SB 778 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO SENTENCING.

SB 778 prohibits judges from sentencing defendants classified as "emerging adults" (typically young adults aged 18-25) to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. This bill directly affects young adults who are tried and convicted as adults for crimes committed while in this age range. The key provision removes life without parole as a sentencing option for these individuals, requiring judges to consider alternatives like prison terms with the possibility of parole. The bill focuses on changing sentencing practices for a specific age group within the adult criminal justice system.

Issues: ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2025

Senate Passage

Mar 2025

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 17, 2025 Last action Dec 8, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SB778 → SB778_SD1 · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates the age threshold for banning life without parole sentences from 18 to 21 years old, aligning Hawaii with neuroscience research on brain development. It formally defines 'emerging adult defendants' as those aged 18 to under 21 at the time of the offense and amends the relevant statutes to prohibit this harsh sentencing for this specific age group.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of protection by raising the age limit for individuals eligible for life without parole sentences from 18 to 21 years old, thereby extending the ban to include 19 and 20-year-olds.

DEFINITION

Added a specific definition for 'emerging adult defendant' to clarify that the ban applies to individuals who were 18 years or older but under 21 years old at the time of the crime.

ELIGIBILITY

Modified the eligibility criteria for life without parole sentences in Chapter 706, raising the minimum age from 18 to 21 years old.

REQUIREMENT

Updated the statutory language regarding enhanced sentences for second-degree murder to reflect the new age threshold of 21 years old.

TECHNICAL

Changed the bill's version identifier from 'HB template' to 'SD Template' and updated associated metadata such as revision numbers and timestamps.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 6, 2025

Committee

Referred to JHA, referral sheet 19

lower

Mar 4, 2025

Introduced

Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 196) in amended form (SD 1).

lower

Mar 4, 2025

Upper · Passed

Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) DeCoite, Elefante, Richards. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) Chang). Transmitted to House.

upper

Feb 28, 2025

Upper · Passed

Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1).

upper

Jan 31, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Awa.

upper

Jan 27, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on JDC has scheduled a public hearing on 01-31-25 9:15AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 23, 2025

Committee

Referred to JDC.

upper

Jan 17, 2025

Introduced

Introduced.

upper

2 primary · 0 co-sponsors