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SB 280 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY.

SB 280 amends the crime of "negligent injury in the first degree" to specifically include injuries caused by drivers who were intoxicated. This change directly affects drivers who cause physical harm while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The bill expands the legal definition so that such incidents are prosecuted under this specific offense, rather than potentially less severe charges. The measure aims to strengthen accountability for intoxicated drivers who cause injury, without changing sentencing levels or creating new penalties.
Issues: ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands criminal definition for intoxicated driving injuries to strengthen accountability, directly advancing criminal justice reform through stricter prosecution of dangerous drivers.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAmends criminal code to include intoxicated driving injuries under negligent injury charge, strengthening accountability for highway safety violations.95% confidence
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 14, 2025 Last action Dec 8, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
1
Committee
3
Jan 31, 2025
Upper · Passed
The committee(s) on JDC has scheduled a public hearing on 02-06-25 9:15AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference.
upper
Jan 28, 2025
Committee
Re-Referred to JDC.
upper
Jan 21, 2025
Committee
Referred to TCA, JDC.
upper
Jan 15, 2025
Introduced
Introduced and passed First Reading.
upper
Jan 14, 2025
Introduced
Pending Introduction.
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Ron Kouchi
Ron Kouchi
DDemocratic
HI
8