Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR190

Introduced
3/8/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Introduced
3/8/24  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Health To Prohibit Discriminatory Practices Denying A Person With A Disability Full And Equal Enjoyment Of Information Related To Their Services, Facilities, Privileges, Advantages, Or Accommodations Using Information Technology Intended For Use By The General Public.

Impact

The resolution underscores the importance of ensuring that all citizens, including those with disabilities, have equal access to information technology platforms that are vital for engagement with public services. It seeks to enhance existing state and federal laws designed to prevent discrimination in public accommodations by clarifying and affirming accessibility requirements specific to electronic access. If enacted, this could lead to more robust compliance measures for web accessibility in Hawaii, requiring public accommodation services to make necessary adjustments to their digital offerings.

Summary

SCR190, a Senate Concurrent Resolution, calls upon the Hawaii Department of Health to prohibit discriminatory practices that restrict individuals with disabilities from fully and equally enjoying information related to services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations provided through information technology intended for public use. This resolution highlights the urgent need to address the accessibility of public accommodation services in the digital age, particularly as many essential services are increasingly offered through websites and mobile applications.

Contention

While the bill represents a proactive approach to ensuring equal access for people with disabilities, it may spark discussions regarding the balance between compliance costs for businesses and the necessity of accessibility standards. Advocates for individuals with disabilities are likely to support SCR190, viewing it as a critical step toward breaking down digital barriers. However, there may be concerns from businesses about the financial and logistical implications of swiftly following through with mandated changes to existing digital infrastructures.

Companion Bills

HI SR162

Same As Requesting The Department Of Health To Prohibit Discriminatory Practices Denying A Person With A Disability Full And Equal Enjoyment Of Information Related To Their Services, Facilities, Privileges, Advantages, Or Accommodations Using Information Technology Intended For Use By The General Public.

Previously Filed As

HI SR162

Requesting The Department Of Health To Prohibit Discriminatory Practices Denying A Person With A Disability Full And Equal Enjoyment Of Information Related To Their Services, Facilities, Privileges, Advantages, Or Accommodations Using Information Technology Intended For Use By The General Public.

HI SB156

Prohibiting unlawful discriminatory practices covered by Human Rights Act and Fair Housing Act

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 SB696

Prohibiting unlawful discriminatory practices covered by Human Rights Act and Fair Housing Act

HI HB253

Prohibits discriminatory practices on the basis of vaccination status or immunity status

HI SB2144

Relating To Electronic Information Technology Accessibility For Persons With Disabilities.

HI HF3291

Conduct deemed discriminatory by a place of public accommodation clarified.

HI SF3437

Conduct deemed discriminatory by a place of public accommodation clarification

HI SCR120

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations, In Collaboration With The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism And University Of Hawaii, To Collect Data Relating To The Development Of An Information Technology Workforce In Hawaii, Evaluate The Collected Data, And Develop A Strategy To Provide Better Information Technology Training.

HI SCR239

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services, Department Of Land And Natural Resources, And The City And County Of Honolulu Department Of Parks And Recreation To Provide Universal Changing Accommodations In All State Facilities, State Parks, And City And County Parks.

Similar Bills

CA AB854

Residential real property: withdrawal of accommodations.

CA AB2050

Residential real property: withdrawal of accommodations.

CA AB1399

Residential real property: rent control: withdrawal of accommodations.

HI SB2053

Relating To The County Transient Accommodations Tax.

HI HB1450

Relating To The County Transient Accommodations Tax.

VA HB7

Transient occupancy tax; supporting documentation.

VA SB634

Transient occupancy tax; supporting documentation.

HI HB2606

Relating To Transient Accommodations.