Senate Bill 1000: Clergy Required to Report Abuse or Neglect

Author:
Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland (D-13th District)

Summary:
This bill would have added members of clergy to the list of mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect. Information received in the clergyman's professional or official capacity would have been required to be reported to the proper officials.

Status:
This bill was introduced on January 21, 2003, and placed in the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs. Since the Hawaii Legislature adjourned sine die on May 1, 2003, the bill is now dead.

HSLDA's Position:
HSLDA opposed this legislation which would have done away with the historical communication privilege enjoyed by clergy, because it would have discouraged people from getting needed spiritual help or counsel.

Other Resources

Bill Text