Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 971: RELATING TO TRAFFIC.
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 971 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii Senate on January 17, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO TRAFFIC. Primary sponsor: Brandon Elefante (Democratic), Kurt Fevella (Republican), Troy Hashimoto (Democratic), Tim Richards (Democratic), Karl Rhoads (Democratic). It lists 3 additional sponsors. 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.
Provides that if a law enforcement officer lawfully stops a motor vehicle and the operator is cited for driving without a valid license, the officer shall not permit the operator to resume the use of the motor vehicle. Requires the motor vehicle to be moved by a licensed driver or towed at the owner's expense. Provides that the cited operator is responsible for arranging the operator's transportation from the scene of the stop. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 7 · Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Elefante | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 16 |
| Kurt Fevella | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 20 |
| Troy Hashimoto | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 5 |
| Tim Richards | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 4 |
| Karl Rhoads | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 13 |
| Joy San Buenaventura | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 2 |
| Sharon Moriwaki | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 12 |
| Glenn Wakai | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 15 |
“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.
- Pass First Reading
- Referred to TRN, JHA, referral sheet 19
- Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 1 (Senator(s) Awa). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.
- Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 232) in amended form (SD 2).
- Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1017) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2).
- 48 Hrs. Notice 03-04-25.
- The 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, Chang, San Buenaventura; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Awa; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Gabbard.
- The committee(s) on JDC will hold a public decision making on 02-21-25 10:20AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference.
- Reported from TCA/PSM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 385) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC.
- Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC.
- The committee(s) on TCA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in TCA were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Inouye, Elefante, Kanuha, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
Showing 12 most recent of 17 actions. Full history