Sen. Karl Rhoads

Maddy summarySB 2181 would require public schools in the state to increase the minimum number of instructional hours for students starting with the 2027-2028 school year. This change directly affects all public K-12 schools, as it mandates longer school days or additional instructional days to meet the new standard. The bill specifies the exact hour requirement but does not detail how schools must implement the increase. The measure is currently pending committee review after being introduced in January 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2450 would establish a state-level presidential preference primary election for the 2028 election cycle, beginning January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects voters in this state who would participate in selecting presidential candidates before the national convention. It includes funding appropriations to support the new primary election process. The bill is currently pending, having been deferred by the committee on February 6, 2026.

Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Division of Financial Institutions and Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to conduct a two-year study to gather data on how to establish a state-level regulatory framework for stablecoin digital assets. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Maddy summarySB 2076 updates state law to protect individuals' publicity rights by adding "digital replica" to the legal definition of "likeness." This means people can prevent unauthorized digital copies of their appearance or voice from being created or distributed without permission. The bill amends existing publicity rights law to specifically address new technology that generates realistic digital representations. It will take effect on January 1, 2077.

Authorizes a person to remove their name from a certificate of registration from a motor vehicle if that person is party to a divorce decree that states that title to the motor vehicle was granted to the other party.

Establishes that fines for pedestrian violations under chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, shall not exceed $25. Requires state and county agencies to revise applicable schedules of fines, rules, and procedures to comply with the monetary limit.

Establishes statewide standards for state and county agencies, officers, and employees, and recipients of state funds, to limit participation in civil immigration enforcement in or near protected community locations that provide state-funded services related to education, physical or mental health, social services such as shelter care or food assistance, or access to justice, including schools, health care facilities, libraries, shelters, and places of worship. Requires the Department of Education, State Public Charter School Commission, University of Hawaii, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Hawaii State Public Library System, and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to adopt and post written policies, provide annual staff training, and maintain data privacy protections. Appropriates funds for implementation by the Attorney General.

Establishes an annual vehicle registration surcharge for vehicles having a hood height greater than 40 inches for deposit into the safe routes to school program special fund.

Establishes safe riding behaviors for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of high-speed electric devices in certain locations. Beginning 12/31/2026, establishes labeling and signage requirements for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of a moped or electric motorcycle in certain locations. Amends the definition of "bicycle" for purposes of county vehicular taxes. Defines "electric bicycle" in place of "low-speed electric bicycle". Defines "electric micro-mobility device" and requires the same regulations as electric foot scooters. Prohibits a person under the age of sixteen from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Authorizes a person under the age of fourteen to operate class 2 electric bicycles under supervision. Prohibits a person from riding a class 3 electric bicycle on a sidewalk. Authorizes a person to ride a class 1 or class 2 electric bicycle on a sidewalk under certain circumstances. Prohibits a person from operating a bicycle or electric foot scooter under the age of eighteen without a helmet. Repeals the requirement that moped drivers use bicycle lanes. Substitutes the term "motor-driven cycle" with the term "motor scooter".

Prohibits any person from operating a motor vehicle equipped with an engine brake in certain areas. Prohibits motor vehicles that tow a vehicle or trailer from driving in the far left lane on any roadway that has three or more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction in a county with a population of five hundred thousand or more, with certain exceptions. Establishes penalties.