STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1548-14

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2014

RE:   S.B. No. 702

      S.D. 2

      H.D. 2

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 702, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CHILD ABUSE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to combat internet crimes against children by, among other things:

     (1)  Establishing an Internet Crimes Against Children Fee, which shall be assessed against a defendant for each felony or misdemeanor conviction; and

     (2)  Establishing an Internet Crimes Against Children Special Fund from which the Attorney General may expend funds to:

          (A)  Train and equip local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute internet crimes against children;

          (B)  Enable law enforcement to investigate and prosecute internet crimes against children; and

(C)  Assist groups working directly to fight internet crimes against children.

The Crime Victim Compensation Commission; Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, County of Hawaii; Maui Department of the Prosecuting Attorney; Sex Abuse Treatment Center; and a concerned individual supported this measure.  The Department of Budget and Finance commented on this measure.   

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 702, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

SYLVIA LUKE, Chair