STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2482

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2094

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2094, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CORRECTIONS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to establish a pilot program to allow inmates incarcerated at the Women's Community Correctional Center to foster pets while incarcerated; and

(2) Appropriate moneys for the program.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, ACLU of Hawaii, Animal Welfare Institute, Hawaiian Humane Society, Pacific Pet Alliance, and one individual.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the United Public Workers.

Your Committee finds that several states have already implemented programs that allow incarcerated inmates to foster animals and that the research shows such programs help to increase the emotional intelligence, coping skills, and work ethic and employability of inmates, which improve their chances of job readiness and are critical factors in reducing recidivism. Your Committee believes that this program will not only benefit the participating inmates but will also improve outcomes for the fostered animals by preparing them for adoption.

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 S.B. No. 2094, 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