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Bill

SB 2266

RELATING TO ENABLING LEGISLATION BY THE PEOPLE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jarrett Keohokalole and 1 co-sponsor

Hawaii SB 2266 establishes procedures for direct citizen participation in creating legislation, potentially reshaping how laws are initiated and passed in the state.

Referred to GVO/JDC, WAM.
#initiative #referendum
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2266

Legislative bill overview

SB 2266 is a Hawaii bill currently in early legislative processing that relates to "enabling legislation by the people." Based on the bill's title alone, it appears designed to establish or modify procedures allowing citizens to directly participate in creating legislation, though the specific mechanisms are not detailed in the provided information. The bill was introduced on January 21, 2026, and has been referred to the Government Operations/Judiciary Committee and the Ways and Means Committee for review.

Why is this important

Direct citizen participation in legislation can significantly reshape democratic processes by bypassing traditional legislative bottlenecks and giving voters more control over policy outcomes. This type of legislation often affects how future laws are created and can have cascading effects on state governance, budget priorities, and the balance of power between citizens, the legislature, and executive branches.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact uncertainty: Referral to the Ways and Means Committee suggests budgetary implications; unclear whether this enables costly citizen-initiated programs or creates administrative overhead
  • Legislative prerogatives: Traditional lawmakers may resist measures that reduce their gatekeeping power over which bills receive debate and votes
  • Implementation clarity: "Enabling legislation by the people" is vague—could range from initiative/referendum processes to citizen advisory boards to participatory budgeting, each with different democratic and practical implications

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

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