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GM 1401

Informing the Legislature that on July 3, 2025, the Governor returned the following bill without approval: HB958 HD2 SD2 CD1

2025 Regular Session

Governor vetoed HB 958, which aimed to regulate electric bicycles and devices, due to concerns it could unintentionally restrict electric motor vehicles on roadways.

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Bill Summary · GM 1401

Summary of GM 1401: Veto of HB 958

Bill Overview

Bill Number: GM 1401
Title: Informing the Legislature that on July 3, 2025, the Governor returned the following bill without approval: HB 958 HD2 SD2 CD1
Status: Received
Introduced: July 3, 2025
Classification: Proclamation
Subject: Veto of HB 958 HD2 SD2 CD1

Purpose and Intent

GM 1401 serves as a formal notification from Governor Josh Green, M.D., to the Hawaii State Legislature regarding the veto of House Bill 958 (HB 958). The intent of HB 958 was to enhance safety regulations concerning the use of electric bicycles and high-speed electric devices on public roadways. However, the Governor expressed concerns about the bill's definitions and potential implications for electric motor vehicles.

Key Provisions of HB 958

HB 958 aimed to:
- Clarify Regulations: Provide clearer guidelines for the operation of electric bicycles and high-speed electric devices.
- Prohibit Certain Devices: Ban the operation of "high-speed electric devices" on public roadways and designated areas.
- Define "High-Speed Electric Device": This was defined as any device with a motor exceeding 750 watts and capable of speeds over 28 miles per hour, with exceptions for mopeds and motorcycles.

Specific Concerns Raised by the Governor

  1. Ambiguity in Definitions: The Governor highlighted that the definition of "high-speed electric device" could inadvertently include electric motor vehicles, which were not exempted in the bill.
  2. Potential Legal Confusion: The lack of clarity could lead to confusion regarding the legality of electric motor vehicles on public roadways, conflicting with the state's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  3. Inadvertent Inclusion: The Governor noted that the failure to exempt electric motor vehicles appeared to be an oversight, but it could have significant implications for transportation regulations.

Impact of the Bill

  • Electric Bicycle Users: The bill aimed to regulate the behavior of electric bicycle operators, promoting safety and responsible use.
  • Electric Motor Vehicle Owners: If passed, the bill could have restricted the operation of electric motor vehicles on public roadways, potentially affecting many users.
  • Legislative Clarity: The veto emphasizes the need for precise definitions in legislation to avoid unintended consequences.

Procedural Aspects

  • Date of Veto: The bill was returned without approval on July 3, 2025.
  • Legislative Response: The notification was sent to both the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, indicating the formal process of communication following a gubernatorial veto.

Conclusion

GM 1401 serves as a critical communication regarding the veto of HB 958, highlighting the importance of clear legislative language and the potential impacts on transportation regulations in Hawaii. The Governor's objections underscore the need for careful consideration of definitions to avoid unintended restrictions on electric motor vehicles while promoting safety for electric bicycle users.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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