Report Title:

Statute of Limitations; Sex Crimes

Description:

Extends the statute of limitations for prosecution of class A, B, and C felony sexual offenses committed against minors.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	583
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to time limitations.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Section 701-108, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (2) to read as follows:

     "(2)  Except as otherwise provided in this section, prosecutions for other offenses are subject to the following periods of limitation:

    (a)   A prosecution for manslaughter where the death was not caused by the operation of a motor vehicle must be commenced within ten years after it is committed;

    (b)   A prosecution for a class A felony must be commenced within six years after it is committed; provided that a prosecution for a class A felony under chapter 707, part V or VI, committed when the victim was under eighteen years of age, must be commenced within ten years after the crime is committed or six years after the day the victim turns eighteen years of age, whichever is longer;

    (c)   A prosecution for any felony under part IX of chapter 708 must be commenced within five years after it is committed;

    (d)   A prosecution for any other felony must be commenced within three years after it is committed; provided that a prosecution for a class B or C felony under chapter 707, part V or VI, committed when the victim was under eighteen years of age, must be commenced within six years after it was committed or three years after the day the victim turns eighteen years of age, whichever is longer;

    (e)   A prosecution for a misdemeanor or parking violation must be commenced within two years after it is committed; and

    (f)   A prosecution for a petty misdemeanor or a violation other than a parking violation must be commenced within one year after it is committed."

     SECTION 2.  This Act applies to all acts whether occurring before or after its effective date.

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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