HI SB778

Prohibits "emerging adult defendants" (ages 18-20) from receiving life imprisonment without the possibility of parole sentences in Hawaii

Defines "emerging adult defendant" as a person convicted of a crime who was over 18 years of age but less than 21 years of age at the time of the offense

Raises the minimum age for life without parole eligibility from 18 years old to 21 years old

Cites neuroscience research indicating brain maturation continues through an individual's mid-twenties as justification for the change

References Massachusetts as the first state to ban life without parole for 18-20 year olds through a court decision