This Week at the Capitol
from Hawaii Family Forum, April 11, 2026
Praying in Front of Planned Parenthood?
HB 1961 HD2 SD1 Update – Passed JDC (With Amendments)
HB 1961 HD2 SD1 was heard this week by the Senate Committee on Judiciary (JDC). Following testimony and discussion, the committee recommended that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED.
The vote was as follows:
3 Ayes: Senators Rhoads, Chang, San Buenaventura
1 No: Senator Gabbard
1 Excused: Senator Awa
No members voted with reservations.
This measure creates a new criminal offense for interfering with access to a health care facility or disrupting its operations, including mandatory jail time and expanded civil liability provisions.
Testimony for this hearing leaned overwhelmingly in support, with a wide range of healthcare organizations, advocacy groups, and state-affiliated entities emphasizing concerns about patient safety, provider protection, and reported incidents of harassment at facilities.
At the same time, a smaller but committed group of individuals and organizations—including Hawaii Family Forum—submitted testimony in opposition, raising concerns about the breadth of the bill, the inclusion of a “reckless” standard, mandatory penalties, and the potential impact on peaceful, faith-based public expression.
We are grateful for those who took the time to respectfully engage and ensure that these important perspectives were part of the public record.
STATUS: HB1961 HD2 SD1 now advances to the full Senate for third reading. We will continue to monitor this measure closely and provide updates as it moves forward.
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Shield Law: HB 1875 SD1 Update – Passed JDC (With Amendments)
HB 1875 SD1 was heard this week by the Senate Committee on Judiciary (JDC). Following testimony and discussion, the committee recommended that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS.
The vote was as follows:
3 Ayes: Senators Rhoads, Chang, San Buenaventura
1 No: Senator Gabbard
1 Excused: Senator Awa
No members voted with reservations.
This measure expands Hawaiʻi’s existing shield law to include gender-affirming health care services and establishes additional legal protections related to civil liability, information sharing, professional oversight, and interstate legal cooperation.
Testimony for this hearing leaned largely in support, with organizations and advocates emphasizing the importance of protecting access to care, safeguarding providers, and ensuring that individuals are not subject to out-of-state legal actions for services that are lawful in Hawaiʻi.
At the same time, a number of individuals and organizations—including Hawaii Family Forum—submitted testimony in opposition, raising concerns about the breadth of the bill, the creation of new “abusive litigation” provisions, limits on information sharing, reduced professional oversight, and the potential for increased legal conflict between states.
We are grateful for those who took the time to respectfully engage and ensure that these important perspectives were part of the public record.
STATUS: HB1875 SD1 now advances to the full Senate for third reading. We will continue to monitor this measure closely and provide updates as it moves forward.
LEGISLATIVE DEADLINES
APR 16 SECOND CROSSOVER (BILLS) – Deadline for amended bills to pass third reading in their non-originating chamber in order to “cross back” to the originating chamber.
APRIL 16 LAST DAY FOR THE ORIGINATING BODY TO DISAGREE WITH BILL AMENDMENTS – Deadline for the originating chamber to disagree with changes made to its bills by the other chamber. When the Senate and House disagree on a bill, members from each chamber may meet in a “conference” committee to work out their differences.
APR 24 DEADLINE FOR FINAL FORM OF BILLS PROPOSING CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS – A proposed amendment’s final form must be provided by written notice to the Governor at least 10 days prior to passing final reading by a 2/3 vote in each chamber. Once adopted by the Legislature, the proposed amendment is submitted to the voters, in the form of a ‘yes or no’ question on the ballot, for decision.
APR 27 SECOND CROSSOVER FOR CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS – Deadline for passing amended concurrent resolutions in the non-originating chamber in order to “cross back” to the originating chamber.
APR 29 FINAL DECKING OF NON-FISCAL BILLS – Deadline for submitting non-fiscal bills for final reading by both chambers.
MAY 1 FINAL DECKING OF FISCAL BILLS – Deadline for submitting fiscal bills for final reading by both chambers. Fiscal bills include appropriation or spending bills, tax credits, etc., or any bill with a House Finance (FIN) or Senate Ways and Means (WAM) referral.
MAY 8 ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE – In Latin, “sine die” means “without a day” specified for next meeting. Adjournment sine die occurs on the 60th legislative day of a regular session and indicates a suspension of the business of the legislature indefinitely. From this point, the Legislature will certify bills whose form both chambers have agreed to and will transmit or “enroll” those bills to the Governor. Contact PAR for information regarding the Governor’s deadline
ACROSS THE NATION
How Strong Are Hawai‘i’s Families? New Report Offers Insight
A newly released national report takes a closer look at the strength of families across the country—and Hawai‘i’s results offer both insight and cause for reflection. While our state remains near the middle nationally, deeper trends reveal shifts in marriage, family stability, and the challenges facing the next generation. What do these changes mean for our communities and our future? Click here to explore the full story.
Three States Advance Bills To Stop Mail-Order Abortion Drugs
Apr 7, 2026 | Liberty Counsel | JACKSON, MS – Recently, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arizona legislatures advanced bills aiming to stop the mailing of dangerous chemical abortion drugs to their residents to expand protections for women and unborn children. Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision returned authority to the states to regulate abortion, chemical abortions via mail-order pills sent in by out-of-state providers have circumvented abortion bans in pro-life states. Currently, Mississippi and Tennessee have near-total abortion bans where in-state distribution of abortion pills, such as Mifepristone, via mail or telehealth is illegal. [Read full story here.]
Federal Update: New Guidance Expected for Churches and Religious Speech
April 3, 2026 | Washington | The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently announced that new federal guidance is being developed to clarify how existing tax law applies to churches and religious organizations—particularly when it comes to what can be communicated within a church setting.
At the heart of this announcement is an important distinction: communications that take place within the life of a church—such as sermons, teaching, and messages to a congregation—are not the same as political campaign activity. Treasury officials indicated that genuine religious expression, even when addressing moral or public issues, should not automatically be treated as prohibited political involvement under current law.
This clarification comes in the context of ongoing questions surrounding the Johnson Amendment, which places limits on political campaign activity by nonprofit organizations, including churches. While the law itself has not changed, this upcoming guidance is expected to provide greater clarity and reassurance for pastors and ministry leaders navigating these issues.
The announcement also follows a recent legal case involving religious broadcasters, where the IRS affirmed that faith-based communication within a religious context is entitled to strong constitutional protection.
The Treasury Department has stated that it will engage with stakeholders before releasing formal guidance later this year.
Why This Matters for Hawai‘i
For churches across Hawai‘i, this development could help bring greater confidence in addressing important cultural and policy issues from a biblical perspective—while continuing to operate within the law.
As these guidelines are released, Hawaii Family Forum will continue to monitor developments and provide updates to help equip pastors and churches to engage wisely, faithfully, and with confidence.
This update is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Churches and organizations are encouraged to seek legal counsel for guidance specific to their situation.
Louisiana’s Mail-Order Abortion Lawsuit Paused But “Likely To Succeed”
Apr 9, 2026 | LAFAYETTE, LA – A federal judge temporarily halted Louisiana’s lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking to limit access to the dangerous chemical abortion drug Mifepristone’s mail-order availability while the agency completes an ongoing safety review of the drug. While the pause keeps mail dispensing of chemical abortion drugs in place for now, the judge noted that Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, and Rosalie Markezich, who was coerced by her boyfriend to have an abortion via mail-order pills, have standing to bring the lawsuit. The judge ruled that the state and Markezich “are likely to succeed on the merits” due to the FDA’s “own shortcomings” in loosening the drug’s safety restrictions. [Read full story here.]
Miss America Pageant Under Scrutiny For Deceptive Advertising By Allowing Males
Apr 10, 2026 | TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a letter to the Miss America Organization and the Miss Florida Scholarship Program cautioning they may be violating the state’s deceptive advertising law for promoting a female-only competition but then “surreptitiously allowing certain men to compete.” [Read full story here.]
Catch Up on the Faith and Family First Podcast
Weekly Faith and Family First Update
What’s Really in These Bills? HB 1961, Shield Law Expansion & IRS Clarification Explained
In this week's episode of Faith & Family First, Eva Andrade and former State Representative Marcus Oshiro break down major developments at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol as two high-impact bills move forward toward final votes.
They take a closer look at HB 1961, a measure raising serious concerns about free speech and public expression near healthcare facilities, and HB 1875, which expands Hawaiʻi’s existing shield law to include gender-affirming care—bringing new legal and family-related implications. Eva and Marcus explain what these bills do in plain terms and what could happen next as they head to the full Senate and potentially conference committee.
The conversation also tackles recent confusion surrounding IRS “guidance” for churches. Was there really a ruling? What actually happened in federal court? And what should pastors be doing right now? Marcus clarifies the legal reality and what to expect in the coming weeks.
Finally, they discuss a significant federal appellate court decision involving prediction markets and what it could mean for gambling laws nationwide—including here in Hawaiʻi.
As always, this episode equips listeners with clear, practical insight so they can stay informed, engaged, and ready to take action.
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Healthcare for All? A Conversation That Matters for Hawai‘i
What does truly ethical, life-affirming healthcare look like—and how do we protect it in Hawai‘i?
Join us on May 2 for a powerful and timely community event featuring Dr. Bill Lile, OB-GYN, a nationally recognized speaker who brings both medical expertise and a compassionate perspective to one of today’s most important issues.
This event will explore the intersection of patient rights, dignity, trust, and ethical care, offering insight into how healthcare decisions impact individuals, families, and our broader community.
In addition to Dr. Lile’s presentation, Eva Andrade, President of Hawai‘i Family Forum, will share a clear and helpful overview of how elected officials in Hawai‘i have voted on key life-related issues—equipping attendees with a better understanding of the current legislative landscape. She will also encourage thoughtful civic engagement, helping individuals connect their values with meaningful action in their communities.
Together, this event reflects a shared commitment to both truth and compassion—bringing medical insight and community education side by side to inform, equip, and inspire.
Whether you are deeply engaged in these issues or simply seeking to better understand them, this is an opportunity to be informed, encouraged, and equipped.
Calvary Chapel Pearl Harbor
May 2, 2026
3:00 – 5:30 PM
Come be part of an important conversation for our community.