S.B. 1612 Summary

• Establishes a five-year fitness to proceed pilot program in one county with a population between 200,000 and 500,000 to reduce overcrowding at Hawaii State Hospital and ensure staff safety.

• Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to reserve at least one cell or living space for every two inmates who have filed a motion or defense under chapter 704, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

• Inmates in the pilot program remain under primary custody of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation while receiving mental health services from the Department of Health through a partnership.

• Requires an interim report to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2027 regular session and a final report with findings and recommendations no later than 20 days before the 2030 regular session.

• Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 for the pilot program's establishment and implementation, with an effective date of July 1, 3000.