SB 2149 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO FAMILY.

Summary

Establishes an exemption from mediation in parentage proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse. Clarifies the exemption from mediation in divorce proceedings as it relates to domestic abuse. (SD1)

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 14, 2026 Last action Mar 12, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SB2149 → SB2149_SD1 · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates the statute number from Chapter 584 to 584A and changes the terminology from 'paternity' to 'parentage' to reflect modern legal standards. It strengthens protections for victims of domestic abuse by requiring that any court-ordered mediation must be authorized by the victim, conducted by a specialized mediator trained in abuse dynamics, and allow the victim to bring a support person. The changes ensure that mediation cannot be forced on victims who feel unsafe.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope from only 'paternity proceedings' to 'parentage proceedings,' broadening the protection to include all cases determining legal parentage, not just those involving fathers.

SCOPE

Changed the term 'paternity' to 'parentage' to apply protections to all cases determining legal parentage, not just those involving fathers.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement that courts can only order mediation if the alleged victim explicitly authorizes it.

Added a requirement that mediators must be specifically trained in domestic abuse and provide a specialized manner of mediation that protects the victim's safety.

ELIGIBILITY

Modified the rules for support persons to allow both the victim and other parties to have supporters present during mediation.

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 12, 2026

Committee

Referred to HSH, JHA, referral sheet 17

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Introduced

Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 181) in amended form (SD 1).

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) DeCoite, Inouye, McKelvey, San Buenaventura. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.

upper

Mar 5, 2026

Upper · Passed

Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1).

upper

Feb 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) San Buenaventura ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.

upper

Jan 30, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on JDC has scheduled a public hearing on 02-03-26 9:00AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 28, 2026

Committee

Re-Referred to JDC.

upper

Jan 22, 2026

Committee

Referred to HHS, JDC.

upper

Jan 21, 2026

Introduced

Introduced and passed First Reading.

upper

Jan 14, 2026

Introduced

Pending Introduction.

upper

3 primary · 2 co-sponsors