Bill > SB598

This bill establishes the Hawaii Hope Card Program within the Department of the Attorney General to provide a specialized identification card for individuals with long-term protective orders. The program will issue laminated cards that include detailed information about the protective order and the parties involved, such as identifying characteristics of the restrained person, case number, court details, order terms, and protected individuals' information. Individuals with long-term protective orders (defined as orders lasting more than 90 or 180 days) can request multiple cards for different purposes like sharing with schools or employers. The program will maintain a confidential database accessible to law enforcement for 24/7 verification of protective order details. A special fund will be created to support the program, with money coming from card issuance fees, legislative appropriations, and donations. The Department of the Attorney General will hire staff to manage the program, produce cards, and maintain the database. The department must submit annual reports to the legislature about the fund's receipts and expenditures. The program is set to be implemented by January 1, 2026, with the act taking effect on April 23, 2057, and initial funding appropriated for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=598&year=2026