Criminal Justice (Sentencing)

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 24, 2026

GM 1244: Informing the Legislature that on June 24, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1548 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 143).

This bill, signed into law by the Governor of Hawaii on June 24, 2026, limits the maximum prison sentence for nonviolent misdemeanor offenses to 364 days instead of one year. It applies to crimes that are not classified as crimes of violence and allows individuals sentenced before the law takes effect to request a review of their sentences to reflect this new cap. The legislation also updates the sentencing guidelines for courts, ensuring that judges cannot impose more than 364 days of imprisonment for these specific minor offenses unless the crime involves violence.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill limits maximum prison sentences for nonviolent misdemeanors, restricting the scope of criminal justice penalties.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

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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 Jan 30, 2026

HB 2170: RELATING TO FIREARMS.

Establishes mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment for certain class A felonies involving firearms. Changes from a class B felony to a class A felony the penalty for owning, possessing, or controlling any firearm or ammunition while being prosecuted for or having been convicted of committing a felony, a crime of violence, a criminal offense relating to firearms, or an illegal sale or distribution of any drug. Changes from a misdemeanor to a class A felony the penalty for ownership, possession, control, or transfer of ownership of any firearms or ammunition by a person who a court order has restrained from contacting, threatening, or physically abusing any person. Changes from a misdemeanor to a class A felony the penalty for carrying a firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance. Establishes possession of methamphetamine while carrying a firearm as a class A felony.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeElevates firearm possession penalties to Class A felonies with mandatory minimums, increasing sentencing severity and opposing reform-focused criminal justice policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms 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 both · Hawaii · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 2575: RELATING TO FIREARMS.

Changes from a misdemeanor to a class C felony the penalty for possessing, controlling, or transferring ownership of any firearm or ammunition by a person who is restrained by court order from contacting, threatening, or physically abusing any person. Changes from a misdemeanor to a class B felony the penalty for carrying a firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance. Establishes unlawful possession of methamphetamine while carrying a firearm as a class B felony. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory minimum sentences for firearm possession during felony prosecutions, expanding criminalization and reducing judicial discretion per bill's penalty enhancements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Sentencing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 282: RELATING TO UNCREWED AIRCRAFT OFFENSES.

SB 282 increases penalties for using drones (uncrewed aircraft) to assist in committing a felony. It directly affects individuals who deploy drones to aid in felony offenses, such as theft or violence. The key provision treats drone use as an aggravating factor, making the criminal penalty stricter when a drone is used to further a felony. This changes sentencing by elevating the severity of offenses where drones are involved in felony planning or execution. The bill does not alter drone usage rules generally, only the penalties for felony-related drone misuse.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for drone-assisted felonies, making sentencing harsher - aligns with 'increases mandatory sentences' indicator under oppose stance95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 2390: RELATING TO PENALTIES.

Increases the offense of habitual property crime from a class C felony to a class B felony. Increases the sentencing structure for convictions of habitual property crime.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases felony classification and sentencing for habitual property crime, expanding criminalization and harsher penalties per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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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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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 1340: RELATING TO CRIMES AGAINST ELDERS.

HB 1340 would automatically impose stricter penalties for crimes committed against individuals aged 60 or older, regardless of the offender's intent. It directly affects anyone committing assault, abuse, or similar offenses against seniors by triggering enhanced sentencing under existing laws when the victim's age is known. The key provision modifies how courts handle such cases - requiring harsher penalties solely based on the victim's age, without needing to prove the offender targeted seniors specifically. The bill is currently pending, having been introduced in January 2025 and carried over to the 2026 legislative session.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates automatic stricter penalties for elder abuse without requiring intent, increasing mandatory sentences under criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing Violent Crime

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