HI HR87

Request the Hawaii Paroling Authority to convene a working group to examine smarter sentencing principles and improve the quality and reliability of the State's criminal justice sentencing policies and practices.

Working group to research cases over the past ten years where smarter sentencing principles were applied or applicable, and examine possibilities for designing and implementing a smarter sentencing process.

Working group to examine the effects of indeterminate sentencing and the possibility of restoring statutory authority for minimum sentencing to the judiciary.

Working group membership includes legislative chairs with judiciary and public safety jurisdiction, county prosecutors, public defenders, the Attorney General, two Chief Justice-appointed members, representatives from civil rights organizations and victim advocacy groups, and four community members appointed by the Governor.

Working group must meet at least five times before December 31, 2015, submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2016 regular session, and dissolve on June 30, 2016.