Criminal Justice

signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

SB 2568: RELATING TO OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC SERVANTS.

Elevates the offense of harassment to a misdemeanor when committed against a public servant because of or during their performance of official duties. (CD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeElevates harassment against public servants to misdemeanor, strengthening legal protections for law enforcement and court personnel, supporting criminal justice system functionality.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

signed · Hawaii · House May 6, 2026

HB 1516: RELATING TO PRETRIAL RELEASE.

HB 1516 requires courts to consider a defendant's actual financial ability to pay bail when determining pretrial release conditions. This bill directly affects individuals facing pretrial detention decisions, particularly those with limited financial resources. The key provision mandates that judges evaluate specific factors related to a defendant's financial situation before setting bail amounts. The bill is currently in its early stages, having been introduced and passed first reading on January 21, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires courts to assess financial ability for bail, preventing wealth-based pretrial detention and aligning with criminal justice reform to protect defendant rights.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 2575: RELATING TO FIREARMS.

Changes from a misdemeanor to a class C felony the penalty for possessing, controlling, or transferring ownership of any firearm or ammunition by a person who is restrained by court order from contacting, threatening, or physically abusing any person. Changes from a misdemeanor to a class B felony the penalty for carrying a firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance. Establishes unlawful possession of methamphetamine while carrying a firearm as a class B felony. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory minimum sentences for firearm possession during felony prosecutions, expanding criminalization and reducing judicial discretion per bill's penalty enhancements.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 2517: RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

Amends the penalty for the unlawful possession, control, or transfer of a firearm or ammunition in violation of a valid judicial protective order or restraining order by reclassifying the offense from a misdemeanor to a class C felony. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill imposes class C felony penalty for firearm violations under protective orders, expanding criminalization of firearm possession in domestic violence contexts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2730: RELATING TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM.

Establishes factors under which officers may arrest and detain persons without a warrant for petty misdemeanors and violations, and requires officers to document the justification for the arrests. Amends the circumstances under which officers may issue citations in lieu of arrest. Requires officers to issue citations in lieu of arrest for certain petty misdemeanors and violations, unless public safety or flight risks are present or the alleged offense involves operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant or the abuse of family or household members. Requires the Judiciary to promulgate a standardized citation form and updates the required information for citations. Requires the Criminal Justice Research Institute to submit reports. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates documentation for warrantless arrests, requires citations over arrest for petty offenses, and standardizes forms - key accountability and reform measures to reduce unnecessary arrests.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SB 2203: RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

SB 2203 makes it a criminal offense for law enforcement officers to wear masks or personal disguises while performing official duties. The bill directly affects police officers and other sworn law enforcement personnel by prohibiting this specific conduct during enforcement activities. Its key provision creates a new legal standard, defining the use of disguises as an offense punishable under state law. This bill focuses solely on regulating officer conduct during operations, without addressing broader policing policies or community impacts. The bill is currently pending committee review and has not yet been voted on.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits law enforcement from wearing masks during duties, enhancing officer accountability and transparency in operations per criminal justice reform indicators.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SB 2438: RELATING TO CIVIL INTERFERENCE WITH CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY RIGHTS.

Establishes a civil cause of action for interference with constitutional and statutory rights through threats, intimidation, or coercion. Authorizes private rights of action. Authorizes actions to be brought by the Attorney General, County Corporation Counsel, or County Attorney. Authorizes injunctive relief, declaratory relief, and certain monetary relief. Includes protections for constitutionally protected speech. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes civil remedies for constitutional rights violations, protecting individuals from interference in legal proceedings per Hawaii Civil Rights Protection Act.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SB 2418: RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES.

SB 2418 would repeal the existing prohibition on drug paraphernalia under the state's Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This change would remove the ban on items like pipes, bongs, or other equipment typically used for drug consumption from the law. The bill directly affects individuals who might otherwise face legal consequences for possessing such items under current law. The key mechanism is the direct removal of this specific prohibition from the legal code.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRepeals prohibition on drug paraphernalia, reducing minor criminalization and aligning with criminal justice reform goals of decriminalizing low-level offenses.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SB 2688: RELATING TO COMPASSIONATE RELEASE.

SB 2688 establishes a state protocol for releasing incarcerated individuals who are seriously ill or debilitated due to medical conditions. It directly affects people in state custody with severe health issues who meet specific medical criteria. The bill creates a formal process for prison officials to evaluate and approve compassionate release requests, replacing current ad-hoc practices. Currently, the bill is under review by the PSM committee, having passed its first reading on January 26, 2026, with a public hearing scheduled for February 4, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes formal compassionate release protocol for seriously ill inmates, reducing unnecessary incarceration and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 17, 2026

HB 2062: RELATING TO GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION.

Appropriates funds to the Judiciary for the efficient processing of temporary restraining orders and gun violence protective orders. Appropriates funds to the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct public awareness campaigns on gun violence protective orders. Effective 7/1/2055. (SD2)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds enforcement of gun violence protective orders and public awareness campaigns, directly strengthening criminal justice efforts to prevent gun violence and enhance public safety.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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