Criminal Justice

passed both · Hawaii · House May 1, 2026

HB 1628: RELATING TO COMPASSIONATE RELEASE.

HB 1628 establishes a formal protocol for releasing incarcerated individuals who are terminally ill or have severe, debilitating medical conditions. It directly affects people currently imprisoned who meet specific health criteria, requiring correctional facilities to evaluate and refer eligible cases. The bill creates a defined process for medical assessments, review by prison officials, and court approval for release. This would change how prisons handle compassionate release by replacing ad-hoc decisions with a standardized, documented procedure. The bill is currently pending before the committee, with a hearing scheduled for February 4, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes standardized compassionate release protocol for terminally ill inmates, reforming correctional practices per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports 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 Yes ✓ Supports 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 Yes ✓ Supports 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 Yes ✓ Supports 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 Yes ✓ Supports 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 Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 27, 2026

HB 1769: RELATING TO CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES.

Requires the Director of Corrections and Rehabilitation to incrementally return committed felons incarcerated in private, out-of-state correctional institutions to in-state correctional facilities. Requires reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates reduction of private, out-of-state prison use - aligning with reform goals to decrease reliance on for-profit correctional systems and promote state oversight.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2145: RELATING TO RECORDINGS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES.

Establishes the right of a person to record law enforcement activities. Establishes a private right of action for any violation of the right to record law enforcement activities. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes right to record police and private remedy, enhancing accountability and protecting civil rights in law enforcement.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 20, 2026

GM 623: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee, Gubernatorial Nominee, RAYMOND MULLINS, for a term to expire 06-30-2028.

This is not a legislative bill but a gubernatorial nomination submission (GM 623) for the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee. Governor Green has submitted Raymond Mullins for Senate confirmation to serve on the committee, with his term set to expire June 30, 2028. The committee advises the state on prison work programs and inmate employment initiatives. The Senate must confirm this appointment before Mullins can assume the role.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCommittee advises on prison work programs and inmate employment, directly supporting rehabilitation initiatives to reduce recidivism within criminal justice reform.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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