HI SB2047

Requires the Hawaii Judicial Council to conduct a comprehensive review of the Hawaii Penal Code through an advisory committee, with review to commence in 2021 and be completed no later than forty days before the 2023 legislative session.

Advisory committee must ensure the penal code is consistent and proportional regarding sentencing across offense types, aligned with national best practices and evidence-based recidivism reduction strategies, and maintains continued force and effectiveness.

Committee membership includes representatives from judiciary, legislature, attorney general, public defender, county prosecutors and police, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Department of Public Safety, citizen groups, private criminal law attorneys, advocacy groups for incarcerated individuals and crime victims, and psychologists or social workers.

Authorizes the Judicial Council to appoint a reporter and research and clerical staff without regard to civil service requirements, with preference given to University of Hawaii law school faculty and students.

Appropriates $25,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2020-2021 to fund the review, with the appropriation effective July 1, 2050.