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Bill Summary · SB 1364

Legislative bill overview

SB 1364 is an emergency appropriations bill introduced in Hawaii that allocates funding specifically for law enforcement personnel costs. The bill passed its second reading with amendments but was deferred by the Ways and Means Committee and carried over to the 2026 regular session without final passage.

Why is this important

Emergency appropriations bills bypass normal budgeting procedures to quickly allocate funds for urgent needs. Funding law enforcement personnel directly affects police department staffing levels, recruitment, retention, and operational capacity across Hawaii's jurisdictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and justification: Whether the law enforcement funding crisis qualifies as a genuine "emergency" requiring expedited appropriation rather than standard budget cycles
  • Allocation details: How funds are distributed among departments, whether they address salary/retention issues, and whether competing priorities (mental health services, social workers) are being deprioritized
  • Fiscal sustainability: Whether emergency appropriations create long-term budget obligations without permanent revenue solutions, potentially straining future state budgets

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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