Bill > HB390

This bill amends Hawaii's existing bribery statute to establish more stringent penalties for bribery offenses. The bill defines bribery as either conferring (or offering to confer) a financial benefit to a public servant to influence their official actions, or as a public servant soliciting or accepting such a benefit. Previously classified as a class B felony, the bill now creates enhanced penalties for more serious circumstances: bribery becomes a class A felony without the possibility of probation or sentence suspension when the offense involves an elected or appointed official, the value of the bribe exceeds $20,000, or the person commits three or more bribery acts within a three-year period. The bill expands the definition of "public servant" to include those who have been elected, appointed, or designated to become a public servant, even before officially taking the position. Additionally, the bill explicitly prohibits individuals convicted of bribery from receiving a deferred acceptance of guilty plea or no contest plea, ensuring more direct legal consequences for such offenses. The changes aim to strengthen legal protections against corruption and provide more robust deterrents for potential bribery.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=390&year=2025