Hawaii Senate Bill SB470

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/25/23

Caption

Relating To Youth Fees And Fines.

Impact

Beyond prohibiting future assessments, SB470 extends its reach by discharging all outstanding debts associated with past fees, fines, and costs that have been assessed against youth prior to the bill's effective date. This measure signifies a broader movement among states toward reforming juvenile justice systems to eliminate practices that are deemed unduly punitive on low-income families and to shift focus towards more effective rehabilitation techniques. It aligns Hawaii with legislative trends in other states that have acted to eliminate juvenile fines as a method of punitive justice.

Summary

Senate Bill 470 aims to address the impact of fines, fees, and court costs levied against youth in Hawaii's juvenile justice system. The bill seeks to prevent the assessment of any financial penalties on minors or their guardians for offenses committed during the individual's minority. This legislative initiative arises from findings that such financial burdens disproportionately affect Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Black youth, which can lead to additional hardships for families already struggling to make ends meet. The bill recognizes that charging these fines does not contribute effectively to rehabilitation, deterrence, or punishment, and often results in greater costs for struggling families and juvenile justice systems alike, as jurisdictions spend more on collection efforts than they earn in revenue from these fines.

Contention

While the bill may present advancements in youth justice reform, it also has potential for contention, particularly from those who argue that failing to hold minors financially accountable could undermine responsibility and deter compliance with the law. Proponents of the bill emphasize that economic penalties can lead to recurring delinquency rather than serving as an effective deterrent. Furthermore, the bill is rooted in a perspective that holds young people should not be financially penalized for infractions committed during their formative years, which advocates argue enhances community safety and contributes to lower recidivism rates.