Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 2494: RELATING TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM.
Passed one chamber Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 2494 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii House on January 28, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM. Primary sponsor: David Tarnas (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (March 30, 2026): Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3287) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Establishes factors under which officers may arrest and detain persons without a warrant for petty misdemeanors and violations, and requires officers to document the justification for the arrests. Amends the circumstances under which officers may issue citations in lieu of arrest. Requires officers to issue citations in lieu of arrest for certain petty misdemeanors and violations, unless public safety or flight risks are present or the alleged offense involves operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant or the abuse of family or household members. Requires the Judiciary to promulgate a standardized citation form and updates the required information for citations. Requires citations be visible on an offender's criminal record. Requires the Criminal Justice Research Institute to submit reports. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Tarnas | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 8 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3287) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.
- Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.
- The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Awa; and 0 Excused: none.
- The committee(s) on JDC has scheduled a public hearing on 03-24-26 9:45AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference.
- Re-Referred to JDC, WAM.
- Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 429).
- Passed First Reading.
- Referred to PSM, JDC/WAM.
- Passed Third Reading with Representative(s) La Chica, Reyes Oda voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Chun, Garcia, Gedeon, Hartsfield, Kila, Kitagawa, Kong, Lee, M., Matayoshi, Matsumoto, Muraoka, Olds, Pierick, Shimizu, Takenouchi, Tam, Templo voting no (18) and none excused (0). Transmitted to Senate.
- Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 917-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and placement on the calendar for Third Reading.
- Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1; placed on the calendar for Third Reading with Representative(s) Kila, Muraoka, Reyes Oda, Tam voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Gedeon, Matsumoto, Pierick voting no (5) and Representative(s) Perruso excused (1).
- The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 7 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Hashem, Kahaloa, Sayama, Takayama; Ayes with reservations: none; 2 Noes: Representative(s) Garcia, Shimizu; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Cochran.
Showing 12 most recent of 17 actions. Full history