Gov. David Ige signed three bills sponsored by the Women's Legislative Caucus into law Thursday.
SB 834 makes the importation, sale, and possession of a childlike sex doll a felony.
HB 887 allows sex traffickers to be prosecuted at any time. The bill also renames “solicitation of prostitution” to the term “commercial sexual exploitation.”
SB 828 repeals the requirement that a person filing for divorce be present in the state for six months prior to applying for a divorce.
Angelina Mercado, the Executive Director of the Hawai‘i State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, explains why SB 828 is important.
"This matters because we know that survivors of domestic violence choose to flee during the most important and dangerous times in their lives," she said.
"Requiring them to stay here for six months after they make that important decision is probably one of the most dangerous times in their lives. What this legislation we hope will do, will provide opportunities to reconnect with families and support networks and quite frankly — flee when they can," Mercado explained.
The three bills aim to protect girls and women in vulnerable situations.
