HB 1158 Summary

• Establishes a Correctional Institutions Oversight Commission to monitor conditions in Hawaii's adult prisons and jails and ensure transparency and accountability in the correctional system.

• Commission consists of fourteen members: three members from each county appointed by the governor, plus the chairs of the house and senate standing committees with jurisdiction over public safety.

• Requires commissioners to conduct at least two unannounced visits to each facility per year and file reports within two weeks of each visit, with findings and recommendations posted on a public website.

• Commission members serve four-year terms with a maximum of two consecutive terms, receive no compensation, and conduct quarterly videoconference meetings to discuss facility reports and recommend actions.

• Appropriates $100,000 for fiscal years 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 for training, travel, and other commission expenses, with funds administered by the state auditor.