Criminal Justice (Juvenile Justice)

passed both · Hawaii · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 1626: RELATING TO YOUTH PENALTIES.

Prohibits the assessment of any fees, fines, or court costs against a person who was adjudicated for an offense committed during the person's minority, or against the person's parent or guardian, and discharges all related debt obligations assessed before the effective date of the Act. Encourages the use of community service and other programs that employ aina-based principles. Repeals certain penalties imposed on parents, guardians, or other persons associated with unaccompanied children in streets and unmarried minors in dance halls. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits fees/fines on minors/families for juvenile offenses, discharges debt, and promotes restorative community service - aligning with juvenile justice reform to reduce barriers and improve outcomes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 2325: RELATING TO JUVENILE OFFENDERS.

Authorizes a court to modify sentences imposed on juvenile offenders if certain conditions are met and the court finds that, after considering certain factors, the defendant is not a danger to the safety of any person or the community and the modification is in the interests of justice. Establishes procedures, provides for hearings and representation by counsel, and authorizes appellate review. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAuthorizes judicial sentence modification for juveniles based on safety and justice, promoting rehabilitation over punitive measures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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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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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 778: 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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves life without parole for emerging adults, promoting rehabilitation over harsh sentencing per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 28, 2026

HB 2043: RELATING TO CRIMINAL MISCHIEF.

HB 2043 reclassifies minor property damage offenses, such as graffiti or broken windows, as petty misdemeanors instead of higher-level misdemeanors. This change directly affects individuals who commit low-level property offenses by reducing the severity of the criminal charge. The bill establishes a new classification for "criminal mischief" that carries lighter penalties, without altering the core definition of the offense. It represents a policy shift toward treating minor property damage as a less serious violation under the law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill reclassifies minor property offenses to petty misdemeanors, reducing penalties and promoting criminal justice reform by avoiding harsher charges for low-level offenses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Juvenile Justice

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signed · Hawaii · Senate Jun 26, 2026

SB 2108: RELATING TO JURISDICTION.

Amends the factors a family court is required to consider in deciding whether the family court may waive jurisdiction over a minor or adult held for criminal proceedings for acts committed during the person's minority. Preserves the family court's jurisdiction over a minor transferred for criminal proceedings for subsequent acts that would otherwise be within the family court's jurisdiction. Requires the family court to retain jurisdiction over a minor if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the minor was trafficked, sexually abused, or raped by the alleged victim in the case before or during the commission of the alleged offense. (CD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill preserves family court jurisdiction for minors who are trafficking/victim of abuse, preventing transfer to adult criminal system. Protects vulnerable minors within justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Human Trafficking Juvenile Justice

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 1028: RELATING TO YOUTH FEES AND FINES.

Prohibits the assessment of any fees, fines, or court costs against a person who was adjudicated for an offense committed during the person's minority, or against the person's parent or guardian, and discharges all related debt obligations assessed before the effective date of the Act. Limits court-ordered community service for a minor to no more than seventy-two hours. Repeals certain penalties imposed on parents, guardians, or other persons associated with unaccompanied children in streets and unmarried minors in dance halls. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits juvenile fees/fines, discharges debt, limits community service - reduces financial barriers for minors in justice system, aligning with reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 18, 2026

SB 2540: RELATING TO YOUTH PENALTIES.

Prohibits the assessment of any fees, fines, or court costs against a person who was adjudicated for an offense committed during the person's minority, or against the person's parent or guardian, and discharges all related debt obligations assessed before the effective date of the Act. Encourages the use of community service and other programs that employ aina-based principles. Repeals certain penalties imposed on parents, guardians, or other persons associated with unaccompanied children in streets and unmarried minors in dance halls. Effective 7/1/2027. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill prohibits fees/fines for minors, discharges debt, and encourages restorative community service, reducing financial barriers and promoting rehabilitation in juvenile justice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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passed · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 129: RELATING TO YOUTH FEES AND FINES.

Prohibits the assessment of any fees, fines, or court costs against a person who was adjudicated for an offense committed during the person's minority, or against the person's parent or guardian, and discharges all related debt obligations assessed before the effective date of the Act. Limits court-ordered community service for a minor to no more than seventy-two hours. Repeals certain penalties imposed on parents, guardians, or other persons associated with unaccompanied children in streets and unmarried minors in dance halls. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits youth fees/fines, limits community service, and repeals penalties - reducing financial barriers in juvenile justice, aligning with reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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