H.B. 1271 Summary

• Establishes a temporary Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform within the Governor's Office, operating until June 30, 2021.

• Commission shall develop statewide sentencing and corrections policies aimed at reducing the State's prison population, cutting correctional spending, and reinvesting savings into public safety and recidivism reduction strategies.

• Commission membership includes 16 members representing the judiciary, legislature, corrections, public defense, law enforcement, Hawaiian Affairs, academia, community experts, and former inmates.

• Commission must evaluate mandatory minimum sentences, alternative sentencing options like specialty courts, and probation and parole policies affecting incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals.

• Commission shall report findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than 20 days prior to the 2021 regular session; Act takes effect July 1, 2019.