Requesting The Judiciary To Convene A Task Force To Examine And Make Recommendations Regarding Existing Procedures Of The Hawaii Paroling Authority Setting The Minimum Terms Of Imprisonment.
Impact
One notable impact of SCR205, if enacted, would be a potential restructuring of the roles and responsibilities of the Hawaii Paroling Authority. It calls for a detailed examination of whether other parole system models utilized by different states might be beneficial for Hawaii. The task force is to assess the possibility of alleviating the Paroling Authority of its duty to set minimum terms, which is unique to Hawaii among the thirty-three states that utilize an indeterminate sentencing system. This could lead to more focused oversight on determining prisoner suitability for parole and supervising parolees effectively.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution 205 (SCR205) is a legislative initiative requesting the judiciary of Hawaii to convene a task force aimed at examining the current procedures of the Hawaii Paroling Authority regarding the setting of minimum terms of imprisonment. The bill highlights the inefficiencies inherent in the existing two-step process, where the presiding judge determines the maximum sentence and the parole board subsequently decides the minimum term. This redundant procedure consumes significant time—approximately thirty percent—of the Paroling Authority's resources, which could be better utilized elsewhere.
Contention
The resolution indicates a significant step towards potentially reforming how the state handles its parole system. However, it may invite contention regarding the balance of judicial efficiency and the rights of individual defendants. Critics may argue that any changes to the current system should consider the impact on victims and the judicial process's integrity, raising questions about how any recommended changes might affect parole decisions and the nuances involved in individual cases. Additionally, there may be discussions about the level of collaboration between judicial authorities and the legislature in reforming such foundational aspects of the criminal justice system.
Same As
Requesting The Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission To Convene A Task Force To Examine And Make Recommendations Regarding Existing Procedures Of The Hawaii Paroling Authority Setting The Minimum Terms Of Imprisonment.
Same As
Requesting The Judiciary To Convene A Task Force To Examine And Make Recommendations Regarding Existing Procedures Of The Hawaii Paroling Authority Setting The Minimum Terms Of Imprisonment.
Declaring That Bullying Is A Matter Of Statewide Concern; Requesting The Department Of Education To Update Its Rules And Policies To Address Bullying; And Requesting The Hawaii State Council On Developmental Disabilities To Convene A Task Force To Address The Bullying Of Disabled Children.
Requesting A Task Force Be Convened To Examine Successful Public Mass Transit Projects In Appropriate Cities And Countries And Develop Options To Reduce Cost And Return Increased Value To Residents From Funds Made Available By The State For Public Mass Transit.
Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Convene An Interagency Task Force To Combat The Underground Economy And Employee Misclassification In The State's Construction Industry.
Requesting That A Task Force Be Convened To Develop A Norwegian-based Public Facility Model Designated To Ensure The Well-being And Safety Of Dementia Patients.
Requesting The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development To Convene A Working Group To Develop Recommendations To Expand Blue Carbon Initiatives In The State.