HI HB1959

Restricts deferred acceptance of guilty pleas to petty misdemeanor domestic violence offenses only, removing misdemeanor offenses from eligibility under Section 709-906, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Extends the sunset date for domestic violence pilot program provisions from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2031, affecting Acts 19 (2020), 238 (2021), and 23 (2023).

Requires the judiciary to submit annual reports to the legislature from 2026 through 2030 on domestic violence case outcomes, including dismissals, deferrals, guilty pleas, treatment completion rates, and recidivism data.

Mandates a comprehensive evaluation by December 1, 2030, in consultation with the criminal justice research institute, reviewing data from 2016-2029 to assess pilot program effectiveness and provide legislative recommendations.

Takes effect July 1, 3000 (placeholder date), with the deferred acceptance of guilty plea restriction set to expire June 30, 2031.