Criminal Justice (Sentencing)

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 477: RELATING TO DOMESTIC ABUSE PROTECTIVE ORDERS.

Makes a second or subsequent conviction for violation of a domestic abuse protective order a class C felony. Increases the sentencing requirements for second or subsequent convictions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for repeat domestic abuse violations by elevating to class C felony, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of stricter sentencing and expanded criminalization.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Sentencing

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 301: RELATING TO DOMESTIC ABUSE PROTECTIVE ORDERS.

Makes a second or subsequent conviction for violation of a domestic abuse protective order a class C felony. Increases the sentencing requirements for second or subsequent convictions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for repeat domestic abuse violations to class C felony, aligning with stricter sentencing indicators rather than reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Sentencing

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 94: RELATING TO TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS.

Increases the mandatory minimum jail sentence for a first conviction of knowingly or intentionally violating a temporary restraining order from forty-eight to seventy-two hours. Requires mandatory mental health counseling for a first conviction of knowingly or intentionally violating a temporary restraining order.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory jail sentence from 48 to 72 hours for TRO violations, aligning with tough-on-crime sentencing policies that expand criminalization and restrict defendant rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence Sentencing

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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

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 390: RELATING TO BRIBERY.

HB 390 proposes increased penalties for bribery offenses under specific circumstances. It would raise fines and/or prison sentences for individuals convicted of bribery when certain conditions are met, such as involving public officials or large sums of money. The bill directly affects people accused of bribery who fall under these heightened penalty provisions. The key mechanism is modifying existing penalty structures to impose stricter consequences in defined scenarios. This is a substantive policy change focused on criminal sentencing, not procedural or commemorative.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases fines/prison terms for bribery involving public officials, directly expanding punitive measures per 'oppose' indicators of stricter sentencing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections 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 Jan 28, 2026

HB 1914: RELATING TO PENALTIES.

Establishes enhanced terms of imprisonment for burglary and theft offenses, which shall apply when the value of the property exceeds certain dollar amounts. Increase penalties for habitual property crime offenders. Establishes the selling of stolen property as a theft offense.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for burglary/theft offenses and expands criminalization by treating selling stolen property as theft, directly contradicting reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 276: RELATING TO ORDERS FOR PROTECTION.

Reinstates mandatory minimum jail sentences for successive violations of the same order for protection. Removes the distinction between domestic and non-domestic violations of an order for protection. Eliminates the court's ability to suspend mandatory minimum sentences.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeReinstates mandatory minimums, removes court discretion to suspend sentences, and eliminates domestic/non-domestic distinctions - increasing punitive sentencing per bill language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence 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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