Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR99

Introduced
3/10/23  

Caption

Requesting The Establishment Of A Working Group To Evaluate New Zealand's Model Of Decriminalizing Prostitution And Make Recommendations On How To Amend Hawaii Laws To Decriminalize Prostitution.

Impact

The proposed working group is tasked with studying the effects of New Zealand's Prostitution Reform Act 2003 and its outcomes over nearly two decades. The findings will inform recommendations on how to amend existing laws in Hawaii. This evaluation aims to help the legislature understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of decriminalization, including impacts on health and safety, sex worker rights, and law enforcement policies. Such insights could lead to significant changes in Hawaii's criminal justice and public health policies regarding sex work.

Summary

SCR99 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that seeks to establish a working group in Hawaii to evaluate the implications of decriminalizing prostitution, using New Zealand's model as a reference. The current legal framework in Hawaii criminalizes prostitution, but this resolution aims to explore potential changes that might enhance the rights and protections of sex workers while considering public health and safety. The resolution acknowledges a growing body of research that suggests decriminalization could offer multiple benefits to those engaged in sex work, their clients, and the community at large.

Contention

While this resolution is positioned as a step towards modernizing Hawaii's approach to prostitution, it is also likely to generate discussions and debates within the community and legislature. Proponents of SCR99 may argue the need for reform to protect sex workers and reduce harm, while opponents might raise concerns over public morality, safety, and the potential for increased human trafficking. The establishment of the working group serves to navigate these complex issues and promote an informed legislative process that considers a range of perspectives and expertise.

Companion Bills

HI SR92

Same As Requesting The Establishment Of A Working Group To Evaluate New Zealand's Model Of Decriminalizing Prostitution And Make Recommendations On How To Amend Hawaii Laws To Decriminalize Prostitution.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR118

Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Health Care Facilities Labor Standards Working Group To Research, Assess, And Make Recommendations On The Best Practices In Labor Standards That Can Be Implemented At Hospitals, Care Homes, And Dialysis Facilities In The State.

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 SCR151

Requesting The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development To Convene A Working Group To Develop Recommendations To Expand Blue Carbon Initiatives In The State.

HI SCR195

Requesting The National Energy Laboratory Of Hawaii Authority To Work With The University Of Hawaii At Manoa To Develop New Master And Strategic Plans.

HI SCR39

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Convene A Baby Bonds Working Group.

HI SCR123

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Working Group To Make Recommendations On Solutions To Reduce Wildfire Risk And The Feasibility Of Establishing A Vegetation Management Program As It Relates To Landowners And Public Utilities.

HI SCR97

Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Convene A Renewable Liquid Fuels Working Group To Study Local Production, Development, And Incentives For Renewable Liquid Fuels.

HI SCR69

Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Establish A Sustainable Food Systems Working Group.

HI SCR100

Requesting The Establishment Of A Working Group To Discuss Agriculture-related Issues.

HI SR101

Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Health Care Facilities Labor Standards Working Group To Research, Assess, And Make Recommendations On The Best Practices In Labor Standards That Can Be Implemented At Hospitals, Care Homes, And Dialysis Facilities In The State.

Similar Bills

HI SR92

Requesting The Establishment Of A Working Group To Evaluate New Zealand's Model Of Decriminalizing Prostitution And Make Recommendations On How To Amend Hawaii Laws To Decriminalize Prostitution.

LA HB67

Repeals certain prostitution-related offenses (OR DECREASE GF EX See Note)

OR HB2501

Relating to decriminalizing the crime of prostitution.

NH HB1022

Relative to decriminalizing certain acts between consenting adults.

HI HB2265

Relating To Sex Trafficking.

HI SB2557

Relating To Sex Trafficking.

NV AB107

Revises provisions relating to foster care. (BDR 38-339)

HI SB1204

Relating To Reducing The Harms In The Sex Trade.