SB 3281 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO GAMBLING ENFORCEMENT.

Summary

Establishes the criminal offense of promoting an illegal electronic gambling device. Authorizes civil penalties and actions relating to premises on which an illegal electronic gambling device has been used. Allows the Attorney General, any county prosecuting attorney, any county police chief, or the Director of Law Enforcement to take certain actions against places used to commit certain offenses that qualify as a nuisance. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)

Issues: ✗ Criminal Justice

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 30, 2026 Last action Mar 18, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SB3281 → SB3281_SD1 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill adds a new nuisance abatement mechanism to address illegal gambling devices, allowing law enforcement to seek court orders that lock premises, appoint receivers, or enforce extended closures for repeat offenders. It also clarifies the definition of 'illegal electronic gambling device' and updates the effective date of the law to March 22, 2075.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of enforcement by adding a specific nuisance abatement process (Section 4) that was not present in the original version, targeting properties where illegal gambling has occurred more than once in a twelve-month period.

ENFORCEMENT

Added a new provision allowing the Attorney General and other law enforcement officials to seek judicial orders for locking premises, receivership, or extended closures for properties used for illegal gambling more than twice in a year.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date of the Act from immediate approval to March 22, 2075.

DEFINITION

Added specific definitions for 'Notice' and 'Violation' to clarify when enforcement actions can be triggered.

REQUIREMENT

Modified the liability section to require property owners to issue written demands and commence eviction proceedings within ten business days of receiving notice.

SCOPE

Added a new purpose to the bill to allow the Attorney General and others to take actions against places used to commit offenses that qualify as a nuisance.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 12, 2026

Committee

Referred to JHA, referral sheet 17

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Introduced

Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 398) in amended form (SD 1).

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.

upper

Mar 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1).

upper

Feb 24, 2026

Upper · Passed

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, Chang, San Buenaventura, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Gabbard.

upper

Feb 13, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on JDC has scheduled a public hearing on 02-24-26 9:45AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference.

upper

Feb 10, 2026

Committee

Re-Referred to JDC.

upper

Feb 2, 2026

Committee

Referred to PSM, JDC.

upper

Jan 30, 2026

Introduced

Introduced.

upper

4 primary · 0 co-sponsors