Hawaii SB2851: Relating to Deaf Individuals.

What the bill says

A bill for an act relating to deaf individuals.

From the enrolled text:

A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DEAF INDIVIDUALS. SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the dangers associated with a routine traffic stop can increase if a law enforcement officer is not aware that the driver is deaf. A deaf driver's failure to respond to verbal commands or an officer's misinterpretation of a deaf individual's gestures can lead to undesired outcomes. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to prevent miscommunication between deaf drivers and law enforcement officers by providing law enforcement officers with a notification that a driver is deaf when the officer conducts an electronic check of the motor vehicle's registration. SECTION 2. Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as registration. (a) Upon application by a motor vehicle owner who is deaf, the director of finance of the county where the vehicle is to be operated shall add a 2026--2415 5B2851 CD1 SMA.docx SB. NO. ~ Page2 C.D. I designation to the registration of the motor vehicle bearing the international symbol for deafness or a numerical code designating deafness. (b) For the purposes of this section, the impairment of deafness shall be certified by a qualified otolaryngologist or an audiologist licensed under chapter 468E. (c) The deafness designation shall appear when a …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Joy San Buenaventura (D, 2) · primary sponsor
• Stanley Chang (D, 9)
• Brandon Elefante (D, 16)
• Carol Fukunaga (D, 11)
• Dru Kanuha (D, 3)
• Angus McKelvey (D, 6)
• Karl Rhoads (D, 13)
• Troy Hashimoto (D, 5)

Latest actions

1. July 15, 2026: Act 261, on 07/15/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1364).
2. July 15, 2026: Act 261, 07/15/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1364).
3. May 8, 2026: Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888).
4. May 7, 2026: Enrolled to Governor.
5. May 6, 2026: Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0).
6. May 5, 2026: Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 814).
7. May 1, 2026: Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) Fukunaga).
8. May 1, 2026: Deferred one day 05-06-26.
9. April 29, 2026: Forty-eight (48) hours notice Friday, 05-01-26.
10. April 29, 2026: Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 13-26) as amended in (CD 1).

Votes

• Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0) (May 6, 2026): 51 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1) (May 1, 2026): 24 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Representative(s) Muraoka. (April 24, 2026): 2 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Conference Committee Vote (April 24, 2026): 4 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0) (April 14, 2026): 51 yea, 0 nay, passed
• JHA: recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS (March 31, 2026): 8 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB2851?

SB2851 is a bill in the Hawaii Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to Deaf Individuals.

What does SB2851 do?

In its own words: A bill for an act relating to deaf individuals.

What is the status of SB2851?

Signed into law as of July 15, 2026. Latest action: Act 261, on 07/15/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1364). (July 15, 2026).

Who sponsored SB2851?

Joy San Buenaventura (D, 2), with 7 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB2851?

On the Hawaii Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2851&year=2026