HI HB2494

Requires police officers to issue citations instead of arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations unless specific risk factors are present, such as failure to identify, flight risk, outstanding warrants, likelihood of further police contact, or risk of bodily injury

Officers may still arrest without issuing citations for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant (section 291E-61) or abuse of family or household members (section 709-906)

Mandates officers document which specific factors justified any arrest made for petty misdemeanors or violations

Requires the judiciary to create a standardized citation form by July 1, 2027, designed to improve court appearance rates and include contact information, resolution options, and court details prominently displayed

Directs the Criminal Justice Research Institute to submit reports to the legislature on criminal citation usage before the 2027, 2028, and 2029 legislative sessions, analyzing data by offense level and county