H.B. 170 Summary

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes section 708-831 to add theft of property commonly used to store items of monetary value as a separate offense of theft in the second degree, regardless of the value of items inside.

• Specifically includes purses, handbags, wallets, and similar items as property that qualifies for second-degree theft charges when stolen.

• Addresses limitations of current law requiring prosecutors to prove intent to steal property or services exceeding $750, which often results in charges being amended or dropped.

• Establishes that stealing containers commonly used to store personal or monetary value is a felony to deter theft and protect victims from identity theft, fraud, and stalking resulting from stolen personal information contained in such items.

• Effective upon approval with no retroactive application to proceedings begun before the act's effective date.