Report Title:

Earned-Time; Parole; Early Parole Eligibility

Description:

Mandates for the department of public safety to create parameters to establish an earned-time program that provides incentives for inmate rehabilitation by allowing inmates to become eligible for parole when they make consistent progress in completing programs while incarcerated.  (SD1)

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2343
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO PAROLE.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that many correctional jurisdictions in the United States use an incentive system that rewards inmates for positive behavior.  The earned-time credit system was first implemented in the eighteenth century to relieve overcrowding, reward inmates who have no behavioral infractions, and encourage participation in inmate rehabilitation programs, such as education and vocational training.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the department of public safety to develop parameters to establish an earned-time program that allows inmates in Hawaii, or in contracted correctional facilities on the mainland, to earn credit toward the time that they are eligible for parole.  The department of public shall consider and examine various earned-time programs established under the laws of other states in developing the earned-time program under this measure.

     SECTION 2.  The department of public safety shall:

     (1)  Consider and examine various earned-time programs established under the laws of other states;

     (2)  Develop an earned-time program for Hawaii inmates incarcerated in Hawaii and on the mainland; and

     (3)  Report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for the establishment of an earned-time program to the legislature at least twenty days prior to the start of the 2009 regular session.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.