Bill > HB2288

This bill, effective July 1, 3000, expands the types of programs that a committed person (an individual incarcerated in a state correctional facility) can participate in to be eligible for parole. Previously, eligibility was primarily tied to academic, vocational education, or prison industry programs. This legislation now includes participation in "treatment" programs, which can address issues like substance abuse, mental health, or deviant sexual behaviors, and "work furlough," a program allowing individuals to work outside the facility to secure employment and financial stability before release. It also broadly includes "other programs designed to assist the committed person with successful reintegration back into the community," such as those focused on cognitive skills, parenting, or anger management, provided these programs are authorized by the department and the individual participates to their satisfaction. The bill also clarifies that these program participation requirements can be waived at the discretion of the Hawaii paroling authority, which is the body responsible for granting parole.

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2288&year=2026