Bill > SB813

This bill introduces several key reforms to law enforcement regulations in Hawaii, focusing on accountability, psychological screening, and use of force. The bill requires law enforcement officers to report criminal misconduct by other officers within fifteen days of observing such actions, with a detailed process for investigation that involves department heads, police chiefs, and police commissions. Starting in 2026, new law enforcement officers must pass a psychological screening test designed to detect behavioral traits that could negatively impact their job performance, in addition to existing training requirements. The bill also expands grounds for denying, suspending, or revoking an officer's certification, including failure to report criminal misconduct or committing such acts. Furthermore, the bill prohibits law enforcement officers from using chokeholds except in situations where deadly force would be justifiable, defining a chokehold as any pressure applied to the throat, windpipe, or neck that prevents or reduces air or oxygen intake to the brain. Criminal misconduct is specifically defined to include actions such as assault, sexual assault, bribery, coercion, fraud, theft, evidence tampering, witness tampering, and excessive use of force. The legislation aims to enhance transparency, prevent misconduct, and improve the overall quality and accountability of law enforcement personnel.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=813&year=2026