summary
Introduced
01/22/2026
01/22/2026
In Committee
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Allows a defendant to introduce certain evidence to receive a reduced sentence for certain offenses if the defendant can show that they were subjected to acts of family violence, dating violence, or child abuse, and that the acts were a significant contributing factor for the offense for which the defendant is being sentenced. Allows a defendant to introduce certain relevant evidence when raising the justification defenses of self-defense or defense of others to show that the defendant was subjected to acts of family violence, dating violence, or child abuse by the alleged victim. Allows the circuit court imposing a criminal sentence to correct or reduce the sentence and to suspend or probate all or any part of the sentence imposed. Allows a person previously sentenced by a circuit court to petition the court to be re-sentenced to a reduced sentence if the defendant can show that they were subjected to acts of family violence, dating violence, or child abuse, and that the acts were a significant contributing factor for the offense for which the defendant was sentenced. (SD1)
AI Summary
This bill allows defendants to present evidence of family violence, dating violence, or child abuse as a significant contributing factor to their offense, potentially leading to a reduced sentence. It also permits defendants to use similar evidence when claiming self-defense or defense of others against an alleged victim who committed such abuse. The bill grants circuit courts the authority to correct, reduce, or suspend sentences, and allows individuals previously sentenced to petition for re-sentencing if they can demonstrate that past family violence, dating violence, or child abuse significantly contributed to their original offense. The bill defines "family violence," "dating violence," and "child abuse" and outlines specific types of evidence that can be presented, including hearsay, character evidence, and expert testimony, to support these claims.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services, Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Senate Judiciary Decision (10:15:00 3/3/2026 Conference Room 016 & Videoconference) (on 03/03/2026)
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=SB&billnumber=2479&year=2026 |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/SB2479_SD1_.HTM |
| Committee Report SB2479_SD1_SSCR2360_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/CommReports/SB2479_SD1_SSCR2360_.pdf |
| SB2479_TESTIMONY_HHS_02-04-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/Testimony/SB2479_TESTIMONY_HHS_02-04-26_.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/SB2479_.HTM |
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