Right to Record Law Enforcement Activities
Summary
Hawaii Senate Bill 2145 establishes the right of any person to record law enforcement activities and creates a private right of action for violations of this right. The bill passed the Senate on March 10, 2026, and the House on April 1, 2026, with unanimous support in both chambers. The measure takes effect July 1, 2026.
What changed
Hawaii SB2145 creates a statutory right for individuals to record law enforcement activities without interference. The bill establishes a private right of action allowing any person whose right to record is violated to seek civil remedies in court. The legislation passed with strong bipartisan support, clearing the Senate 25-0 and the House Judiciary Committee 10-0. No specific penalties are enumerated in the bill text.
Law enforcement agencies in Hawaii should prepare for the new requirements by July 1, 2026, including reviewing and updating policies on interactions with individuals recording police activities. Officers should be trained on the new statutory right and understand that violations may result in civil liability through private lawsuits. Individuals exercising their right to record should be aware they have legal protection and recourse if interfered with.
What to do next
- Review and update law enforcement policies regarding individuals recording police activities
- Train officers on the new statutory right to record and prohibited interference
- Establish procedures for handling complaints of right-to-record violations
Source document (simplified)
ChangeBridge / Hawaii / SB2145 Passed SB2145 Senate Bill Passed 2026-03-10
Relating To Recordings Of Law Enforcement Activities.
Establishes the right of a person to record law enforcement activities. Establishes a private right of action for any violation of the right to record law enforcement activities. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Bill Details
State Hawaii
Session 2026 Regular Session
Chamber Senate
Official Source www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_ind...
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Sponsors
Karl Rhoads (Sen - D) Stanley Chang (Sen - D) Carol Fukunaga (Sen - D) Mike Gabbard (Sen - D) Tim Richards (Sen - D) Joy San Buenaventura (Sen - D)
Action History
2026-04-01 H Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1589-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and placement on the calendar for Third Reading. 2026-03-17 H The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 10 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Cochran, Hashem, Kahaloa, Sayama, Takayama; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Garcia, Shimizu; 0 Noes: none; and Excused: none. 2026-03-12 H Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Tuesday, 03-17-26 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. 2026-03-12 H Referred to JHA, referral sheet 17 2026-03-12 H Pass First Reading 2026-03-10 H Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 179). 2026-03-10 S Report adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. 2026-03-06 S One Day Notice 03-10-26. 2026-03-06 S Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3082) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. 2026-02-26 S The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in JDC were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. 2026-02-23 S The committee(s) on JDC will hold a public decision making on 02-26-26 10:00AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. 2026-02-20 S Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to JDC. 2026-02-20 S Reported from PSM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2668) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading and referral to JDC. 2026-01-28 S The committee(s) on PSM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in PSM were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Fukunaga, Lee, C., Inouye, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Hashimoto. 2026-01-23 S The committee(s) on PSM has scheduled a public hearing on 01-28-26 3:00PM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. 2026-01-22 S Referred to PSM, JDC. 2026-01-21 S Introduced and passed First Reading. 2026-01-14 S Pending Introduction.
Votes
2026-01-28 Senate Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs: Passed, Unamended Yea: 4 Nay: 0 2026-02-26 Senate Judiciary: Passed, Unamended Yea: 5 Nay: 0
Committee Referrals
2026-01-22 S Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs 2026-02-20 S Judiciary 2026-03-12 H Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Bill Text Versions
2026-01-15 Introduced 2026-03-31 Amended
Subjects
Law Enforcement Private Right of Action Recordings Legislative data powered by LegiScan (CC BY 4.0)
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