Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR139

Introduced
3/8/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Introduced
3/8/24  
Report Pass
3/22/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Report Pass
3/22/24  
Report Pass
4/4/24  
Refer
3/22/24  
Report Pass
4/4/24  

Caption

Requesting The Women's Corrections Implementation Commission To Develop A Strategy And Make Recommendations To Reduce The Number Of Women Incarcerated At The Women's Community Correctional Center By Twenty-five Percent Over The Next Five Years.

Impact

The bill is a response to alarming trends noted in recent years, where the population of women inmates has significantly increased, leading to concerns about recidivism and the effectiveness of the current system. Arguments presented within the bill highlight that many incarcerated women are non-violent offenders and struggle with issues such as poverty, substance abuse, and past abuses. By setting measurable goals and investing in community-based rehabilitation programs, HR139 seeks to provide women with the necessary support and resources to reintegrate into society and reduce their chances of reoffending.

Summary

House Resolution 139 (HR139) addresses the pressing issue of incarceration rates among women in Hawaii, particularly at the Women's Community Correctional Center. The bill introduces a request for the Women's Corrections Implementation Commission to strategize and recommend measures aimed at reducing the number of incarcerated women by 25% over the next five years. This resolution reflects a recognition of the unique circumstances and needs of women in the criminal justice system, emphasizing a shift from punitive measures to rehabilitative approaches.

Contention

While HR139 has garnered support from those seeking reform, potential points of contention revolve around resource allocation and the feasibility of achieving a 25% reduction in the short timeframe proposed. Discussions may arise regarding the necessary investments in community programs that can effectively address the underlying causes of incarceration, given that current models often fail to divert women from the criminal justice system. Critics might argue about the potential challenges in implementing such systemic changes across various departments and ensuring coordinated efforts among the judiciary, correctional facilities, and community organizations.

Companion Bills

HI HCR160

Same As Requesting The Women's Corrections Implementation Commission To Develop A Strategy And Make Recommendations To Reduce The Number Of Women Incarcerated At The Women's Community Correctional Center By Twenty-five Percent Over The Next Five Years.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR160

Requesting The Women's Corrections Implementation Commission To Develop A Strategy And Make Recommendations To Reduce The Number Of Women Incarcerated At The Women's Community Correctional Center By Twenty-five Percent Over The Next Five Years.

HI SCR31

Requesting The Women's Corrections Implementation Commission To Develop A Strategy And Make Recommendations To Reduce The Number Of Women Incarcerated At The Women's Community Correctional Center By Twenty-five Percent Over The Next Five Years.

HI SR20

Requesting The Women's Corrections Implementation Commission To Develop A Strategy And Make Recommendations To Reduce The Number Of Women Incarcerated At The Women's Community Correctional Center By Twenty-five Percent Over The Next Five Years.

HI SB2774

Relating To Women's Community Correctional Center.

HI HR149

Requesting The Auditor To Perform A Comprehensive Performance, Management, And Financial Audit Of The Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation And Department Of Accounting And General Services Regarding Spending Related To The Planning, Design, Financing, Construction, And Maintenance Of A New Jail To Replace The Oahu Community Correctional Center.

HI HCR154

Requesting The Auditor To Perform A Comprehensive Performance, Management, And Financial Audit Of The Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation And Department Of Accounting And General Services Regarding Spending Related To The Planning, Design, Financing, Construction, And Maintenance Of A New Jail To Replace The Oahu Community Correctional Center.

HI HCR23

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.

HI HR25

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.

HI HB1052

MS Department of Corrections; provide for Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development.

HI S3530

Establishes "Incarcerated Women's Protection Act" and concerns correctional facility board of trustees.

Similar Bills

HI SCR31

Requesting The Women's Corrections Implementation Commission To Develop A Strategy And Make Recommendations To Reduce The Number Of Women Incarcerated At The Women's Community Correctional Center By Twenty-five Percent Over The Next Five Years.

HI SR20

Requesting The Women's Corrections Implementation Commission To Develop A Strategy And Make Recommendations To Reduce The Number Of Women Incarcerated At The Women's Community Correctional Center By Twenty-five Percent Over The Next Five Years.

HI HCR160

Requesting The Women's Corrections Implementation Commission To Develop A Strategy And Make Recommendations To Reduce The Number Of Women Incarcerated At The Women's Community Correctional Center By Twenty-five Percent Over The Next Five Years.

CA AB1380

Wildland firefighters: Formerly Incarcerated Firefighter Certification and Employment Program.

CA AB1329

County jail incarcerated persons: identification card pilot program.

CA AB2023

Jails: discharge plans.

CA AB428

California Department of Reentry.

CA AB3007

Children of incarcerated parents: support and services.