SENATOR MIKE GABBARD APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO REFORM YOUTH JUSTICE SYSTEM
- Hawaiʻi State Senate
- May 7
- 1 min read
Updated: May 13
HONOLULU – Senator Mike Gabbard (District 21 – Kapolei, Makakilo, Kalaeloa, portions of Fernandez Village, and ‘Ewa) proudly announced that three of the bills he introduced during this legislative session focused on juvenile justice reform, have been passed by the Hawaiʻi State Legislature.
“These bills reflect collaboration and a deep commitment to protecting our youth,” said Senator Gabbard. “I’m incredibly grateful to my colleagues and to the community partners who helped get these important measures over the finish line.”
The following bills are focused on protecting children from harmful and outdated criminal justice practices:
SB544 gives courts more flexibility to consider a person’s age and circumstances when they committed a crime as a minor, even if they're being sentenced as an adult, and lets judges reduce mandatory sentences when warranted.
SB691 sets the minimum age at 12 for a child to be brought into court for breaking or attempting to break the law.
SB694 prohibits minors from being held in adult jails, lockups, or prisons, except in limited, temporary circumstances.
Gabbard added, “These reforms bring Hawaiʻi in line with national best practices and help ensure that no child is subjected to inhumane treatment within the criminal justice system.”
The bills now await the Governor’s signature.