summary
Introduced
01/17/2025
01/17/2025
In Committee
03/06/2025
03/06/2025
Crossed Over
03/04/2025
03/04/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
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)
AI Summary
This bill addresses the issue of unlicensed drivers by establishing new protocols for law enforcement when stopping a vehicle operated by someone without a valid driver's license. Specifically, when an officer cites a driver for operating a vehicle without a valid license (which could include driving without a license, with a suspended license, or with an expired license), the officer must prevent the driver from continuing to operate the vehicle. The bill requires that the vehicle can only be moved by the registered owner or another person with a valid driver's license and the owner's explicit permission. If no such person is available, the law enforcement officer must arrange for the vehicle to be towed at the registered owner's expense, either to the owner's address or a designated county location. Additionally, the cited driver is responsible for arranging their own transportation away from the scene, which can include public transit, rideshare, taxi, or getting a ride from someone with a valid license. The driver must also inform the officer of their transportation plan. The legislature views this as a public safety measure to prevent unlicensed drivers from continuing to operate vehicles after being cited. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2050, and does not apply to any rights, penalties, or proceedings that occurred before its effective date.
Committee Categories
Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (8)
Brandon Elefante (D)*,
Kurt Fevella (R)*,
Troy Hashimoto (D)*,
Karl Rhoads (D)*,
Tim Richards (D)*,
Sharon Moriwaki (D),
Joy San Buenaventura (D),
Glenn Wakai (D),
Last Action
Referred to TRN, JHA, referral sheet 19 (on 03/06/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
---|---|
State Bill Page | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=971&year=2025 |
BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/bills/SB971_SD2_.HTM |
Committee Report SB971_SD2_SSCR1017_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/CommReports/SB971_SD2_SSCR1017_.pdf |
SB971_SD1_TESTIMONY_JDC_02-21-25_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/Testimony/SB971_SD1_TESTIMONY_JDC_02-21-25_.PDF |
BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/bills/SB971_SD1_.HTM |
Committee Report SB971_SD1_SSCR385_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/CommReports/SB971_SD1_SSCR385_.pdf |
SB971_TESTIMONY_TCA-PSM_02-10-25_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/Testimony/SB971_TESTIMONY_TCA-PSM_02-10-25_.PDF |
BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/bills/SB971_.HTM |
Loading...