Informing the Legislature that on May 29, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB336 HD1 CD1 (ACT 120).

This bill (SB336) clarifies when the State of Hawaii must defend its professionally licensed or certified employees (e.g., doctors, engineers) in civil lawsuits arising from work-related actions. It requires the State to defend employees acting within their job scope unless the claim stems from gross negligence or the employee fails to cooperate. Employees may also hire their own lawyers at personal expense if the State declines defense. If the State withdraws representation, the attorney general must confidentially handle the transfer to the employee’s chosen counsel, avoiding public disclosure of withdrawal reasons. The law directly affects state employees in licensed professions facing civil liability claims.