HB1517 Summary

• Amends Section 706-606.4 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to expand sentencing aggravating factors for certain enumerated offenses committed in the presence of a minor.

• Removes the requirement that the defendant be a family or household member of either the minor or the victim, broadening applicability beyond domestic violence contexts.

• Specifies that "offense" includes violations of assault (first and second degree), sexual assault (first, second, and third degree), and abuse of family or household members.

• Defines "in the presence of a minor" to include actual physical presence of a child or knowing a child is present and may hear or see the offense.

• Takes effect upon approval with no retroactive application to proceedings begun before the effective date.