Hawaii Senate Bill SCR213

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 4/3/24
• Engrossed: 4/4/24
• Refer: 4/5/24
• Report Pass: 4/19/24
• Passed: 4/22/24

Caption

Requesting The Office Of The Administrative Director Of The Courts To Collect, Compile, And Share Data On The Assessment Of Fees, Court Costs, Fines, And Restitution In Cases Against Minors.

Impact

If enacted, SCR213 could have a transformative impact on the way Hawaii's juvenile justice system operates. By mandating the collection of relevant data, the resolution seeks to highlight the consequences of current policies, potentially indicating a need for change in how fees and fines are applied in juvenile cases. Advocates assert that eliminating such costs for minors could help to reduce recidivism rates, improve outcomes for youth, and promote a fairer judicial process that does not penalize families financially for the behaviors of their children.

Summary

SCR213 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii that requests the Office of the Administrative Director of the Courts to collect and share data regarding the assessment of fees, court costs, fines, and restitution levied against minors. This resolution is informed by extensive research indicating that such financial penalties can cause significant harm to young individuals and their families, particularly affecting Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Black youths who may lack the financial resources to manage these obligations. The initiative aims to shed light on how these costs impact young people, which could lead to informed decisions regarding potential legislative reforms.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR213 appears to be largely supportive among those advocating for juvenile justice reform. Proponents emphasize the resolution's capacity to foster significant improvements in the treatment of minors within the judicial system, particularly concerning racial equity and the elimination of punitive financial measures. However, there may be contention from those who are concerned that removing fees and fines could undermine accountability or take away financial contributions that the court system relies on.

Contention

While the resolution predominantly calls for data collection, there may be ongoing debates regarding its implications. Noteworthy points of contention include concerns about the potential for reduced accountability among youths if financial penalties are eliminated. Some stakeholders might argue that the assessment of fees serves as a deterrent for delinquent behavior, and thus, completely abolishing them may not be ideal. The balance between fostering a rehabilitative versus punitive environment for minors remains a critical topic of discussion, which could influence future legislation following the findings from the requested data report.