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SB 1225

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XVII, SECTION 3 OF THE HAWAII 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.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 4 co-sponsors

SB 1225 requires a majority of all votes cast for constitutional amendments in Hawaii, clarifying voter approval standards and impacting future legislative proposals.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#amendmentprocess #constitutionalamendment #generalelections #tallying #votes(conam)
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Bill Summary · SB 1225

Summary of SB 1225: Amendment to Voter Approval Standards for Constitutional Amendments

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 1225 proposes an amendment to Article XVII, Section 3 of the Hawaii Constitution. The primary intent of this bill is to clarify the standard for voter approval of constitutional amendments proposed by the legislature. Specifically, it seeks to establish that a majority of all votes tallied on the amendment question is required for passage, rather than a simple majority of those who cast votes.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment Specification: The bill amends the existing constitutional language to explicitly state that the threshold for voter approval of constitutional amendments is a majority of all votes cast on the question.
  • Clarification of Voting Standards: This change aims to eliminate ambiguity regarding what constitutes a majority, ensuring that all votes are counted in determining the outcome of proposed amendments.

Affected Parties

  • Voters: The bill directly impacts Hawaii voters by establishing a clearer standard for how their votes on constitutional amendments will be counted and what constitutes approval.
  • Legislature: The bill affects the legislative process for proposing amendments, as it sets a definitive requirement for voter approval that must be met for any proposed changes to the constitution.

Legislative Process and Timeline

  • Introduced: January 21, 2025
  • First Reading: January 23, 2025
  • Committee Reviews:
    • JDC: Recommended passage without amendments on January 31, 2025.
    • WAM: Recommended passage without amendments on February 26, 2025.
  • Senate Approval: Passed Third Reading in the Senate on March 4, 2025, with a vote of 19 in favor and 6 against.
  • House Consideration:
    • Referred to the JHA and FIN committees on March 6, 2025.
    • Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 on March 21, 2025, and referred to FIN.

Conclusion

SB 1225 aims to provide clarity on the voting requirements for constitutional amendments in Hawaii, ensuring that a majority of all votes cast is necessary for approval. This legislative change could significantly influence future constitutional amendment proposals and the voting process in the state. The bill is currently progressing through the legislative process, with further discussions and potential amendments expected as it moves through the House.

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

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