Requesting The Judiciary To Conduct A Study On Existing Laws, Policies, And Procedures That Are Designed To Assist And Protect Pro Se Parties With Physical And Intellectual Disabilities.
Impact
The bill aims to mitigate the risks faced by pro se litigants, particularly those with disabilities, by understanding current protective frameworks and suggesting necessary improvements. It highlights the economic struggles that individuals with disabilities endure, often leading them to navigate the legal system without professional representation. By studying how existing structures function and where they might be lacking, the bill seeks to inform more effective legal policies that cater to these vulnerable groups.
Summary
Senate Resolution 68 (SR68) requests the Judiciary of Hawaii to conduct a comprehensive study on existing laws, policies, and procedures intended to assist and protect pro se parties with physical and intellectual disabilities. The resolution emphasizes the challenges these individuals face, especially in legal proceedings, where disparities in representation can lead to predatory behavior or abuse. With 19% of adults in Hawaii living with a disability, addressing these issues is deemed crucial to ensure fair treatment in the legal system.
Contention
Notably, the resolution draws attention to the vulnerability of people with disabilities in legal contexts, where lack of legal counsel can lead to further victimization. It mandates the Judiciary to report its findings and make recommendations for strengthening protections, which may include proposing new legislation. This approach shows an awareness of the systemic issues present in judicial processes and the need for ongoing advocacy and reform to safeguard the rights of pro se parties.
Same As
Requesting The Judiciary To Conduct A Study On Existing Laws, Policies, And Procedures That Are Designed To Assist And Protect Pro Se Parties With Physical And Intellectual Disabilities.
Reaffirming The State's Commitment To Providing Culturally Appropriate Resources, Services, And Programs For Native Hawaiian Individuals And Families Experiencing Intellectual Developmental Disabilities.
Declaring That Bullying Is A Matter Of Statewide Concern; Requesting The Department Of Education To Update Its Rules And Policies To Address Bullying; And Requesting The Hawaii State Council On Developmental Disabilities To Convene A Task Force To Address The Bullying Of Disabled Children.
Urging Pertinent State Agencies To Commit To Providing Culturally Appropriate Resources, Services, And Programs For Native Hawaiian Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities And Their Families And Care Providers.
Requesting The Department Of The Attorney General To Convene A Working Group To Study The Effectiveness Of Existing State Laws In Addressing The False Labeling Of Hawaii-made Food Products, With A Specific Emphasis On The Legal Mechanisms And Costs Associated With Protecting The Brands Of Hawaii-made Food Products.
Declaring That Bullying Is A Matter Of Statewide Concern; Requesting The Department Of Education To Update Its Rules And Policies To Address Bullying; And Requesting The Hawaii State Council On Developmental Disabilities To Convene A Task Force To Address The Bullying Of Disabled Children.
Requesting The Department Of Health To Conduct A Study To Examine Whether Bed-hold Policies Place An Undue Financial Burden On Individuals In Assisted Living Facilities.
Requesting The University Of Hawaii Economic Research Organization To Conduct A Study Of Ways To Increase Access To Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits.
Requesting The Department Of Health To Conduct A Study To Examine Whether Bed-hold Policies Place An Undue Financial Burden On Individuals In Assisted Living Facilities.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Conduct A Feasibility Study To Assess Reasonable Accommodations For Beach Access For Persons With Disabilities.