Bill > HB1376

This bill amends Hawaii's corrections law to require the Director of Corrections and Rehabilitation to progressively reduce the number of committed felons incarcerated in private, out-of-state correctional institutions, specifically mandating a 25% reduction by July 1, 2028, and a 50% reduction by July 1, 2030. The bill defines "private, out-of-state correctional institutions" to include any correctional facility outside of Hawaii operated under a public-private partnership. Currently, the director can transfer inmates to out-of-state facilities for reasons of security, management, or overcrowding, but this bill introduces specific numeric reduction requirements. To ensure transparency and accountability, the department must submit reports to the legislature before the regular sessions of 2026-2031, detailing its progress in meeting these reduction targets. The bill maintains the existing provisions allowing transfers when they are in the interest of institutional security or the inmate, but adds a clear directive to decrease reliance on private, out-of-state correctional facilities.

Budget and Finance, Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1376&year=2026