Bill > HB359

This bill strengthens Hawaii's covered offender registration laws by expanding the definition of "sexual offense" to include several additional criminal acts, such as sexual assault in the fourth degree, incest, sexual assault of an animal, and using a computer to commit certain offenses. The bill removes an existing exemption that previously allowed public disclosure to be waived for first-time misdemeanor offenses committed against minors, ensuring that offenders who abuse their professional position of trust or power are subject to public registration requirements. It clarifies that registered offenders must report their residence location annually during the thirty-day period following their birthday, rather than on their specific birth date. The bill also establishes a more detailed tiered system for determining when offenders can potentially petition to terminate their registration requirements, with different standards for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 offenses. These changes are designed to enhance public safety by providing more comprehensive tracking and disclosure of information about sex offenders, particularly those who have committed offenses against minors, and to close potential loopholes in the existing registration system.

Health and Social Services, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=359&year=2025