidation, or pressure to withdraw a complaint.

"Sex-based harassment" means unwelcome conduct that occurs with a frequency or severity to create a hostile work environment or an environment that denies or limits a student's ability to participate in or benefit from a covered educational program or activity and is:

(1) Of a sexual nature, including but not limited to sexual advances, sexual violence, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature; or

(2) Based on a student's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy or related condition.

"Sex discrimination" means the disparate treatment of an individual because of the individual's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy or related condition that results in the individual being excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination under a covered educational program or activity.

"Supportive measures" means measures offered, as appropriate, to:

(1) Restore or preserve access to a covered educational program or activity in a manner that protects the safety of the parties involved; or

(2) Provide support to the parties involved during the grievance process or during an informal resolution process."

2. By amending the definition of "covered educational program or activity" to read:

"Covered educational program or activity" means:

(1) The [~~University~~] university of Hawaii, [~~the~~] department of education, or public charter schools; [or]

(2) Any educational program or activity that receives state financial assistance, in any amount, for any purpose; provided that this term does not exclude an educational program or activity that also receives federal funds[.];

(3) Programs or activities that are run or organized by a student organization officially recognized by the university of Hawaii, department of education, or public charter school, or that receive state financial assistance in any amount; or

(4) Conduct that is subject to disciplinary authority by the university of Hawaii, department of education, or public charter schools."

SECTION 6. Section 368D-4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"[[]§368D-4[]] Annual report to legislature. No later than September 1 of each year, the [~~University~~] university of Hawaii, department of education, and state public charter school commission shall submit to the legislature a report that includes information pertaining to the immediately preceding school year, as follows:

(1) The [~~University~~] university of Hawaii shall include in its report to the legislature:

(A) The total number of complaints alleging a violation of this chapter or Title IX that were received by the university, and the number of complaints received in each of the following categories:

(i) The number of complaints received at each campus of the university;

(ii) The types of complaints, including but not limited to sexual harassment, [~~gender-based~~] sex-based harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, or stalking; and

(iii) The number of confidential complaints, informal complaints, and formal complaints, as applicable;

(B) Of the total number of complaints for each campus reported under subparagraph (A), the number of complaints involving:

(i) A student complainant and a student respondent;

(ii) A student complainant and an employee respondent;

(iii) An employee complainant and an employee respondent; and

(iv) An employee complainant and a student respondent;

(C) Of the total number of complaints for each campus reported under subparagraph (A), the number of complaints in which:

(i) An investigation was commenced but a decision has not yet been rendered;

(ii) An investigation was completed and a decision was rendered; and

(iii) A party has filed an appeal, and the appeal is pending;

(D) The percentage of employees at each campus of the university who have completed a training course on the university's Title IX policies and procedures, and on any other policies and procedures adopted by the university in accordance with this chapter; and

(E) The percentage of students enrolled at each campus of the university who have completed a training course on the university's Title IX policies and procedures, and on any other policies and procedures adopted by the university in accordance with this chapter; and

(2) The department of education and the state public charter school commission shall include in their respective reports to the legislature:

(A) The total number of complaints alleging a violation of this chapter or Title IX that were received by the department of education or public charter school, as applicable, and the number of complaints received in each of the following categories:

(i) The number of complaints received at each department of education complex area or public charter school, as applicable; and

(ii) The types of complaints, including but not limited to sexual harassment, [~~gender-based~~] sex-based harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, or stalking;

(B) Of the total number of complaints reported under subparagraph (A) for each department of education complex area or public charter school, as applicable, the number of complaints involving:

(i) A student complainant and a student respondent;

(ii) A student complainant and an employee respondent;

(iii) An employee complainant and an employee respondent; and

(iv) An employee complainant and a student respondent;

(C) Of the total number of complaints reported under subparagraph (A) for each department of education complex area or public charter school, as applicable, the number of complaints in which:

(i) An investigation was commenced but a decision has not yet been rendered;

(ii) An investigation was completed and a decision was rendered; and

(iii) A party has filed an appeal, and the appeal is pending; and

(D) For the department of education or a public charter school, the percentage of teachers, counselors, principals, and vice-principals, disaggregated by complex area or public charter school, as applicable, who have completed a training course on the department or public charter school's Title IX policies and procedures, and on any other policies and procedures adopted by the department or public charter school in accordance with this chapter;

provided that all public charter schools shall submit the information required under this section to the state public charter school commission, in a form prescribed by the commission, no later than August 1 of each year."

SECTION 7. In codifying the new sections added by section 2 of this Act, the revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate section numbers for the letters used in designating the new sections in this Act.

SECTION 8. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 9. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3024
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII