summary
Introduced
01/21/2026
01/21/2026
In Committee
03/05/2026
03/05/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Requires certain factors to be considered when determining a defendant's financial ability to afford bail. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
AI Summary
This bill amends existing law to require that when determining a defendant's financial ability to afford bail, certain income sources are excluded from consideration, specifically income from public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Additionally, if a defendant's household income, after excluding public benefits, is more than 150% of the federal poverty level for Hawaii, then the amount they could reasonably pay within 40 hours of arrest will be considered. This change aims to ensure that bail is set reasonably and does not unfairly disadvantage individuals with lower incomes, aligning with the principle that bail should not be a tool for the wealthy to escape consequences while rendering the privilege useless to the poor. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 3000.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (14)
Terez Amato (D)*,
Tina Grandinetti (D)*,
Greggor Ilagan (D)*,
Kim Iwamoto (D)*,
Matthias Kusch (D)*,
Michael Lee (D)*,
Lisa Marten (D)*,
Amy Perruso (D)*,
Mahina Poepoe (D)*,
Garner Shimizu (R)*,
Kanani Souza (R)*,
Gregg Takayama (D)*,
David Tarnas (D)*,
Shirley Ann Templo (D)*,
Last Action
Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1; placed on the calendar for Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Gedeon, Matsumoto, Pierick voting no (5) and Representative(s) Perruso excused (1). (on 03/05/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1516&year=2026 |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/HB1516_HD1_.HTM |
| Committee Report HB1516_HD1_HSCR920-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/CommReports/HB1516_HD1_HSCR920-26_.pdf |
| HB1516_TESTIMONY_JHA_02-19-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/Testimony/HB1516_TESTIMONY_JHA_02-19-26_.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/HB1516_.HTM |
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