Bill > HB397

This bill modifies Hawaii's laws regarding compensation for private-sector professionals who conduct psychological examinations of criminal defendants to evaluate their penal responsibility or fitness to proceed in legal cases. Specifically, the bill changes existing statutes to shift the payment responsibility from the State to the judiciary and establishes a standard compensation rate of $2,000 per examination. This flat fee comprehensively covers the examiner's work, including the initial examination, report drafting, consultation, preparation, court testimony, and court attendance. The bill includes an appropriation of funds from the state's general revenues to support these payments for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the judiciary responsible for managing and distributing the funds. While the bill's effective date is listed as July 1, 3000 (which appears to be a placeholder or typographical error), the intent is to implement these changes to standardize and clarify compensation for mental health professionals involved in criminal defendant evaluations.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=397&year=2026