Crimes and offenses; sexual exploitation of children; expand limitations to include Division of Family and Children Services

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mandi Ballinger and 5 co-sponsors

Bill HB 435 sets age limits, registration, and safety rules for electric bicycles, enhancing rider accountability and safety as electric mobility grows in popularity.

House Withdrawn, Recommitted

#crimesandoffenses(criminalcode)

Purpose and Intent

Bill HB 435 aims to establish regulations concerning electric bicycles and electric micro-mobility devices. The legislation seeks to enhance safety, clarify operational guidelines, and set a minimum age for riders. By doing so, it intends to promote the responsible use of these vehicles while accommodating the growing popularity of electric mobility options.

Key Provisions

Minimum Age Requirement: The bill proposes a minimum age for individuals operating electric bicycles and micro-mobility devices, ensuring that younger riders are adequately supervised and trained.

Registration Requirements: It introduces a framework for the registration of electric bicycles, which may include the issuance of identification numbers or tags to enhance accountability and tracking.

Regulatory Framework: The bill outlines specific regulations governing the operation of electric bicycles, including speed limits, designated paths, and safety equipment requirements (such as helmets).

Compliance and Enforcement: The legislation includes provisions for enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with the new regulations, potentially involving local law enforcement or designated agencies.

Affected Parties

Riders: Individuals who operate electric bicycles and micro-mobility devices will be directly impacted by the new age restrictions and operational guidelines.

Manufacturers and Retailers: Companies involved in the production and sale of electric bicycles may need to adjust their offerings to comply with registration and safety requirements.

Local Governments: Municipalities will be responsible for implementing and enforcing the new regulations, which may involve additional resources for monitoring compliance.

Procedural Timeline

Introduced: January 17, 2025

First Reading: January 21, 2025

Committee Review: The bill was referred to the Transportation Committee (TRN) and the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee (JHA).

Amendments and Recommendations: On February 4, 2025, the TRN committee recommended passing the bill with amendments. The bill was reported out on February 11, 2025, and passed its Second Reading.

Next Steps: Following its passage in TRN, the bill has been referred to the JHA committee for further consideration.

Related Legislation

SB 392: This bill serves as a companion to HB 435, indicating a parallel legislative effort to address similar issues regarding electric bicycles and micro-mobility devices.

In summary, HB 435 represents a significant step towards regulating the use of electric bicycles and micro-mobility devices, aiming to ensure safety and responsible usage while accommodating the needs of a growing user base.

Bill