SB 397 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO CHILD LABOR LAW.

SB 397 removes an existing exemption that allowed the State of [State], its local governments (like cities and counties), and the United States government to operate without following the state's child labor law. This means government agencies and federal entities working within the state would now be directly subject to the same rules restricting child labor as private businesses. The bill does not create new restrictions but ensures government entities comply with the existing law governing work hours, safety, and age limits for minors. It is currently pending in committee for the 2026 session.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 14, 2025 Last action Dec 8, 2025
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Jan 21, 2025
Committee
Referred to LBT, JDC.
upper
Jan 15, 2025
Introduced
Introduced and passed First Reading.
upper
Jan 14, 2025
Introduced
Pending Introduction.
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Karl Rhoads
Karl Rhoads
DDemocratic
HI
13