SB 1481 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO MOTORCYCLE INSTRUCTION PERMITS.

Summary

Starting on July 1, 2026, requires all applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to successfully complete a basic motorcycle rider course approved by the Department of Transportation before becoming eligible for the permit. Designates exemptions for certain drivers on an enclosed training course. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Issues: ✓ Transportation

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Feb 2025

Senate Passage

Feb 2025

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 21, 2025 Last action Dec 8, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SB1481 → SB1481_SD1 · 3 edits

MINOR

This bill updates the motorcycle instruction permit requirements to mandate a state-approved rider course starting in 2026. It also introduces a new exemption allowing drivers on state-certified enclosed training courses to operate motorcycles without restrictions. The effective date for the new requirements was delayed from 2026 to 2050.

Scope change

The bill now includes a specific exemption for drivers operating motorcycles, motor scooters, or mopeds on state-certified enclosed training courses, removing previous driving restrictions for these specific scenarios.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement for all motorcycle instruction permit applicants to complete an approved basic motorcycle rider course starting July 1, 2026.

EXEMPTIONS

Added an exemption allowing drivers on state-certified enclosed training courses to operate motorcycles, motor scooters, or mopeds without driving restrictions.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date of the new requirements from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2050.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 21, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on JDC will hold a public decision making on 02-26-25 9:40AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference.

upper

Feb 11, 2025

Upper · Passed

Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC.

upper

Feb 11, 2025

Committee

Reported from TCA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 259) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC.

upper

Feb 4, 2025

Upper · Passed

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.

upper

Jan 31, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on TCA has scheduled a public hearing on 02-04-25 3:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 27, 2025

Committee

Referred to TCA, JDC.

upper

Jan 23, 2025

Introduced

Introduced and passed First Reading.

upper

Jan 21, 2025

Introduced

Pending Introduction.

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors