# Hawaii SB 1261: RELATING TO CRIME.

Hawaii SB 1261, RELATING TO CRIME., is a 2025–2026 Regular Session (Year 2) Senate bill sponsored by Mike Gabbard (Democratic); status failed, last action 2025-12-08 (Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.) (as of 2026-11-01).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/HI-SB1261-2026
- As of: 2026-11-01
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Bill: Hawaii SB 1261
- State: Hawaii
- Session: 2025–2026 Regular Session (Year 2)
- Title: RELATING TO CRIME.
- Status: failed
- Chamber: Senate
- Introduced: 2025-01-21
- Last action: 2025-12-08, Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
- Sponsor: Mike Gabbard (Democratic)
- Cosponsors: 0
- Subjects: Sex Trafficking, Penalty, Protection of Trafficked Persons, JDC/HHS, WAM
- Touches household money: no
- Economic provisions PRIA read: 0

## Summary

Specifies that the penalty for sex trafficking shall be payment of a fine of no less than $200,000 but no more than $500,000, and a definite term of imprisonment of up to 20 years without the possibility of a suspended sentence, probation, or parole. Provides that consent to sexual conduct is not a defense. Defines "sexual conduct". Specifies that a minor who commits an offense under section 712-1207(1)(a), HRS, shall be guilty of a violation instead of a petty misdemeanor. Provides that a person who reports that the person is a victim of sex trafficking shall not be subject to criminal liability for an offense involving sex trafficking or prostitution. Increases the penalties for commercial sexual exploitation of a minor. Requires DHS to implement services and programs for survivors and training for law enforcement. Appropriates funds. Requires annual report.

## Bill overview

No economic impacts identified for this bill.

## Sponsors and cosponsors

- Sponsor: Mike Gabbard (Democratic), Senate

## Actions (4)

- 2025-12-08: Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
- 2025-01-27: Referred to JDC/HHS, WAM. (Senate)
- 2025-01-23: Introduced and passed First Reading. (Senate)
- 2025-01-21: Pending Introduction. (Senate)

## Bill text

- Original: [HTML](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/SB1261_.HTM), [PDF](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/SB1261_.pdf)

## Related bills

- SB 847: RELATING TO PSYCHOLOGISTS. (became law)
- HB 2344: RELATING TO SCHOOL FACILITIES. (signed)
- HB 2023: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION. (signed)
- HB 2021: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION. (signed)
- SB 2338: RELATING TO HOUSING. (signed)
- HB 1973: RELATING TO HEALTH. (signed)

## Sources
- [Original (HTML)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/SB1261_.HTM)
- [Original (PDF)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/SB1261_.pdf)

## Related
- [SB 847: RELATING TO PSYCHOLOGISTS.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/HI-SB847-2026)
- [HB 2344: RELATING TO SCHOOL FACILITIES.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/HI-HB2344-2026)
- [HB 2023: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/HI-HB2023-2026)
- [HB 2021: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/HI-HB2021-2026)
- [SB 2338: RELATING TO HOUSING.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/HI-SB2338-2026)
- [HB 1973: RELATING TO HEALTH.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/HI-HB1973-2026)
- [Hawaii bills](https://policyrisk.com/states/hawaii/bills)
- [Hawaii state hub](https://policyrisk.com/states/hawaii)
- [All state legislation](https://policyrisk.com/state-bills)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/HI-SB1261-2026 (as of 2026-11-01).