Bill > SB477

This bill amends Hawaii's domestic abuse protective order law to increase penalties for repeat offenders. Specifically, the bill changes the legal consequences for violating a protection order by making a second or subsequent conviction a class C felony, instead of a misdemeanor. The bill introduces more stringent sentencing requirements, including longer mandatory minimum jail sentences and higher fines for repeat offenses. For a first conviction involving non-domestic abuse, an offender may be sentenced to 48 hours in jail and fined up to $150. For a first conviction involving domestic abuse, the mandatory minimum jail sentence is 48 hours with fines ranging from $150 to $500. For second convictions, the mandatory minimum jail sentences increase to 30 days for non-domestic abuse and 60 days for domestic abuse, with corresponding increases in fines. For any subsequent violations after a second conviction, the bill mandates a minimum 90-day jail sentence and fines between $500 and $2,000. The bill also requires offenders to complete a domestic violence program assessment and intervention or anger management course. Additionally, the court retains discretion to suspend certain jail sentences under specific conditions, such as remaining alcohol and drug-free or completing court-ordered assessments.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=477&year=2025