Bill > HB438

This bill establishes the Due Process in Immigration Proceedings Program within Hawaii's judiciary to provide free legal representation to immigrants facing immigration court proceedings. The program will be administered by the judiciary, which will contract with nonprofit organizations and legal service providers to offer legal assistance to residents at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. The program aims to help vulnerable populations such as detained immigrants, those at risk of deportation, and individuals in complex immigration cases like asylum applications or deportation defense. Key requirements include prioritizing services for the most vulnerable immigrants, partnering with community organizations and the University of Hawaii Law School to provide culturally appropriate services and train legal practitioners, conducting community outreach, and collecting detailed data on program outcomes. The program will submit annual reports to the legislature detailing the number of individuals served, case types, outcomes, and pending case lengths. The bill acknowledges Hawaii's significant immigrant population (approximately 18% foreign-born) and seeks to address challenges immigrants face in navigating complex legal proceedings without representation. Funding will be appropriated from general state revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the program set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=438&year=2026