All Roll Calls
Yes: 154 • No: 12
HawaiiSB 1162025–2026 Regular Session (Year 1)Senate
RELATING TO DISCRIMINATION.
Sponsored By: Karl Rhoads (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Summary
Establishes provisions relating to civil remedies for discriminatory reporting to a law enforcement officer. Provides that any person who causes a law enforcement officer to contact a person on the basis of the person's actual or perceived protected class with the intent to discriminate against the person shall be civilly liable. Requires the Department of Law Enforcement, in consultation with the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, to provide guidance to the public on the enactment of this Act. For purpose and intent of the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission law, adding "place of birth" as a protected class. Effective 9/1/2025. (HD1)
DLEDiscriminatory ReportingProtected ClassLaw Enforcement OfficerCivil RemedyJHA
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
People can sue over biased police reports
Starting September 1, 2025, an injured person can sue when someone knowingly causes police to contact them because of a protected trait and with a listed harmful intent. These intents include violating constitutional rights, discrimination, harassment or humiliation, forcing someone to leave a place lawfully, or harming their reputation or economic interests. A winning plaintiff receives at least $1,000 plus attorney fees and costs, and can seek damages or an order to stop the conduct. A court can issue an order without proof of actual damages. The Department of Law Enforcement, working with the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, must guide the public about these rights and remedies. Existing discrimination law adds place of birth as a protected ground and preserves existing rights and remedies.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Karl Rhoads
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
C.
Affiliation unavailable
Stanley Chang
Democratic • Senate
Chris Lee
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/21/2025
Senate Floor Vote
Yes: 23 • No: 2
House vote • 4/4/2025
House Floor Vote
Yes: 44 • No: 4
House vote • 4/2/2025
House Floor Vote
Yes: 47 • No: 3
House vote • 3/11/2025
The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The ...
Yes: 8 • No: 2
Senate vote • 3/4/2025
Senate Floor Vote
Yes: 24 • No: 1
Senate vote • 2/12/2025
The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENT...
Yes: 3 • No: 0
Senate vote • 1/24/2025
The committee(s) on PSM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENT...
Yes: 5 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Act 259, 07/01/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1362).
7/1/2025SenateAct 259, on 07/01/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1362).
7/1/2025HouseReceived notice of reconsideration and Senate agreement (Sen. Com. No. 832).
4/21/2025HousePassed Final Reading. Ayes, 23; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 2 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte). Excused, 0 (none).
4/21/2025SenateReceived notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 845).
4/21/2025HouseEnrolled to Governor.
4/21/2025SenateReconsideration of action taken on 04-08-25 in disagreeing to the House amendments.
4/17/2025SenateSenate agrees with House amendments. Placed on the calendar for Final Reading on 04-21-25.
4/17/2025SenateOne Day Notice 04-21-25
4/17/2025SenateReceived from House (Hse. Com. No. 571).
4/8/2025SenateSenate disagrees with House amendments.
4/8/2025SenateReceived notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 774).
4/8/2025HousePassed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Matsumoto, Pierick voting no (4) and Representative(s) Cochran, Kapela, Marten excused (3). Transmitted to Senate.
4/4/2025HouseReported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1749) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and placement on the calendar for Third Reading.
4/2/2025HousePassed Second Reading as amended in HD 1; placed on the calendar for Third Reading with Representative(s) Matsumoto, Shimizu voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Pierick voting no (3) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1).
4/2/2025HouseThe committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Hashem, Kahaloa, Perruso, Takayama, Todd; Ayes with reservations: none; 2 Noes: Representative(s) Garcia, Shimizu; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Cochran.
3/11/2025HouseBill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Tuesday, 03-11-25 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
3/7/2025HouseRe-referred to JHA, referral sheet 20
3/7/2025HousePass First Reading
3/6/2025HouseReferred to JHA, FIN, referral sheet 19
3/6/2025HouseReport Adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 1 (Senator(s) Fevella). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.
3/4/2025SenateReceived from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 88) in amended form (SD 2).
3/4/2025HouseReported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 733) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2).
2/27/2025Senate48 Hrs. Notice 03-04-25.
2/27/2025SenateThe committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) San Buenaventura, Awa.
2/12/2025Senate
Bill Text
Bill Text
Original
SB116_HD1
SB116_SD1
SB116_SD2
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