Bill > SB2873

This bill establishes uniform statewide requirements for policies and processes for issuing U and T visa certifications to noncitizen victims of crime, ensuring consistency with federal laws and regulations. U visas are for victims of certain crimes who assist in investigations or prosecutions, while T visas are for victims of severe human trafficking who cooperate with law enforcement. The bill mandates that each state and county certifying entity, which includes law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts, adopt these uniform policies and processes, including specific timeframes for responding to requests and clear procedures for denials. It also prohibits certifying entities from imposing stricter requirements than federal law and removes any statute of limitations for these certifications, while ensuring the confidentiality of victim information and providing language access. Furthermore, the bill appropriates $100,000 to the Department of the Attorney General to provide training to these certifying entities to ensure their procedures comply with all federal requirements, and establishes reporting requirements for both certifying entities and the Attorney General.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2873&year=2026