Hawaii House Bill HB994

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/23/25
• Report Pass: 2/27/25
• Engrossed: 3/4/25
• Refer: 3/6/25
• Report Pass: 3/27/25
• Enrolled: 3/28/25
• Chaptered: 4/11/25
• Passed: 4/11/25

Caption

Relating To The Offense Of Promoting Pornography For Minors.

Impact

The bill modifies Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 806-83 to permit the offense of promoting pornography for minors to be initiated through written information, a procedure previously reserved for less severe charges. By modifying this legal framework, the legislature seeks to empower law enforcement agencies to act more swiftly in the prosecution of such heinous offenses. The introduction of written information is expected to streamline and expedite the legal process, thereby reinforcing the fight against child exploitation in digital spaces.

Summary

House Bill 994 aims to enhance the prosecution of those involved in promoting pornography for minors by allowing such offenses to be instituted by written information. This change follows the adoption of Act 244 in 2024, which recognized the need for more effective protocols in combating child exploitation through the internet. The bill emphasizes the importance of expedient legal action following large-scale undercover operations that target offenders soliciting minors for sexual activities online.

Sentiment

Discussions around HB 994 indicate a largely supportive sentiment from lawmakers concerned about child safety and the ability to effectively combat online child exploitation. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step to reinforce child protective laws and respond quickly to incidents of pornography distribution to minors. However, there may also be concerns about the balance between expeditious prosecution and the protection of civil rights during undercover operations.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding the bill is the procedural change to allow for written charging of a more serious offense, which some critics might argue could lead to rushed decisions in prosecution without thorough investigation. The potential for unintended consequences, such as increased pressure on law enforcement or legal errors, may pose challenges that warrant attention as the bill moves through the legislative process.