HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1558
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to public safety.

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

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 353, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§353-   Department of public safety oversight committee.  (a)  There is established the department of public safety oversight committee to:

(1) Ensure transparency in the operations of the department;

(2) Analyze the effectiveness of the department's governance, management of staff, operation of prisons, and administration of its programs and services;

(3) Evaluate the department's rehabilitation and reintegration programs;

(4) Evaluate the department's progress with regard to justice reinvestment and the return of Hawaii prisoners from mainland facilities; and

(5) Review any other issues impacting the department.

(b)  The committee shall conduct annual site visits and have access to all areas in correctional facilities, within the constraints of safety and security. 

(c)  The committee shall be composed of:

(1) Members of the standing committees of both houses of the legislature whose purview is to oversee the department;

(2) The director of labor and industrial relations or the director's designee;

(3) The chairperson of the board of land and natural resources or the chairperson's designee;

(4) The director of human services or the director's designee; and

(5) The chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission or the chairperson's designee.

(d)  The committee shall be jointly chaired by the legislative standing committees' respective chairs.

(e)  The members of the committee shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses that are necessary for the performance of their duties.

(f)  As used in this section, "committee" means the department of public safety oversight committee."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

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

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Department of Public Safety Oversight Committee

Description:

Establishes the Department of Public Safety Oversight Committee to evaluate the operations, governance, and programs, including programs relating to justice reinvestment, of the Department of Public Safety.  Requires members of the committee to conduct site visits.

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