HI HB257

Establishes an earned-time program allowing inmates in Hawaii or mainland contracted correctional facilities to earn credit toward reducing their minimum term of imprisonment before parole eligibility.

Inmates can earn credit by demonstrating progress in five categories: work/vocational training, social adjustment, counseling/self-help groups, therapeutic programs, and education/literacy programs.

The Department of Corrections shall conduct annual reviews of each inmate's performance in the earned-time program and may grant, withhold, withdraw, or restore earned-time deductions based on certified records.

Earned-time deductions vest upon being granted, and the director must promptly notify crime victims if an inmate's adjusted minimum term completion date changes.

Takes effect July 1, 2014.