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HR 52

MEMORIAL-REP. C. JEFFERSON

104th Regular Session Introduced by Carol Ammons and 22 co-sponsors

HR 52 requests the judiciary to assess the impact of elevating harassment by stalking from a misdemeanor to a Class C felony, affecting victims, offenders, and court resources.

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Robyn Gabel
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Bill Summary · HR 52

Summary of HR 52: Requesting the Judiciary to Assess the Impact of Increasing the Level of the Offense of Harassment by Stalking

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HR 52
  • Title: Requesting the Judiciary to Assess the Impact of Increasing the Level of the Offense of Harassment by Stalking from a Misdemeanor to a Class C Felony
  • Status: Referred to JHA, referral sheet 22
  • Introduced: January 03, 2025
  • Classification: Resolution
  • Subject: Harassment by Stalking, Judiciary, Level of Offense

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HR 52 is to request the judiciary to conduct an assessment regarding the implications of elevating the offense of harassment by stalking from its current classification as a misdemeanor to a Class C felony. This change aims to evaluate the potential impacts on victims, offenders, and the judicial system as a whole.

Key Provisions

  • Assessment Request: The bill specifically calls for a comprehensive evaluation by the judiciary to understand the consequences of reclassifying harassment by stalking.
  • Focus Areas for Assessment:
    • Legal Implications: How the change in classification would affect legal proceedings and penalties for offenders.
    • Victim Support: The potential benefits or drawbacks for victims of stalking, including access to protective measures and support services.
    • Judicial Resources: An analysis of how this change might impact court resources, including case loads and judicial processes.

Affected Parties

  • Victims of Stalking: Individuals who experience harassment by stalking may see changes in the legal protections available to them.
  • Offenders: Those charged with harassment by stalking could face more severe penalties if the offense is elevated to a Class C felony.
  • Judicial System: Courts and law enforcement agencies may need to adjust their processes and resources to accommodate the changes in classification and the resulting legal implications.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

  • January 03, 2025: The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
  • March 05, 2025: The bill was scheduled to be offered.
  • March 06, 2025: The bill was officially offered.
  • March 14, 2025: The bill was referred to the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) committee, as noted on referral sheet 22.

Related Legislation

  • HCR 56: This bill is noted as a companion to HR 52, indicating that there may be parallel legislative efforts addressing similar issues related to harassment by stalking.

Conclusion

HR 52 seeks to initiate a critical assessment of the implications of changing the legal classification of harassment by stalking. By understanding the potential impacts on victims, offenders, and the judicial system, lawmakers can make informed decisions about how best to address this serious issue.

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

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