Informing the Legislature that on July 1, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2245 SD1 HD2 (ACT 144).

This bill amends the Child Protective Act in Hawaii to clarify definitions regarding child abuse and neglect. It specifically updates the legal meaning of "harm" to include detailed examples such as severe bruising, burns, malnutrition, and sexual exploitation, while also adding labor trafficking as a form of abuse. Additionally, the legislation defines "imminent harm" to establish when immediate protective custody is necessary before a court order can be obtained. These changes directly affect child protective services, law enforcement, and courts by providing clearer standards for identifying and responding to situations where children are at risk of serious injury.