HB 2221 - Pretrial Release

• Requires courts to release any person charged with a criminal offense on personal recognizance or unsecured bond unless clear and convincing evidence shows they are unlikely to appear for trial, with a rebuttable presumption that defendants will appear and the State bearing the burden of proof.

• Mandates the Hawaii judiciary establish a statewide court appearance reminder system to notify defendants of their court dates, times, and locations.

• Establishes nine requirements for any pretrial risk assessment tool used by courts, including local validation, minimal racial and ethnic bias, transparency, and subject to independent community review.

• Narrows the definition of crimes ineligible for release from "serious crime" to specific offenses: murder, attempted murder, or class A/B felonies (with exceptions for forgery in the first degree and failing to render aid).

• Prohibits judges from using bail schedules as a standard and requires courts to order the least restrictive release conditions necessary, effective July 1, 2018.