Bill > SB2732

This bill amends existing law in Hawaii to ensure that when judges determine the amount of bail a defendant can afford, they must consider specific factors related to the defendant's financial situation. Specifically, any income a defendant receives from public benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), cannot be counted towards their ability to pay bail. Furthermore, if a defendant's household income, excluding these public benefits, is more than 150% of the federal poverty level for Hawaii, the court must then consider how much the defendant could realistically pay within 40 hours of their arrest. This change aims to prevent wealthy individuals from easily securing release through bail while making the bail system more accessible to those with limited financial means, aligning with the principle that bail should not be a tool for the rich to escape penalties or an insurmountable barrier for the poor.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2732&year=2026