SB 2851: Deaf; Hearing Impaired; Disability; Motor Vehicle Registration; Law Enforcement

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO DEAF INDIVIDUALS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the dangers associated with a routine traffic stop can increase if a law enforcement officer is not aware that the driver is deaf.  A deaf driver's failure to respond to verbal commands or an officer's misinterpretation of a deaf individual's gestures can lead to undesired outcomes.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to prevent miscommunication between deaf drivers and law enforcement officers by providing law enforcement officers with a notification that a driver is deaf when the officer conducts an electronic check of the motor vehicle's registration.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§286-    Deaf owner; registration.  (a)  Upon application by a motor vehicle owner who is deaf, the director of finance of the county where the vehicle is to be operated shall add a designation to the registration of the motor vehicle bearing the international symbol for deafness or a numerical code designating deafness.

     (b)  For the purposes of this section, the impairment of deafness shall be certified by a qualified otolaryngologist or an audiologist licensed under chapter 468E.

     (c)  The deafness designation shall appear when a law enforcement officer accesses the motor vehicle's information and shall be used to alert the law enforcement officer that the owner of the motor vehicle is deaf.

     (d)  Except as provided by subsection (c), the director of finance of the county where the vehicle is to be operated shall restrict access to the motor vehicle owner's deafness designation, as required by law.

     (e)  For purposes of this section, "deaf" means a person whose average loss in the speech frequencies (500-2000 Hertz) in the better ear is forty-one decibels, A.S.A., or worse."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2027.

Report Title:

Deaf; Hearing Impaired; Disability; Motor Vehicle Registration; Law Enforcement

Description:

Authorizes deaf motor vehicle owners to register their vehicle as being owned by a deaf individual so that a deafness designation appears when a law enforcement officer accesses the motor vehicle's information.  Effective 1/1/2027.  (CD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO DEAF INDIVIDUALS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the dangers associated with a routine traffic stop can increase if a law enforcement officer is not aware that the driver is deaf.  A deaf driver's failure to respond to verbal commands or an officer's misinterpretation of a deaf individual's gestures can lead to undesired outcomes.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to prevent miscommunication between deaf drivers and law enforcement officers by providing law enforcement officers with a notification that a driver is deaf when the officer conducts an electronic check of the motor vehicle's registration.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§286-     Deaf owner; registration.  (a)  Upon application by a motor vehicle owner who is deaf, the director of finance of the county where the vehicle is to be operated shall add a designation to the registration of the motor vehicle bearing the international symbol for deafness or a numerical code designating deafness.

     (b)  For the purposes of this section, the impairment of deafness shall be certified by a qualified otolaryngologist or an audiologist licensed under chapter 468E.

     (c)  The deafness designation shall appear when a law enforcement officer accesses the motor vehicle's information and shall be used to alert the law enforcement officer that the owner of the motor vehicle is deaf.

     (d)  Except as provided by subsection (c), the director of finance of the county where the vehicle is to be operated shall restrict access to the motor vehicle owner's deafness designation, as required by law.

     (e)  For purposes of this section, "deaf" means a person whose average loss in the speech frequencies (500-2000 Hertz) in the better ear is forty-one decibels, A.S.A., or worse."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Deaf; Hearing Impaired; Disability; Motor Vehicle Registration; Law Enforcement

Description:

Authorizes deaf motor vehicle owners to register their vehicle as being owned by a deaf individual so that a deafness designation appears when a law enforcement officer accesses the motor vehicle's information.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO DEAF INDIVIDUALS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the dangers associated with a routine traffic stop can increase if a law enforcement officer is not aware that the driver is deaf.  A deaf driver's failure to respond to verbal commands or an officer's misinterpretation of a deaf individual's gestures can lead to undesired outcomes.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to prevent miscommunication between deaf drivers and law enforcement officers by providing law enforcement officers with a notification that a driver is deaf when the officer conducts an electronic check of the motor vehicle's registration.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§286-     Deaf owner; registration.  (a)  Upon application by a motor vehicle owner who is deaf, the director of finance of the county where the vehicle is to be operated shall add a designation to the registration of the motor vehicle bearing the international symbol for deafness or a numerical code designating deafness.

     (b)  For the purposes of this section, the impairment of deafness shall be certified by a qualified otolaryngologist or an audiologist licensed under chapter 468E.

     (c)  The deafness designation shall appear when a law enforcement officer accesses the motor vehicle's information and shall be used to alert the law enforcement officer that the owner of the motor vehicle is deaf.

     (d)  Except as provided by subsection (c), the director of finance of the county where the vehicle is to be operated shall restrict access to the motor vehicle owner's deafness designation, as required by law.

     (e)  For purposes of this section, "deaf" means a person whose average loss in the speech frequencies (500-2000 Hertz) in the better ear is forty-one decibels, A.S.A., or worse."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2027.

Report Title:

Deaf; Hearing Impaired; Disability; Motor Vehicle Registration; Law Enforcement

Description:

Authorizes deaf motor vehicle owners to register their vehicle as being owned by a deaf individual so that a deafness designation appears when a law enforcement officer accesses the motor vehicle's information.  Effective 1/1/2027.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO DEAF INDIVIDUALS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the dangers associated with a routine traffic stop can increase if a law enforcement officer is not aware that the driver is deaf.  A deaf driver's failure to respond to verbal commands or an officer's misinterpretation of a deaf individual's gestures can lead to undesired outcomes.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to prevent miscommunication between deaf drivers and law enforcement officers by providing law enforcement officers with a notification that a driver is deaf when the officer conducts an electronic check of the motor vehicle's registration.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§286-    Deaf owner; registration.  (a)  Upon application by a motor vehicle owner who is deaf, the director of finance of the county where the vehicle is to be operated shall add a designation to the registration of the motor vehicle bearing the international symbol for deafness or a numerical code designating deafness.

     (b)  The deafness designation shall appear when a law enforcement officer accesses the motor vehicle's information and shall be used to alert the law enforcement officer that the owner of the motor vehicle is deaf.

     (c)  Except as provided by subsection (b), the director of finance of the county where the vehicle is to be operated shall restrict access to the vehicle owner's deafness designation, as required by law.

     (d)  For the purposes of this section, "deaf" means a person whose average loss in the speech frequencies (500-2000 Hertz) in the better ear is eighty-two decibels, A.S.A., or worse.  The impairment of deafness shall be:

     (1)  Certified by a qualified otolaryngologist or an audiologist licensed under chapter 468E; or

     (2)  Demonstrated by presenting a copy of the individual's most recent filed income tax forms as referenced in the definition of the term "deaf" under section 235‑1."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2027.

Report Title:

Deaf; Hearing Impaired; Disability; Motor Vehicle Registration; Law Enforcement

Description:

Authorizes deaf motor vehicle owners to register their vehicle as being owned by a deaf individual so that a deafness designation appears when a law enforcement officer accesses the motor vehicle's information.  Effective 1/1/2027.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to deaf individuals.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the dangers associated with a routine traffic stop can increase if a law enforcement officer is not aware that the driver is deaf.  A deaf driver's failure to respond to verbal commands or an officer's misinterpretation of a deaf individual's gestures can lead to undesired outcomes.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to prevent miscommunication between deaf drivers and law enforcement officers by providing law enforcement officers with a notification that a driver is deaf when the officer conducts an electronic check of the motor vehicle's registration.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§286-     Deaf owner; registration.  (a)  Upon application by a motor vehicle owner who is deaf, the director of finance of the county where the vehicle is to be operated shall add a designation to the registration of the motor vehicle bearing the international symbol for deafness or a numerical code designating deafness.

     (b)  The deafness designation shall appear when a law enforcement officer accesses the motor vehicle's information and shall be used to alert the law enforcement officer that the owner of the motor vehicle is deaf.

     (c)  Except as provided by subsection (b), the director of finance of the county where the vehicle is to be operated shall restrict access to the vehicle owner's deafness designation, as required by law.

     (d)  For purpose of this section, "deaf" means a person whose average loss in the speech frequencies (500-2000 Hertz) in the better ear is eighty-two decibels, A.S.A., or worse.  The impairment of deafness shall be:

     (1)  Certified by a qualified otolaryngologist or an audiologist licensed under chapter 468E; or

     (2)  Demonstrated by presenting a copy of the individual's most recent filed income tax forms as referenced in the definition of the term "deaf" under section 235‑1."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Deaf; Hearing Impaired; Disability; Motor Vehicle Registration; Law Enforcement

Description:

Authorizes deaf motor vehicle owners to register their vehicle as being owned by a deaf individual so that a deafness designation appears when a law enforcement officer accesses the motor vehicle's information.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2992

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2851

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2851, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DEAF INDIVIDUALS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize deaf motor vehicle owners to register their vehicle as being owned by a deaf individual so that a deafness designation appears when a law enforcement officer accesses the motor vehicle's information.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Disability and Communication Access Board, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and four individuals.

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Customer Services of the City and County of Honolulu.

     Your Committee finds that when an individual is involved in a traffic stop, it is of the utmost importance that the individual be able to communicate effectively with the law enforcement officer conducting the traffic stop.  For deaf individuals, traffic stops constitute a challenging environment to navigate due to ambient noise or visual obstructions that prevent the individual from lipreading the officer.  In some circumstances, the law enforcement officer may perceive the deaf individual as being uncooperative; in reality, the individual being stopped simply does not understand what is being asked of them.  This measure will authorize deaf motor vehicle owners to register their vehicle as being owned by a deaf individual so that law enforcement officers are aware of the individual's disability status, preventing misunderstandings during traffic stops and enhancing the safety of vulnerable road users.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2851, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2261

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2851

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Transportation and Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 2851 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DEAF INDIVIDUALS,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize deaf motor vehicle owners to register their vehicle as being owned by a deaf individual so that a deafness designation appears when a law enforcement officer accesses the motor vehicle's information.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center and eight individuals.

     Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Customer Services of the City and County of Honolulu.

     Your Committees find that deaf motor vehicle owners are often unable to hear speech clearly during a traffic stop as the sound of passing vehicle and environmental noise interfere with their ability to hear verbal commands from a law enforcement officer.  A law enforcement officer who is unaware of the motor vehicle owner's hearing status may perceive their attempts to communicate through American Sign Language or gestures as a threat or lack of cooperation.  Authorizing deaf motor vehicle owners to register their vehicle as being owned by a deaf individual will allow that information to appear when a law enforcement officer conducts an electronic check of the motor vehicle's registration.  This measure will prevent misunderstandings at traffic stops and enhance the safety of vulnerable road users.

     Your Committees note the concern raised by the Department of Customer Services of the City and County of Honolulu that adequate time is needed to initiate interagency coordination and implement the necessary administrative procedures and updates.  Therefore, amendments to this measure are necessary to address this concern.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing its effective date from upon approval to January 1, 2027; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Transportation and Health and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2851, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2851, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Transportation and Health and Human Services,