Requesting The Criminal Justice Research Institute, In Collaboration With The Judiciary And Department Of Public Safety, To Report On The Outcomes Of Individuals Released On Bail And Other Forms Of Pretrial Release.
The resolution calls for a comprehensive analysis of individuals released into the community pending trial, focusing on those who met bail, were on supervised release, or released on recognizance. It seeks to gather important statistics, such as the numbers and percentages of individuals who re-offended or failed to appear in court after their release. This data is vital for understanding the effectiveness and potential risks associated with the current bail system, with the intention of guiding future reforms to enhance public safety.
Senate Resolution 100 (SR100) requests the Criminal Justice Research Institute of Hawaii, in collaboration with the judiciary and Department of Public Safety, to compile and report on the outcomes of individuals released on bail and other forms of pretrial release. This action aligns with ongoing discussions around bail reform, which seek to move away from a monetary bail system by exploring its implications on public safety and judicial efficiency. SR100 emphasizes the importance of data collection and aggregation to inform future legislative actions regarding pretrial release policies.
The bill arises from a need for evidence-based approaches to bail reform, amid concerns regarding the implications of monetary bail, including its effects on crime rates. While there is some contention about whether abolishing monetary bail contributes to increased crime, as highlighted through recent reports, the current lack of data specific to Hawaii inhibits informed decision-making in criminal justice reform. There is a call for transparency and accountability through a publicly accessible report detailing these findings, which is aimed to be submitted to the legislature by December 1, 2023.