Bill > HB390

This bill amends Hawaii's bribery statute to establish more stringent penalties for bribery offenses. The bill maintains the existing definition of bribery, which involves offering or accepting pecuniary (monetary) benefits to influence a public servant's official actions, and retains the current defense of extortion or coercion. The bill introduces enhanced penalties by creating a new subsection that elevates bribery to a class A felony (the most serious category) under three specific circumstances: when the bribed official is an elected or appointed official, when the value of the bribe exceeds $20,000, or when the person commits three or more bribery acts within a three-year period. The bill also explicitly prohibits individuals convicted of bribery from receiving deferred acceptance of guilty pleas or no-contest pleas, ensuring more direct legal consequences for such offenses. The expanded definition of "public servant" includes those who have been elected, appointed, or designated to become a public servant, even if they have not yet assumed the position. The bill aims to strengthen legal protections against corruption and create more serious consequences for those who attempt to improperly influence public officials.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=390&year=2026