RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 17 co-sponsors

HB 501 establishes an Agricultural Enforcement Program and Fund to enhance law enforcement against agricultural theft, protecting farmers and their products.

Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 723) as amended in HD 2, recommending referral to FIN.

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Summary of HB 501 - Relating to the Department of Law Enforcement

Bill Number: HB 501
Introduced: January 17, 2025
Status: Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 723) as amended in HD 2, recommending referral to FIN.
Classification: Bill
Subject: Agricultural Enforcement Program, Agricultural Enforcement Special Fund, Appropriations, Department of Law Enforcement (DLE), Positions, Theft of Agricultural Products or Commodities

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 501 is to enhance the enforcement capabilities of the Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) regarding agricultural crimes, specifically the theft of agricultural products or commodities. The bill aims to establish a dedicated Agricultural Enforcement Program and create an Agricultural Enforcement Special Fund to support these initiatives.

Key Provisions

Establishment of the Agricultural Enforcement Program: The bill proposes the creation of a specialized program within the DLE focused on preventing and addressing agricultural theft.

Creation of the Agricultural Enforcement Special Fund: This fund will be established to finance the activities and operations of the Agricultural Enforcement Program, ensuring that resources are available for effective enforcement.

Appropriations: HB 501 includes provisions for appropriations to support the program and fund, although specific dollar amounts are not detailed in the current version.

Positions: The bill may authorize the creation of new positions within the DLE to facilitate the implementation of the Agricultural Enforcement Program, enhancing staffing and resources dedicated to agricultural crime enforcement.

Impact

Affected Entities: The bill will primarily affect the Department of Law Enforcement, agricultural producers, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector who may be impacted by theft of their products. Enhanced enforcement measures are expected to provide better protection for agricultural assets.

Law Enforcement: The DLE will gain additional resources and authority to combat agricultural theft, potentially leading to a decrease in such crimes and increased accountability for offenders.

Legislative Timeline

January 21, 2025: Bill introduced and passed the first reading.

January 29, 2025: The committee on Agriculture (AGR) recommended the bill be passed with amendments.

February 3, 2025: The bill passed the second reading as amended and was referred to the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) committee.

February 6, 2025: JHA recommended the measure be passed with amendments.

February 14, 2025: Report adopted; referred to the Finance (FIN) committee as amended in HD 2.

Related Bills

SB 763: This bill serves as a companion to HB 501, likely addressing similar issues or provisions related to agricultural enforcement.

This summary provides an overview of HB 501, outlining its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on law enforcement and the agricultural community. The bill is currently progressing through the legislative process, with further discussions and amendments expected as it moves to the Finance committee.