HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1468

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to electronic citations.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that paper citations are plagued by numerous deficiencies, such as untimely delivery of citations from law enforcement agencies to the judiciary, and difficulty in deciphering handwritten notes.  In many instances, these deficiencies lead to the dismissal of traffic citations or delays in access to citations by the person who was cited.

     The legislature further finds that electronic citation technology provides numerous benefits to law enforcement, the judiciary, and the general public.  These benefits include:

     (1)  Improved efficiency and accuracy in the issuance of citations, which contributes to officer and motorist safety by reducing the time spent on the ticketing process often occurring in precarious roadside locations;

     (2)  Easier-to-read citations;

     (3)  Improved efficiency and accuracy in citation data entry into law enforcement and the judiciary's record management systems, since electronic citations can reduce redundant data entries;

     (4)  Elimination of in-person deliveries or mailing of paper citations from police districts to the courts, leading to faster access to citations for violators to pay fines online or in person; and

     (5)  Improved traffic safety due to the availability of electronic citation data analyses, such as the types of violations, geolocations, times of issuance, and other related data points.

     The legislature recognizes that a statewide electronic citation system will streamline processes and that the time savings will allow law enforcement to spend less time on paperwork and data entry and more time on responding to calls and community concerns.

     The legislature further recognizes that an electronic citation system will assist the judiciary in reducing clerical issues, processing delays, and citation dismissals.

     The purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Establish a statewide electronic citation program under the judiciary; and

     (2)  Make appropriations.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Part     .  STATEWIDE ELECTRONIC CITATION PROGRAM

     §291C-    Definition.  As used in this part, "electronic citation" means the process of transmitting traffic, misdemeanor, or other citations and law enforcement data via electronic means to the clerk of the court.

     §291C-    Statewide electronic citation program.  (a)  There is established within the judiciary a statewide electronic citation program.

     (b)  The judiciary shall adopt procedures to implement this section."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the establishment, implementation, operation, oversight, repair and maintenance of a statewide electronic citation program.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 as a grant-in-aid to the city and county of Honolulu for the establishment, implementation, operation, oversight, repair and maintenance of a statewide electronic citation program.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the city and county of Honolulu for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 as a grant-in-aid to the county of Maui for the establishment, implementation, operation, oversight, repair and maintenance of a statewide electronic citation program.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the county of Maui for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 as a grant-in-aid to the county of Hawaii for the establishment, implementation, operation, oversight, repair and maintenance of a statewide electronic citation program.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the county of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 7.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 as a grant-in-aid to the county of Kauai for the establishment, implementation, operation, oversight, repair and maintenance of a statewide electronic citation program.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the county of Kauai for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 8.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $51,024 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the establishment of one permanent full time equivalent (1.0 FTE) accountant position.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 9.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023; provided that section 2 shall take effect on January 1, 2024.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Electronic Citation Program; Established; Appropriation

 

Description:

Establishes statewide electronic citation program under the Judiciary.  Appropriates funds.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.