Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB287

Introduced

1/15/25

Refer

1/21/25

Report Pass

2/10/25

Refer

2/10/25

Caption

Making An Appropriation For The Victim Witness Assistance Program.

Impact

If passed, SB287 would have a significant impact on state laws relating to victim assistance across Hawaii. Primarily, it enhances the capacity of the prosecuting attorney's office to support victims and witnesses of crime, aiding them through the often challenging judicial process. This increase in resources can foster a more supportive environment for victims, as it ensures they receive timely information, emotional support, and guidance, thereby potentially improving overall outcomes for victims within the judicial system.

Summary

SB287 is a legislative bill aimed at making an appropriation for the Victim Witness Assistance Program in Hawaii. The bill authorizes the allocation of funds from the general revenues of the State of Hawaii to provide necessary resources for the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the city and county of Honolulu. The funding is intended to cover the hiring of additional staff and other essential expenses associated with the implementation of this program, which is vital in supporting crime victims during legal proceedings.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB287 appears to be positive, with proponents highlighting the importance of providing proper support to victims of crime. Advocates of the bill argue that the funding will directly benefit the community by ensuring that victims have access to the resources they need to navigate the legal system. Overall, there seems to be a consensus among stakeholders that enhancing victim assistance services is crucial for justice and community welfare.

Contention

While the general atmosphere surrounding SB287 is favorable, there may be underlying concerns regarding the allocation of state funds amid competing budgetary priorities. Although no major contentions were noted in the summaries available, it remains vital to monitor discussions for any potential opposition related to fiscal responsibility or prioritization of spending in other critical areas.

Companion Bills

HI SB287

Carry Over Making An Appropriation For The Victim Witness Assistance Program.

Previously Filed As

HI SB287

Making An Appropriation For The Victim Witness Assistance Program.

HI HB394

Making An Appropriation For The Victim Witness Assistance Program.

HI SB286

Making An Appropriation For Career Criminal Prosecution.

HI HB393

Making An Appropriation For Career Criminal Prosecution.

HI SB428

Relating To Witness Fees.

HI HB1167

Making An Emergency Appropriation To The Department Of Transportation.

HI HB990

Making Appropriations For Claims Against The State, Its Officers, Or Its Employees.

HI SCR208

Requesting The Judiciary To Urge Courts To Prioritize Victim And Witness Rights To Speedy Trials.

HI SR183

Requesting The Judiciary To Urge Courts To Prioritize Victim And Witness Rights To Speedy Trials.

HI SB1309

Making Appropriations For Claims Against The State, Its Officers, Or Its Employees.

Similar Bills

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

PA SB1161

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.