All Roll Calls
Yes: 82 • No: 7
HawaiiSB 3112025–2026 Regular Session (Year 2)Senate
PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE HAWAII STATE CONSTITUTION REGARDING THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
Sponsored By: Karl Rhoads (Democratic)
Passed
Summary
Proposes an amendment to the Hawaii State Constitution to provide that freedom of speech protected under the Hawaii State Constitution does not include the expenditure of money to influence elections. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Constitutional AmendmentFreedom of SpeechMonetary Expenditures to Influence ElectionsJHA, FIN
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Bill Overview
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Karl Rhoads
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Stanley Chang
Democratic • Senate
Carol Fukunaga
Democratic • Senate
Mike Gabbard
Democratic • Senate
Lorraine R. Inouye
Democratic • Senate
Michelle N. Kidani
Democratic • Senate
Angus L.K. McKelvey
Democratic • Senate
Sharon Y. Moriwaki
Democratic • Senate
III Richards
Democratic • Senate
Joy A. San Buenaventura
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/18/2025
Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN...
Yes: 44 • No: 5
House vote • 3/12/2025
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: 25 • No: 0
Senate vote • 1/30/2025
The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENT...
Yes: 5 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
12/8/2025Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1329) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN.
3/18/2025HousePassed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Muraoka, Pierick, Shimizu voting no (5) and Representative(s) Cochran, Ward excused (2).
3/18/2025HouseThe 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.
3/12/2025HouseNotice of bill proposing constitutional amendment transmitted to Governor pursuant to Article XVII, Section 3 (Sen. Com. No. 1).
3/10/2025SenateBill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Wednesday, 03-12-25 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
3/10/2025HousePass First Reading
3/6/2025HouseReferred to JHA, FIN, referral sheet 19
3/6/2025HousePassed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.
3/4/2025SenateReceived from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 130) in amended form (SD 1).
3/4/2025HouseReported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 713) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and placement on the calendar for Third Reading.
2/27/2025SenateReport adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1).
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: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
1/30/2025SenateRe-Referred to JDC.
1/29/2025SenateThe committee(s) on JDC has scheduled a public hearing on 01-30-25 9:15AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference.
1/27/2025SenateReferred to JDC, WAM.
1/21/2025SenateIntroduced and passed First Reading.
1/15/2025SenatePending Introduction.
1/14/2025Senate
Bill Text
Bill Text
Original
SB311_HD1
SB311_SD1
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