Bill > SB1316

This bill modifies Hawaii's laws regarding court-ordered payments, primarily focusing on how delinquent fees, fines, and restitution are collected and managed. The Judiciary is now required (instead of merely allowed) to contract with a collection agency or licensed attorney to collect delinquent court-ordered fees, fines, sanctions, and court costs. The bill expressly allows courts to specify payment periods or installments for fees and restitution, and mandates that district courts hold annual payment compliance hearings until all financial obligations are fully paid. For district court cases, if a defendant fails to pay within the specified time or misses three consecutive installments, they must appear and show cause for their non-payment. The legislation also clarifies that when a defendant is ordered to pay both fines and restitution, restitution payments take priority. If a defendant in district court is ordered to pay restitution, the court will set compliance hearings, and if fines or fees are outstanding, these will be referred to a collection agency. The bill aims to create a more structured and enforceable system for collecting court-ordered payments while providing some flexibility for defendants to meet their financial obligations.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1316&year=2026