HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

684

TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011

H.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO MINORS.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§346‑    Consent to temporary safe shelter and related services.  (a)  A provider may provide temporary safe shelter and related services to a consenting minor if the provider reasonably believes that:

     (1)  The minor understands the significant benefits, risks, and limits of the temporary safe shelter and related services and can communicate an informed consent; and

     (2)  The temporary safe shelter and related services are for the minor's benefit.

     (b)  A minor may consent to temporary safe shelter and related services if a provider has offered the temporary safe shelter and related services without charge, the minor understands the benefits, risks, and limits of the temporary safe shelter and related services; provided that:

     (1)  The provider has not, despite reasonable efforts, been able to contact the minor's parent, legal guardian, or custodian to obtain consent;

     (2)  The provider has made contact with the minor's parent, legal guardian, or custodian, and the minor's parent, legal guardian, or custodian has refused to give consent, but the provider reasonably believes that the minor would be harmed, or would be subject to threatened harm, if the minor returned immediately to the home of the parent, legal guardian, or custodian; or

     (3)  The minor has refused to provide contact information for the minor's parent, legal guardian, or custodian and the provider reasonably believes that the minor would incur harm, or would be subject to threatened harm, if the minor returned immediately to the home of the parent, legal guardian, or custodian.

     (c)  Any consent given by a minor under this section shall be valid and binding as if the minor had reached the age of majority.  The minor shall be deemed to have and shall have the same legal capacity to act, and the same legal obligations with regard to giving an informed consent, as a person of full legal age and capacity, any other provisions of law notwithstanding.

     (d)  The consent given under this section shall not be later disaffirmed by reason of the minor's minority.

     (e)  Any provider who renders temporary safe shelter and related services to a minor under this section, after determining in good faith that the minor has met the requirements for giving an informed and valid consent pursuant to subsections (a), (b), and (c), shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability except in a case arising from the provider's gross negligence or wilful or wanton acts or omissions.

     (f)  If a minor consents to receive temporary safe shelter and related services, the parent, legal guardian, or custodian of the minor shall not be liable for the legal obligations resulting from the temporary safe shelter and related services provided by a provider.  A parent, legal guardian, or custodian whose consent has not been obtained, or who has no prior knowledge that a minor has consented to the provision of temporary safe shelter and related services, shall not be liable for any costs incurred by virtue of the minor's consent.

     (g)  A provider who renders temporary safe shelter and related services to a minor shall document in writing the efforts made to contact the minor's parent, legal guardian, or custodian.

     (h)  The provider shall report to the department any findings that the minor is subject to imminent harm, has been harmed, or is subject to threatened harm.  If applicable, the provider shall also make a report to the department or the police department of child abuse or neglect under section 350‑1.1.

     (i)  For purposes of this section:

     "Minor" means a person less than eighteen years of age.

     "Provider" means any child placing organization, child caring institution, or foster boarding home authorized by the department under section 346-17 to receive or place minor children for care and maintenance and to provide related services, health care, or supplies to these minors.

     "Related services" means temporary accommodation including provision of bathing facilities and sustenance, provision of clothing if necessary, transportation, counseling, and those services necessary to assess and resolve the circumstances that resulted in the minor's separation from the minor's parent, custodian, or legal guardian.

     "Temporary safe shelter" means a facility operated by a provider and designed to provide related services to minors seeking temporary separation from the minor's parent, custodian, or legal guardian."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on January 7, 2059.



Report Title:

Minors; Emergency Shelter; Consent; Keiki Caucus

 

Description:

Allows a minor to give informed consent for emergency shelter and related services.  Effective January 7, 2059.  (HB684 HD2)

 

 

 

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