HI HB438

Establishes the Due Process in Immigration Proceedings Program within the judiciary to provide legal representation to Hawaii residents facing immigration court proceedings, regardless of their ability to pay

Requires the judiciary to contract with nonprofit organizations and legal service providers to implement the program, with services including deportation defense, asylum applications, and other immigration relief processes

Sets eligibility at Hawaii residents with income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, with exceptions for extraordinary circumstances

Mandates partnerships with the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law to train law students and legal practitioners in immigration representation

Requires annual reports to the legislature detailing number of individuals served, case types, outcomes, pending case durations, and program improvement recommendations

Appropriates unspecified general fund amounts for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with effective date of July 1, 3000 (placeholder date)