Bill > SB526

This bill establishes a three-year Women's Court Pilot Program in the second, third, and fifth judicial circuits of Hawaii, building upon a similar existing program in the first circuit. The program aims to address the unique challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system by providing comprehensive, trauma-informed services that recognize the intersecting factors of abuse, poverty, mental health, and substance use that often contribute to women's involvement in criminal behavior. The pilot program will offer a range of services including mental health treatment, family support, life skills training, education, vocational training, domestic violence prevention, medical services, substance abuse treatment, mentoring, and housing support. To implement the program, the state will appropriate funds to create seven temporary positions, including social workers, court clerks, and judicial clerks. The judiciary is required to submit detailed annual reports about the program's progress, including participant numbers, completion rates, and recommendations for the program's future. The pilot program is set to begin on April 23, 2057, and will be in effect until June 30, 2028, with the goal of diverting women from incarceration, supporting their community success, and reducing recidivism.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=526&year=2025