Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 780: RELATING TO ELECTIONS.
Passed one chamber Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 780 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii Senate on January 17, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO ELECTIONS. Primary sponsor: Karl Rhoads (Democratic), Stanley Chang (Democratic). It lists 1 additional sponsor. Most recent recorded action (December 8, 2025): Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Specifies that election ballots issued by the Chief Election Officer or county clerk shall exclude any candidate who is disqualified by a constitutional or statutory provision. Provides for a process for challenging an inclusion or exclusion of a candidate from a ballot. Includes a candidate's disqualification as grounds for an election contest complaint. Specifies that electors of presidential and vice presidential candidates shall not be individuals who are disqualified by a constitutional or statutory provision.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 3
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karl Rhoads | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 13 |
| Stanley Chang | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 9 |
| Tim Richards | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 4 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
- The committee(s) on JHA recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.
- Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Wednesday, 03-12-25 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
- Referred to JHA, referral sheet 17
- Pass First Reading
- Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 19; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 3 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte, Fevella). Excused, 3 (Senator(s) Gabbard, Kouchi, Richards). Transmitted to House.
- Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 8).
- Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 696) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading and placement on the calendar for Third Reading.
- Report adopted; Passed Second Reading.
- One Day Notice 02-19-25.
- The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in JDC were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Awa.
- Re-Referred to JDC.
Showing 12 most recent of 16 actions. Full history