summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
02/20/2026
02/20/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Establishes the procedure that a circuit court shall follow upon the reversal or vacation of an individual's judgment of conviction on grounds consistent with innocence, and where the charges were dismissed. Requires the State to pay advance compensation to any petitioner who was convicted in a court of the State, imprisoned for at least one year, and whose judgment of conviction was reversed or vacated, or was pardoned, on grounds consistent with innocence. Requires the Comptroller to issue a warrant for payment of advance compensation to a petitioner. Requires the Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, to contract with a community-based agency to assign a case manager to a petitioner upon the petitioner's release. Requires the State to provide medical coverage to a person for a certain duration upon the reversal or vacation of the person's judgment of conviction on grounds consistent with innocence and where the charges were dismissed. Provides that the Judiciary and Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall retain jurisdiction over the person for the purposes of effectuating this process. Authorizes the State to seek reimbursement from the applicable county for any losses incurred by the State pursuant to this process. Requires the Department of the Attorney General to submit an annual report to the Legislature. Clarifies eligibility to seek compensation for individuals whose judgment of conviction was reversed or vacated, or who were pardoned, on grounds consistent with innocence, and where the charges were dismissed. Shifts the burden of proof to the State to prove by a preponderance of evidence that the reversal or vacation of the judgment of conviction for a petitioner, or the pardoning of the petitioner, was inconsistent with innocence. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
AI Summary
This bill establishes a streamlined process for individuals wrongfully convicted and imprisoned to receive compensation and support, aiming to reduce lengthy litigation and provide immediate relief. It mandates that circuit courts notify individuals whose convictions are reversed or vacated on grounds consistent with innocence and where charges were dismissed about their eligibility for compensation. The State is required to provide advance compensation payments of $5,000 per month for up to a year to eligible individuals who were imprisoned for at least one year, with these payments deducted from their total compensation. Additionally, the Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, will assign a case manager to assist released individuals with essential needs like housing, identification, and medical coverage, which the State will provide for a duration equal to their wrongful imprisonment. The bill also shifts the burden of proof to the State to demonstrate that a reversal, vacation, or pardon was inconsistent with innocence, rather than requiring the individual to prove their actual innocence. The Department of the Attorney General will submit an annual report to the Legislature detailing the implementation of these provisions.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Justice, Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN as amended in HD 2 with Representative(s) Pierick voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Quinlan excused (1). (on 02/20/2026)
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=2493&year=2026 |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/HB2493_HD2_.HTM |
| Committee Report HB2493_HD2_HSCR602-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/CommReports/HB2493_HD2_HSCR602-26_.pdf |
| HB2493_HD1_TESTIMONY_PBS_02-18-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/Testimony/HB2493_HD1_TESTIMONY_PBS_02-18-26_.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/HB2493_HD1_.HTM |
| Committee Report HB2493_HD1_HSCR235-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/CommReports/HB2493_HD1_HSCR235-26_.pdf |
| HB2493_TESTIMONY_JHA_02-10-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/Testimony/HB2493_TESTIMONY_JHA_02-10-26_.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/HB2493_.HTM |
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