Criminal Justice

in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 28, 2026

HB 1912: RELATING TO TIME LIMITATIONS ON CRIMINAL PROSECUTIONS.

Provides that for any offense based on misconduct by a public servant, the appliable period of limitations for a criminal prosecution shall not commence until discovery of the offense by law enforcement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDelays prosecution timeline until misconduct discovery, aiding accountability for public servants and protecting victim rights in criminal cases.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 2392: RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY.

Specifies that operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant while a highly intoxicated driver is a misdemeanor for a first offense, or any offense not preceded within a ten-year period. Specifies and imposes additional sentencing and probation requirements for a person convicted of a misdemeanor operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant offense. Upgrades the offense of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant while a highly intoxicated driver to a class C felony under certain conditions. Specifies and imposes additional sentencing and probation requirements for a class C felony offense of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant while a highly intoxicated driver. Prohibits a deferred acceptance of guilty plea for persons convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill elevates DUI to class C felony, increasing penalties for intoxicated driving, aligning with stricter sentencing (oppose indicator)95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill strengthens traffic safety by increasing penalties for DUI, directly enhancing vehicle regulation and road safety standards within transportation policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing Driver Licensing Traffic Safety

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signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 7, 2026

SB 2135: RELATING TO PRIVACY.

SB 2135 creates a new criminal offense for sharing someone's intimate images without their consent. It directly affects individuals whose private photos or videos are distributed online or otherwise without permission. The key provision defines this act as a punishable offense, establishing legal consequences for perpetrators. The bill is currently pending before the LBT committee, having been referred for review after its initial introduction.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates criminal offense for nonconsensual intimate image distribution, protecting victim privacy rights under criminal justice framework95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens data privacy by criminalizing nonconsensual intimate image sharing, directly protecting digital rights and personal data online.90% confidence

passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 17, 2026

SB 2251: MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

Requires the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu to submit a report to the Legislature. Appropriates grant-in-aid moneys to the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu for the Victim Witness Assistance Program. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates funds for essential Victim Witness Assistance Program, directly advancing public service funding under budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds Victim Witness Assistance Program, directly supporting victims' participation in criminal justice process per VOCA guidelines and victim services indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Victims' Rights

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 60: RELATING TO JUVENILE JUSTICE.

Requires and appropriates moneys for the Department of Human Services' Office of Youth Services to develop and implement a program offering individualized service and support teams to assist at-risk and court-involved youth.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds juvenile justice program to support at-risk youth, reducing court involvement and promoting rehabilitation - key criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 3208: RELATING TO PRETRIAL REFORM.

Requires release on recognizance for defendants charged with violations, traffic offenses, nonviolent petty misdemeanors, nonviolent misdemeanors, and nonviolent class C felonies, subject to conditions. Establishes exclusions for specified offenses, threats to public safety, and wilful flight. Requires findings when bail or detention is imposed, ongoing review of continued detention or conditions, and a prompt hearing if bail cannot be posted. Requires prosecutors to notify victims of pretrial decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires pretrial release for nonviolent offenses, mandates judicial review of detention, reduces unnecessary jail populations - core criminal justice reform measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 417: RELATING TO CONTRACTORS.

Establishes as a class B felony the unlicensed performance of contractor work, during or within 5 years following a national emergency, state of emergency, or disaster proclamation, in an affected political subdivision. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new class B felony for unlicensed contractor work during emergencies, expanding criminal penalties without justice reform focus.90% confidence

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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

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 1261: RELATING TO CRIME.

Specifies that the penalty for sex trafficking shall be payment of a fine of no less than $200,000 but no more than $500,000, and a definite term of imprisonment of up to 20 years without the possibility of a suspended sentence, probation, or parole. Provides that consent to sexual conduct is not a defense. Defines "sexual conduct". Specifies that a minor who commits an offense under section 712-1207(1)(a), HRS, shall be guilty of a violation instead of a petty misdemeanor. Provides that a person who reports that the person is a victim of sex trafficking shall not be subject to criminal liability for an offense involving sex trafficking or prostitution. Increases the penalties for commercial sexual exploitation of a minor. Requires DHS to implement services and programs for survivors and training for law enforcement. Appropriates funds. Requires annual report.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeImposes mandatory 20-year sentences without parole for sex trafficking, removes consent defense, and increases fines - aligns with stricter sentencing policies opposing reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement Probation & Parole

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 384: RELATING TO SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST MINORS.

Increases the penalty for promoting minor-produced sexual images to a felony if the person is more than three years older than the minor. Extends the probationary term for felony obscenity offenses. Tolls the statute of limitations for obscenity offenses during a victim's minority. Requires sex offender registration for felony obscenity offenses involving minors. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for minor-related sexual offenses, extends probation, and requires registration, aligning with expanding criminalization and stricter sentencing indicators.92% confidence

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