Bill Text: HI HB456 | 2019 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To Public Safety.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)
Status: (Passed) 2019-05-14 - Act 033, 05/13/2019 (Gov. Msg. No. 1134). [HB456 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2019-HB456-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
456 |
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THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that public safety officers, including state deputy sheriffs, provide invaluable societal contributions by risking their lives each day in service to Hawaii's residents. The legislature also finds that public safety officers are in a position of public trust as the guardians and protectors of the State's communities. This role requires extending respect and compassion to the people of the State while also holding individuals accountable for criminal conduct.
The legislature further finds that public safety officers are frequently in harm's way and must quickly make difficult decisions while under stress. The legislature finds that because of the gravity of these decisions, the people of the State and public safety officers themselves rely on and expect thorough training and accountability.
The purpose of this Act is to support the role of public safety officers by requiring the department of public safety to consider training its deputy sheriffs in nonlethal use of force and to appropriate funds for training, equipment, and related records management.
SECTION 2. Chapter 353C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§353C- Nonlethal use of force training and
equipment. (a) The department shall develop policies and
procedures to govern the use of force, including policies related to training
and equipment. The director shall consider
requiring all deputy sheriffs appointed pursuant to this chapter to complete an
initial nonlethal use of force training course and comply with subsequent
annual training requirements.
(b) The department shall consider inclusion of
the following as part of any nonlethal use of force training curricula
developed pursuant to this section:
(1) De-escalation in patrol tactics and interpersonal communication training, including tactical methods that use time, distance, cover, and concealment to avoid escalating situations that lead to violence;
(2) Alternatives to
jail booking, arrest, or citation in situations where appropriate;
(3) Information regarding implicit and explicit bias, cultural competency, and the historical intersection of race and policing;
(4) Skills, including de-escalation techniques, to effectively, safely, and respectfully interact with people with disabilities or behavioral health issues;
(5) "Shoot/don't shoot" scenario training;
(6) Alternatives to the use of physical or deadly force so that de-escalation tactics and nonlethal alternatives are part of the decision-making process leading up to the consideration of the use of deadly force;
(7) Information
regarding mental health and policing, including bias;
(8) Community
involvement in the delivery of training to give a better understanding of
community perspectives;
(9) Use of public
service, including rendering first aid, to provide a positive point of contact
between law enforcement officers and community members; and
(10) Use of specialized equipment for the deployment of nonlethal force.
(c) The department is encouraged to:
(1) Provide
training pursuant to this section alone or in partnership with other law
enforcement agencies or contracted private parties, or authorize other law
enforcement agencies or contracted private parties to provide the training; and
(2) Maintain records
to monitor and track all training activity pursuant to this section."
SECTION 3. 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 2019-2020 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 for the development and implementation of nonlethal use of force training and related records management for the deputy sheriffs of the department of public safety.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of public safety for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. 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 2019-2020 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 for the purchase and maintenance of nonlethal equipment, including weapons, for use by the department of public safety deputy sheriffs certified in the nonlethal use of force.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of public safety for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
Public Safety; Deputy Sheriffs; Non-Lethal Weapons; Training; Acquisition; Appropriations
Description:
Requires the Director of Public Safety to develop policies and procedures to govern the use of force, including training and equipment, by deputy sheriffs. Requires the Director to consider requiring nonlethal use of force training. Encourages the Department of Public Safety to maintain training activity records. Appropriates funds. (HB456 HD1)
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
