SB 117 Hawaii Senate · 2025 Regular Session

RELATING TO DEFAMATION.

Summary

Protects individuals who make claims of sexual misconduct from defamation lawsuits unless the claims were proven to be made with malice. Effective 4/23/2057. (SD1)

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2025

Senate Passage

Mar 2025

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 9, 2025 Last action Mar 11, 2025

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What changed between versions

SB117 → SB117_SD1 · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill adds protections for individuals who make truthful claims about sexual misconduct by limiting defamation lawsuits against them unless the claims were made with malice. It also establishes attorney's fees for prevailing defendants and updates the effective date of the legislation. The changes primarily involve substantive policy additions rather than formatting modifications.

Scope change

The bill expands legal protections for individuals reporting sexual misconduct by creating a specific defamation immunity framework that applies to claims related to sexual assault, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.

REQUIREMENT

Added protection against defamation lawsuits for individuals making truthful claims about sexual misconduct unless proven to be made with malice

ENFORCEMENT

Established entitlement to reasonable attorneys' fees and costs for prevailing defendants in defamation actions

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date from 'upon approval' to a specific date of April 23, 2057

TECHNICAL

Added metadata and formatting elements including bill number, sponsor information, and legislative session details

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 6, 2025

Committee

Referred to JHA, referral sheet 19

lower

Mar 4, 2025

Introduced

Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 89) in amended form (SD 1).

lower

Mar 4, 2025

Upper · Passed

Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Ayes, 23; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) DeCoite, Keohokalole, Kim, McKelvey, Richards, San Buenaventura . Noes, 2 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.

upper

Jan 28, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 2 No(es): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, Awa; and 0 Excused: none.

upper

Jan 22, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on JDC has scheduled a public hearing on 01-28-25 9:15AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 16, 2025

Committee

Referred to JDC.

upper

Jan 15, 2025

Introduced

Introduced and passed First Reading.

upper

Jan 9, 2025

Introduced

Pending Introduction.

upper

2 primary · 0 co-sponsors