Department of Accounting and General Services
Act 156 Task Force on Parentage Laws
What This Task Force Does
Established under Act 156, this task force reviewed Hawaii's parentage statutes to address gaps and inconsistencies affecting children born through assisted reproduction, surrogacy, and non-traditional family structures. It examined how Hawaii law determines legal parentage at birth and recommended updates to align state law with modern family realities. Its recommendations informed legislation affecting birth certificates, custody, and parental rights.
Why You Should Care
Families formed through adoption, surrogacy, or assisted reproduction have a direct stake in how Hawaii law establishes legal parenthood, which affects everything from birth certificates to inheritance rights. Residents can follow resulting legislation through the Hawaii State Legislature.