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Bill Summary · SB 311

Legislative bill overview

SB 311 proposes a constitutional amendment to modify Hawaii's existing freedom of speech protections. The bill passed the House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee with amendments but has stalled in the Finance Committee and been carried over to the 2026 legislative session. The specific text of the amendments and exact constitutional language changes are not detailed in the action summary provided.

Why is this important

Constitutional amendments represent fundamental changes to state governance and citizen rights. Any modification to free speech protections affects how courts interpret speech rights, what expression receives legal protection, and the balance between individual freedoms and state interests. This has broad implications for journalists, activists, public discourse, and legal precedent in Hawaii.

Potential points of contention

  • Lack of transparency on specifics: The bill's exact amendments are not publicly detailed in available records, making it difficult for citizens to understand what protections or restrictions are being changed
  • Partisan division: The committee vote showed 8 ayes and 2 noes (with 5 additional no votes during second reading), indicating meaningful legislative disagreement about the proposed changes
  • Finance Committee stall: The referral to Finance and subsequent carryover suggests either budget concerns, fiscal impact questions, or potential lack of broad support beyond the initial committee passage

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

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