Criminal Justice

passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 1321: RELATING TO THE HAWAII CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM OVERSIGHT COMMISSION.

Beginning July 1, 2025, extends the term of the Oversight Coordinator for the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission. Clarifies that the Oversight Coordinator has the general authority to inspect agencies and correctional facilities without notice. (SD2)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeClarifies oversight authority to inspect facilities without notice, strengthening commission's monitoring role in corrections.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 722: RELATING TO PROPERTY FORFEITURE.

Restricts civil asset forfeiture to cases involving the commission of a felony offense where the property owner has been convicted of an underlying felony offense. Directs forfeiture proceeds to the general fund. Amends the allowable expenses for moneys in the Criminal Forfeiture Fund. Requires the Attorney General to adopt rules necessary to carry out the purpose of the Hawaii Omnibus Criminal Forfeiture Act. Amends the deadline for the Attorney General to report to the Legislature on the use of the Hawaii Omnibus Criminal Forfeiture Act. Limits the transfer of certain forfeiture property to federal agencies. Establishes records requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts civil forfeiture to felony convictions with prior conviction, reducing overreach and protecting property rights per criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 169: RELATING TO REDRESS FOR WRONGFUL CONVICTION AND IMPRISONMENT.

Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to provide written notice to certain persons regarding the ability to file a claim for redress under applicable wrongful conviction law. Requires the liberal construction of that law. Changes the standard for a claim for compensation for wrongful imprisonment from actual innocence to grounds consistent with innocence. Provides for advance compensation for petitioners under certain circumstances. Requires the State to prove, for claims for compensation for wrongful imprisonment, that the reversal or vacating of the petitioner's conviction or pardoning of the petitioner was inconsistent with innocence. Requires reports to Legislature from the Department of the Attorney General. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeChanges wrongful conviction standard to 'grounds consistent with innocence' and mandates advance compensation, promoting accountability and redress in criminal justice.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 307: 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. (HD2)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes right to record police, enabling public accountability and civil rights protection in law enforcement interactions.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 1662: RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee for a criminal background check or credit report if an applicant provides a certified copy of a criminal background check or credit report. Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee if a comprehensive reusable tenant screening report is available. Requires a landlord or the landlord's agent to provide, upon request, a certified copy of an applicant's criminal background check or credit report. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents landlords from charging fees for criminal background checks, reducing financial barriers for housing access of individuals with criminal records.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits landlord application fees for background/credit checks when tenants provide certified copies, reducing tenant costs and strengthening tenant protections in housing screening.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 279: RELATING TO DANGEROUS DRUGS.

SB 279 aligns the legal possession thresholds for fentanyl with those for methamphetamine, heroin, morphine, and cocaine. This means the amount of fentanyl that triggers criminal penalties will now match the established thresholds for these other serious drugs. The bill directly affects individuals possessing fentanyl, as it changes the point at which possession becomes a criminal offense under current law. This is a policy change to standardize penalties for fentanyl with other high-level controlled substances.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAligns fentanyl possession thresholds with other drugs, reducing criminalization of low-level possession and standardizing penalties per reform principles.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed both · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 560: RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY.

Appropriates funds to the Judiciary to support services contracted with community-based organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households. Effective 4/23/2057. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds to Judiciary for community services and judicial processes, advancing public funding for essential programs per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds community-based organizations supporting vulnerable households through judiciary services, aligning with criminal justice reform goals like rehabilitation and systemic support.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 361: RELATING TO THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH COURT.

Permanently establishes and appropriates funds for the Community Outreach Court as a division of the District Court of the First Circuit. Effective 4/23/2057. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes Community Outreach Court for homelessness diversion, promoting rehabilitation over incarceration and aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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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 | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 526: RELATING TO THE WOMEN'S COURT.

Establishes a temporary three-year Women's Court Pilot Program within the second, third, and fifth circuits. Establishes temporary positions. Requires a report. Appropriates funds. Sunsets 6/30/2028. Effective 4/23/2057. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates specialized Women's Court Pilot Program to address gender-specific justice needs, aligning with reform goals like reducing recidivism through targeted services.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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