Bill > HB1517

This bill establishes a new procedure allowing incarcerated individuals who have served at least ten years of their sentence to petition their sentencing judge for a reduction in their sentence, regardless of any mandatory minimum sentences. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is required to notify individuals eligible to petition and inform the Hawaii Paroling Authority, the sentencing court, and the prosecuting attorney. The bill outlines the process for filing and reviewing these petitions, including factors the court must consider, such as the petitioner's age, rehabilitation efforts, and the nature of the offense, with a presumption for sentence reduction for those aged fifty or older. It also ensures the right to counsel for those who cannot afford it and includes provisions for victim notification and input. Furthermore, the bill mandates that a portion of any savings realized from sentence reductions be reinvested into programs aimed at reducing recidivism and funding legal representation for these cases, and requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to report on its progress in implementing these changes by the 2027 legislative session, with the entire act taking effect on July 1, 2027.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1517&year=2026