Bill > SB594

This bill removes the requirement in several Hawaii state laws that a perpetrator must know or reasonably should know the victim's age when the victim is 60 years or older. Specifically, the bill modifies statutes related to various criminal offenses, including assault, unauthorized entry into a dwelling, theft, and forgery, by eliminating the provision that the offender must be aware of the victim's age when the victim is 60 or older. This change means that if a person commits certain crimes against an individual who is 60 or older, they can be prosecuted under the enhanced penalties regardless of whether they knew the victim's age. The bill aims to provide stronger legal protections for elderly individuals by removing a potential legal defense that could previously prevent prosecution or reduce penalties. The modifications apply to multiple sections of the Hawaii Revised Statutes and will take effect upon the bill's approval, though it does not affect rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that were already in progress before the bill's effective date.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=594&year=2026