Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR76

Introduced
3/10/23  

Caption

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 proposed study aims to provide insights into how well current legal frameworks protect individuals with disabilities, who are disproportionately low-income and often lack access to legal representation. With 19% of adults in Hawaii reported to have a disability, the need for legal protections is emphasized in the resolution. This study may lead to legislation that enhances these protections, providing a clearer pathway for legislative action to improve the rights and support for individuals who are pro se in legal settings.

Summary

SCR76 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from Hawaii that requests the Judiciary to conduct a comprehensive study on the existing laws, policies, and procedures aimed at assisting and protecting pro se parties with physical and intellectual disabilities. The resolution highlights the significant challenges faced by individuals with disabilities when navigating the legal system, particularly the difficulties that arise from representing themselves in court without legal counsel due to various socio-economic barriers.

Contention

While the resolution appears to be well-received as a necessary measure to safeguard the rights of vulnerable populations, there may be contention in discussions around the effectiveness of existing programs and the potential need for reform. Critics may argue about the adequacy of resources allocated for such studies or the implementation of any recommendations emerging from the findings, particularly concerning how efficiently these recommendations can translate into actionable policy changes.

Companion Bills

HI SR68

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.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR166

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.

HI SCR200

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.

HI SCR169

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Program Audit Of The State's Child Protective Services System.

HI SCR163

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.

HI SR176

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.

HI SCR218

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Conduct A Feasibility Study To Assess Reasonable Accommodations For Beach Access For Persons With Disabilities.

HI SCR189

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study To Determine The Implementation And Standards Of Various Sexual Health Education Policies Within The Department Of Education.

HI HCR185

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.

HI SR143

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Program Audit Of The State's Child Protective Services System.

HI SR140

Reaffirming The State's Commitment To Providing Culturally Appropriate Resources, Services, And Programs For Native Hawaiian Individuals And Families Experiencing Intellectual Developmental Disabilities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.