HB689

Hawaii HB689 aims to protect survivors of sexual exploitation by preventing their criminalization when seeking medical or law enforcement assistance.

Hawaii HB689 amends state law to protect survivors of sexual exploitation from criminalization when they seek medical or law enforcement assistance. It establishes safe harbor protections for those who seek such assistance, ensuring they are not arrested, charged, prosecuted, or penalized if the evidence for their arrest was gained from their seeking help. The bill also decriminalizes prostitution for minors, classifying it as a violation instead of a misdemeanor.