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Bill Summary · HB 396

Legislative bill overview

HB 396 amends Hawaii's compensation system for court-appointed counsel, establishing new pay rates or payment structures for public defenders and court-appointed attorneys. The bill passed both chambers and was signed into law by the Governor on June 6, 2025, becoming Act 199.

Why is this important

Court-appointed counsel compensation directly affects the quality of legal representation available to defendants who cannot afford private attorneys. Inadequate pay rates can lead to attorney shortages, case backlogs, and reduced case preparation time, ultimately impacting the fairness and efficiency of the criminal justice system.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to the state: Increased compensation for court-appointed counsel represents a direct budgetary expense; debates likely centered on affordability and competing budget priorities in Hawaii
  • Adequacy of increase: Stakeholders may disagree on whether the new rates sufficiently address the cost of living and attorney retention, or whether increases exceed what is justified
  • Implementation timeline: Questions may arise about whether courts and public defender offices have adequate time and resources to adjust to new compensation structures

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

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