Hawaii Senate Bill SB2272

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/22
• Refer: 1/24/22

Caption

Relating To Forensic Testing.

Impact

The bill proposes to appropriate funds from the general revenues of the State of Hawaii for the fiscal year 2022-2023. Specifically, it allocates grant-in-aid to the city and county of Honolulu, as well as to the counties of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai. These funds are intended for enhancing forensic resources, such as purchasing equipment and increasing personnel for local police departments. By facilitating these improvements, the bill seeks to ensure timely forensic testing, which is pivotal in legal processes and the protection of citizens' rights.

Summary

Senate Bill 2272 addresses the critical need for improved forensic testing capabilities within the State of Hawaii. The legislation recognizes the significant steps already taken to reduce the backlog of rape kit testing and expedite other forensic examinations that are essential for law enforcement to function effectively. Despite the progress made since the enactment of Act 207 in 2016, there remains a shortage of adequate forensic testing resources. This bill aims to fill that gap by providing targeted funding to support the necessary forensic testing efforts across various counties in Hawaii.

Contention

While SB2272 is largely aimed at strengthening the framework for forensic testing in Hawaii, discussions around the bill may raise points regarding funding sufficiency and the administrative efficacy of implementing such measures across various jurisdictions. Concerns may arise about the ongoing management of these resources and whether the allocation of funds will effectively meet the intended goals of decreasing the backlog and improving public safety. Furthermore, there might be dialogues on ensuring that the expansion of forensic testing capabilities does not inadvertently lead to issues of overreach in law enforcement practices.