Criminal Justice (Sentencing)

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 26, 2026

GM 1252: Informing the Legislature that on June 25, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2721 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 151).

This bill, signed into law by Governor Josh Green on June 25, 2026, implements recommendations from an advisory committee to revise the Hawaii Penal Code. The legislation primarily affects the state's criminal justice system by updating how crimes are classified and establishing specific time limits for filing prosecutions. Key changes include defining felonies based on potential prison sentences exceeding one year and setting new statutes of limitations, such as a ten-year window for manslaughter cases and a three-year window for most other felonies. These adjustments aim to ensure consistency, proportionality, and alignment with evidence-based strategies in sentencing and legal proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill implements advisory committee recommendations to revise the Penal Code and update prosecution time limits, indicating a reform-oriented approach to criminal justice.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 1517: RELATING TO SENTENCING REVIEW.

Establishes a procedure for incarcerated individuals who have served at least ten years of their sentence to petition the court for a sentence reduction. Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to report to the Legislature Hawaii Paroling Authority, and Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables sentence reduction petitions after 10 years and mandates oversight reporting, promoting sentencing reform and accountability per Criminal Justice indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 18, 2026

SB 2749: RELATING TO SENTENCING.

Amends repeat offender sentencing provisions to allow sentencing courts, under certain circumstances, to sentence defendants in class C felony cases to probation with appropriate terms and conditions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows probation for repeat offenders in class C felonies, reducing incarceration and supporting rehabilitation-focused sentencing reform.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing

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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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signed · Hawaii · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 1548: RELATING TO SENTENCING.

Limits the maximum term of imprisonment for misdemeanors that are not crimes of violence, or for offenses that are not crimes of violence punishable by up to or not exceeding one year, to three hundred sixty-four days. Allows individuals previously sentenced to a one-year term of imprisonment for an offense that is not a crime of violence to apply to the trial court for reconsideration of the sentence to conform to the revised maximum penalty. (CD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeLimits misdemeanor sentences to 364 days, reducing incarceration and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to decrease prison terms.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing

passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 2479: RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE.

Allows a defendant to introduce certain evidence to receive a reduced sentence for certain offenses if the defendant can show that they were subjected to acts of family violence, dating violence, or child abuse, and that the acts were a significant contributing factor for the offense for which the defendant is being sentenced. Allows a defendant to introduce certain relevant evidence when raising the justification defenses of self-defense or defense of others to show that the defendant was subjected to acts of family violence, dating violence, or child abuse by the alleged victim. Allows the circuit court imposing a criminal sentence to correct or reduce the sentence and to suspend or probate all or any part of the sentence imposed. Allows a person previously sentenced by a circuit court to petition the court to be re-sentenced to a reduced sentence if the defendant can show that they were subjected to acts of family violence, dating violence, or child abuse, and that the acts were a significant contributing factor for the offense for which the defendant was sentenced. (SD2)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows reduced sentences for defendants with family violence history, aligning with criminal justice reform by considering mitigating factors to reduce recidivism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Sentencing Victims' Rights

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 280: RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY.

SB 280 amends the crime of "negligent injury in the first degree" to specifically include injuries caused by drivers who were intoxicated. This change directly affects drivers who cause physical harm while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The bill expands the legal definition so that such incidents are prosecuted under this specific offense, rather than potentially less severe charges. The measure aims to strengthen accountability for intoxicated drivers who cause injury, without changing sentencing levels or creating new penalties.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands criminal definition for intoxicated driving injuries to strengthen accountability, directly advancing criminal justice reform through stricter prosecution of dangerous drivers.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAmends criminal code to include intoxicated driving injuries under negligent injury charge, strengthening accountability for highway safety violations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing Roads & Highways

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 1627: RELATING TO SENTENCING.

Amends repeat offender sentencing provisions to allow sentencing courts, under certain circumstances, to sentence defendants in class C felony cases to probation with appropriate terms and conditions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows probation for repeat offenders in class C felonies, promoting rehabilitation over incarceration and reducing mandatory sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 2731: RELATING TO SENTENCING.

Limits the maximum term of imprisonment for misdemeanors, or for offenses punishable by up to or not exceeding one year, to three hundred sixty-four days. Allows individuals previously sentenced to a one-year term of imprisonment to apply to the court for a sentence modification to conform to the new limit. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeLimits misdemeanor imprisonment to 364 days, reducing incarceration time and aligning with criminal justice reform goals of decreasing unnecessary prison terms.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 2356: RELATING TO OFFENDER REENTRY.

Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to provide a certificate of rehabilitation to offenders who have satisfied all sentencing and post-release requirements. Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to work with government and private stakeholders to conduct public education regarding the certificates. Authorizes the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to work with state agencies to increase offenders' eligibility for security clearance in post-release employment with the State. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enables employment for reentering offenders via certificates, directly reducing recidivism through rehabilitation support and stakeholder collaboration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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