HB 395: Judiciary Package; Jury Duty; Juror and Prospective Juror Compensation; Appropriations
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2025-03-14
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-04-02: Received notice of the discharge of all House Conferees (Hse. Com. No. 457).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Increases the amount each juror or prospective juror is paid for each day of actual attendance at court. Appropriates funds. Effective 4/23/2057. (SD1)
Increases the amount each juror or prospective juror is paid for each day of actual attendance at court. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Increases the amount each juror or prospective juror is paid for each day of actual attendance at court. Appropriates moneys.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
395 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO JURY DUTY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 612-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
"(a)
Each juror or prospective juror shall be paid [$30] $
for each day of actual attendance at court.
In addition, each juror or prospective juror shall be paid the higher of
either:
(1) 33 cents for each mile actually and necessarily traveled in going to and from court; or
(2) The cost of an adult bus fare to and from the court.
A person who appears at the time for which that person is summoned to court for jury duty may be allowed the mileage fee or bus fare although the person, upon that person's request, is subsequently excused or exempted from jury service."
SECTION 2. 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 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on April 23, 2057.
Report Title:
Judiciary Package; Jury Duty; Juror and Prospective Juror Compensation; Appropriations
Description:
Increases the amount each juror or prospective juror is paid for each day of actual attendance at court. Appropriates funds. Effective 4/23/2057. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
395 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO JURY DUTY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 612-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
"(a)
Each juror or prospective juror shall be paid [$30] $50
for each day of actual attendance at court.
In addition, each juror or prospective juror shall be paid the higher of
either:
(1) 33 cents for each mile actually and necessarily traveled in going to and from court; or
(2) The cost of an adult bus fare to and from the court.
A person who appears at the time for which that person is summoned to court for jury duty may be allowed the mileage fee or bus fare although the person, upon that person's request, is subsequently excused or exempted from jury service."
SECTION 2. 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 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Judiciary Package; Jury Duty; Juror and Prospective Juror Compensation; Appropriation
Description:
Increases the amount each juror or prospective juror is paid for each day of actual attendance at court. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
395 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to jury duty.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 612-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
"(a)
Each juror or prospective juror shall be paid [$30] $50
for each day of actual attendance at court.
In addition, each juror or prospective juror shall be paid the higher of
either:
(1) 33 cents for each mile actually and necessarily traveled in going to and from court; or
(2) The cost of an adult bus fare to and from the court.
A person who appears at the time for which that person is summoned to court for jury duty may be allowed the mileage fee or bus fare although the person, upon that person's request, is subsequently excused or exempted from jury service."
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $684,385 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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By Request |
Report Title:
Judiciary Package; Jury Duty; Juror and Prospective Juror Compensation; Appropriation
Description:
Increases the amount each juror or prospective juror is paid for each day of actual attendance at court. Appropriates moneys.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Apr 2, 2026 | Received notice of the discharge of all House Conferees (Hse. Com. No. 457). |
| Apr 1, 2026 | House Conferee(s) discharged. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Received notice of all Senate conferees being discharged (Sen. Com. No. 409). |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Senate Conferee(s) discharged. |
| Dec 8, 2025 | Carried over to 2026 Regular Session. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday, 04-25-25 at 5:30PM in Conference Room 325. |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 04-25-25 2:15PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Thursday 04-24-25 2:15PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Wednesday 04-23-25 2:15PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Tuesday 04-22-25 2:05PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Monday 04-21-25 2:05PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 16, 2025 | Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Thursday, 04-17-25 3:46PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 790). |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Rhoads Chair; Moriwaki Co-Chair; Awa. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 732). |
| Apr 14, 2025 | House Conferees Appointed: Tarnas, Kitagawa Co-Chairs; Belatti, Garcia. |
| Apr 11, 2025 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 704). |
| Apr 10, 2025 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 626) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | One Day Notice 04-08-25. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1682) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 2, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 27, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 04-02-25 10:01AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 17, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 17, 2025 | Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1093) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Awa; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 7, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC has scheduled a public hearing on 03-13-25 9:45AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Referred to JDC, WAM. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 225). |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Pierick, Ward excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1133), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 25, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 13 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Alcos; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 3 Excused: Representative(s) Kusch, Reyes Oda, Ward. |
| Feb 21, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Tuesday, 02-25-25 12:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 10, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Belatti, Cochran, Kila, Ward excused (4). |
| Feb 10, 2025 | Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 281) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Jan 30, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Kahaloa, Perruso, Takayama, Todd, Garcia, Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Cochran, Hashem. |
| Jan 24, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Thursday, 01-30-25 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Referred to JHA, FIN, referral sheet 1 |
| Jan 17, 2025 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 16, 2025 | Pending introduction. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Apr 8, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 2, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
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| Mar 4, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 25, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Jan 30, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu | ** Support | |
| First Circuit | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Hawaii State Bar Association | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| League of Women Voters of Hawaii | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Office of the Public Defender | ** Support | |
| The Judiciary, State of Hawai‘i | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1682
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 395
H.D. 1
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 395, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO JURY DUTY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to increase the amount each juror or prospective juror is paid for each day of actual attendance at court.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Judiciary, League of Women Voters of Hawaii, Hawaii State Bar Association, and two individuals.
Your Committee finds that Hawaii's juror compensation rate was last increased in 1989 from $20 to $30 per day. Your Committee believes that the increase provided by this measure is needed to account for the State's rising cost of living, align the State's rates more closely with federal juror compensation rates, and show the State's appreciation for the jurors who serve.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 395, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1093
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 395
H.D. 1
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 395, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO JURY DUTY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to increase the amount each juror or prospective juror is paid for each day of actual attendance at court.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Judiciary, Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii State Bar Association, and one individual.
Your Committee finds that juror compensation was last increased in 1989 from $20 to $30 per day. Since then, the cost of living in the State has drastically increased. Your Committee further finds that, by comparison, jurors who serve in the United States District Court receive $50 per day, with the National Center for State Courts recommending that, at the very least, state courts should review compensation rates in relation to the prevailing federal rate. Your Committee believes that raising the daily rate will provide some relief for those who serve in this important civic duty. This measure will show the State's appreciation and acknowledgement for the sacrifice the State's citizenry makes to serve on a jury.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the increased amount a juror shall be paid for each day of actual attendance at court to an unspecified amount; and
(2) Inserting an effective date of April 23, 2057, to encourage further discussion.
Your Committee notes that this measure, as amended, contains an unspecified increase in the amount each juror or prospective juror is paid for each day of actual attendance at court. Should your Committee on Ways and Means choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committee respectfully requests that it consider inserting an increased amount paid to each juror or prospective juror of $75 for each day of actual attendance at court. Accounting for inflation, the current rate of $30 that was set in 1989 adjusts to $75, not the $50 rate as initially proposed by this measure.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 395, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 395, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,
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________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1133
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 395
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 395, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO JURY DUTY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 395, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 281
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 395
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 395 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO JURY DUTY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee finds that juror compensation has not been increased since 1986. Your Committee recognizes the sacrifices made by jurors and prospective jurors in the performance of their civic duty and believes that an increase in compensation is timely.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount; and
(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.
Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $684,385.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 395, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 395, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,
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____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 2, 2025 | HB395_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_04-02-25_.PDF |
| Mar 11, 2025 | HB395_HD1_TESTIMONY_JDC_03-13-25_.PDF |
| Feb 25, 2025 | HB395_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-25-25_.PDF |
| Jan 30, 2025 | HB395_TESTIMONY_JHA_01-30-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
40SEC
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
2MIN
Conference Committee
52SEC
Conference Committee
42SEC
Conference Committee
2MIN
Conference Committee
2MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary
2MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):