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House approves bill banning interference with access to health-care facilities after hours of debate over free-speech and civil remedies
Summary
The House passed HB 1961, which makes obstructing access to health-care facilities a petty misdemeanor and creates a civil cause of action; supporters said it protects patients and staff, while opponents warned it could chill free speech, labor actions and allow suits without proof of damages.
The Hawaii House of Representatives on final reading approved House Bill 1961, a measure that makes it a petty misdemeanor to interfere with another person's access to or the normal functioning of a health-care facility and creates a civil right of action for aggrieved parties.
Supporters argued the law is intended to protect patients and health-care workers. "No person should be forced to endure harassment, intimidation, threats, or physical obstruction when seeking or providing medical care," Representative Takayama said in urging passage. Representative Ichiyama, a supporter, said the bill aims to "find the balance between people who are exercising their free speech rights as well as the patients who are seeking needed health care," and stressed the bill's purpose clause "is…
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