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HI SB2315

Bill

Status

Enrolled

3/5/2026

Primary Sponsor

Karl Rhoads

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Proposes amending Article XVII, Section 3 of the Hawaii State Constitution to change how votes on legislature-proposed constitutional amendments are counted
  • Currently, blank, spoiled, and over-voted ballots are effectively counted as "no" votes because amendments must receive both a majority of votes tallied AND represent at least 50% of total votes cast in the election
  • Under the proposed change, only actual "yes" and "no" votes would be counted, with amendments passing if a simple majority of votes tallied approve
  • This change applies only to constitutional amendments proposed by the legislature, not to amendments generated by a constitutional convention
  • Amendment would take effect July 1, 2050, if approved by voters at a general election

Legislative Description

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.

General Elections

Last Action

Referred to JHA, FIN, referral sheet 15

3/10/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs3/10/2026
Ways and Means2/11/2026
Judiciary1/26/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available