Nonpartisan · Data from OpenStates / Plural Policy · Hawaii
Votes with Democrats
100%
on 148 party-line votes · Senate Democrats median 100%
Cast a vote
98%
Yea or Nay on 921 of 944 roll calls · Senate median 89%
Their bills that became law
39 of 738
as a primary sponsor, this session · Democrats median 31.5
Roll calls on record
944
2026 Regular Session
Votes and bills updated Oct 10, 2026 from LegiScan (CC BY 4.0), which republishes the legislature’s own records. Profile details from OpenStates / Plural Policy. Figures cover 2026 Regular Session.
How Karl Rhoads votes
A party-line vote is a roll call where most voting Democrats and most voting Republicans took opposite sides. Absences and not-voting are never counted. Same method as our Congress pages.
Where Karl Rhoads sits in the Senate
Each dot is one member of the Senate, placed by how often they voted on the Democratic side of party-line votes. Karl Rhoads is circled.
Always on the Republican sideAlways on the Democratic side
Times they broke with their party
0 of 148 party-line votes.
They voted with most Democrats on every party-line vote this session.
Closest votes they cast
Roll calls decided by the fewest votes, one per bill.
SB95 · Relating To Vehicle Safety.
Senate Judiciary: Passed, With Amendments · 2025-02-21 · Failed 2–2
SCR133 · Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources, In Consultation With The Department Of Agriculture And Biosecurity, To Adopt Rules To Prohibit Commercial Octopus Aquaculture.
Senate Agriculture and Environment: Passed, Unamended · 2026-04-08 · Failed 2–3
HB2023 · Relating To Transportation.
In plain English Requires the Department of Transportation to certify intelligent speed assistance systems and limits liability for manufacturers, among other changes.
Senate Judiciary: Passed, With Amendments · 2026-04-08 · Passed 3–2
SR125 · Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources, In Consultation With The Department Of Agriculture And Biosecurity, To Adopt Rules To Prohibit Commercial Octopus Aquaculture.
Senate Agriculture and Environment: Passed, Unamended · 2026-04-08 · Failed 2–3
HB1990 · Relating To Residential Real Property.
In plain English Establishes fines and liens for owners who fail to fix residential zoning violations, with possible foreclosure if violations remain unaddressed.
Senate Judiciary: Passed, With Amendments · 2026-04-08 · Passed 3–2
Republicans they vote with most
Share of contested roll calls (the losing side got at least 10%) where both voted and landed on the same side. Unanimous votes are left out, because on those everyone agrees.
Brenton AwaRepublican · District 23 · 144 shared contested votes
4%
Their session, month by month
Dark bars are roll calls they were recorded on each month; the red part is the ones without a Yea or Nay (23 in all). Gaps are months the chamber wasn’t voting.
← Hawaii Delegation
YeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaAbsentYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaAbsentYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaAbsentYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYea
Their bills, from filing to law
Bills Karl Rhoads was a primary sponsor of this session. Most bills from either party never leave committee; in Illinois many never get past the Assignments or Rules committee.
Introduced738
Out of committee301
Passed one chamber179
Passed both chambers46
Became law39
Never left committee437
For comparison, the median Democratic member of the Senate has 31.5 bills that became law this session.
What their bills are about
Appropriation ($) 102Appropriations ($) 69Report 61Reports 54DOH 44Penalties 36
Relating To Traffic Safety.
In plain English Appropriates funds to the Department of Transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at locations next to school properties and other sites.
Official synopsis: Appropriates funds to the Department of Transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties, with consideration for other sites. (CD1)
Became lawAct 262, on 07/15/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1365). · 2026-07-15
Relating To Deaf Individuals.
In plain English Allows deaf vehicle owners to register their vehicles with a deafness designation visible to law enforcement officers.
Official synopsis: 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)
Became lawAct 261, on 07/15/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1364). · 2026-07-15
Relating To Artificial Intelligence.
In plain English Requires AI companion operators to disclose information to users, develop safety protocols for self-harm concerns, and submit annual reports to health officials starting 2028.
Official synopsis: Requires operators of AI companions in the State to issue certain disclosures to users. Requires operators to develop certain protocols to respond to user prompts regarding suicidal ideation or self-harm. Establishes protections for users and minor users of AI companions. Beginning 1/1/2028, requires operators to…
Became lawAct 248, on 07/14/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1350). · 2026-07-14
Relating To Civil Rights.
In plain English Requires the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to adopt digital accessibility rules for public businesses and makes it illegal for them to deny disabled people access through inaccessible technology.
Official synopsis: Requires the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to adopt rules on digital accessibility for places of public accommodation that are consistent with certain federal regulations. Specifies that a violation of the rules is an unlawful discriminatory practice. Establishes that it is an unlawful discriminatory practice for…
Became lawAct 257, on 07/14/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1359). · 2026-07-14
Relating To The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism.
In plain English Establishes a Hawaii Dementia Initiative Business Recognition Program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and appropriates funds for it.
Official synopsis: Establishes the Hawaii Dementia Initiative Business Recognition Program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Appropriates funds. (CD1)
Became lawAct 251, on 07/14/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1353). · 2026-07-14
Relating To Corruption.
In plain English Establishes a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses.
Official synopsis: Establishes a statute of limitations of nine years for a bribery offense. (CD1)
Became lawAct 225, on 07/10/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1327). · 2026-07-10
Relating To Disposable Electronic Smoking Devices.
In plain English Bans the sale and distribution of disposable electronic smoking devices in Hawaii starting January 1, 2027.
Official synopsis: Beginning 1/1/2027, prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of any disposable electronic smoking devices in the State. Establishes penalties. (CD1)
Became lawAct 189, on 07/07/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1291). · 2026-07-07
Relating To Currency.
In plain English Allows cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest five cents, with amounts of one or two cents rounded up to five cents.
Official synopsis: Authorizes cash transactions to be rounded up or down to the nearest five cents, except for cash transactions that total $0.01 or $0.02, which are to be rounded up to $0.05. Exempts transactions in which payment is made by demand or negotiable instrument, electronic fund…
Became lawAct 159, on 06/25/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1260). · 2026-06-26
Relating To Community Development.
In plain English Requires each county to establish a Summer Streets Pilot Program that closes roads to vehicles and allows pedestrian, cyclist, and community activities.
Official synopsis: Requires each county, in collaboration with the Hawaii Community Development Authority, to establish a Summer Streets Pilot Program that closes vehicular traffic and repurposes roads for pedestrian and cyclist use, outdoor events, and other community-driven activities. Authorizes each county to consult with the Department of…
Became lawAct 176, on 06/26/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1278). · 2026-06-26
Relating To The Administration Of Justice.
Implements recommendations from the 2025 Advisory Committee on Penal Code Review, established pursuant to Act 245, SLH 2024, to amend the Hawaii Penal Code. Effective 9/1/2026. (CD1)
Became lawAct 151, on 06/25/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1252). · 2026-06-26
Relating To Organic Waste.
In plain English Requires the state to identify and assess methods to achieve organic waste reduction goals and updates statewide solid waste diversion targets.
Official synopsis: Updates and establishes additional statewide goals for solid waste stream and organic waste stream diversion. Requires the recycling, bioconversion, and organic waste diversion component to identify and assess methods to achieve certain organic waste stream reduction goals. (CD1)
Became lawAct 173, on 06/26/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1275). · 2026-06-26
Relating To Law Enforcement.
In plain English Prohibits law enforcement agencies from entering agreements that allow them to enforce immigration laws, with limited exceptions.
Official synopsis: Prohibits any law enforcement agency or law enforcement official from entering into an agreement under federal law that permits state or county agencies to engage in immigration enforcement. Prohibits law enforcement agencies and law enforcement officials from engaging in certain immigration-related actions, except under limited…
Became lawAct 141, on 06/24/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1242). · 2026-06-24
Relating To The Chief Elections Officer.
Specifies that the Chief Election Officer may only be terminated for cause. (CD1)
Became lawAct 082, on 06/04/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1182). · 2026-06-04
Relating To Discrimination.
In plain English Extends the time limit for filing a discrimination complaint with the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to one year.
Official synopsis: Lengthens the statute of limitations to file a complaint of discrimination with the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to one year. (CD1)
Became lawAct 056, on 05/28/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1156). · 2026-05-28
Relating To County Labor Standards.
In plain English Allows counties to require contractors to disclose worker wage and employment information, and to deny or revoke building permits for violations, with exemptions for owner-occupied homes.
Official synopsis: Authorizes counties to require contractors to disclose employee wage, benefit, hour, and employmentstatus information. Authorizes counties to deny, revoke, or suspend building permits for violations of related laws under certain conditions. Establishes a process by which an owner or developer may replace a noncompliant contractor…
Became lawAct 027, on 05/22/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1127). · 2026-05-26
“In plain English” lines are written by ThePolitibase with AI (Claude), from the official synopsis only; the synopsis is the authoritative text. Descriptions are the legislature’s own synopsis. Bill data from LegiScan, CC BY 4.0.
Loading committees…
SB2060 · 2026-05-01
Relating To The Rental Housing Revolving Fund. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB306 · 2026-05-01
Relating To State Water Code Penalties. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB2592 · 2026-05-01
Relating To The Mauna Kea Stewardship And Oversight Authority. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB2050 · 2026-05-01
Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB2057 · 2026-05-01
Relating To Law Enforcement. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB2417 · 2026-05-01
Relating To Administrative License Revocation. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB472 · 2026-05-01
Relating To Digital Identification. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB3219 · 2026-05-01
Proposing Amendments To Article Vii, Sections 12 And 13, Of The Hawaii State Constitution. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1509 · 2026-05-01
Relating To Workers' Compensation. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1870 · 2026-05-01
Relating To Protected Community Locations. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1888 · 2026-05-01
Relating To The Safety Of Educational Workers. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB3132 · 2026-05-01
Relating To Syndromic Surveillance. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB2567 · 2026-05-01
Relating To Petitions To Temporarily Restrain And Enjoin Harassment Of An Employee. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB2471 · 2026-05-01
Relating To The Powers Of Artificial Persons. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB2094 · 2026-05-01
Relating To Jury Duty. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB2247 · 2026-05-01
Relating To Political Fundraising By Executive Branch Employees. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB2095 · 2026-05-01
Relating To The Judiciary. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB2023 · 2026-05-01
Relating To Transportation. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1839 · 2026-05-01
Relating To Immigration. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB1432 · 2026-05-01
Relating To Changes To Responsibilities Of The Department Of Health Concerning Patients, The County Of Kalawao, And The Kalaupapa Settlement. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1710 · 2026-04-30
Relating To Historic Preservation. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB2340 · 2026-04-30
Relating To Community Care Foster Family Homes. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1960 · 2026-04-30
Relating To Human Trafficking. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1838 · 2026-04-30
Relating To Visas. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB2505 · 2026-04-30
Relating To Assisted Community Treatment. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB2140 · 2026-04-29
Relating To County Labor Standards. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB2395 · 2026-04-29
Relating To The Taking Of Marine Deposits. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB2069 · 2026-04-29
Relating To The Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB2544 · 2026-04-29
Relating To Housing. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1823 · 2026-04-29
Relating To The Coastal Zone Management Act. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1692 · 2026-04-29
Relating To Traffic Safety. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1334 · 2026-04-29
Relating To Meat Donation. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB2983 · 2026-04-29
Relating To Natural Resources. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB2576 · 2026-04-29
Relating To Background Checks. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1810 · 2026-04-29
Relating To Charitable Solicitation. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1518 · 2026-04-29
Relating To The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB3262 · 2026-04-29
Relating To Education. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1642 · 2026-04-29
Relating To Consumer Protection. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB3001 · 2026-04-29
Relating To Artificial Intelligence. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1548 · 2026-04-29
Relating To Sentencing. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB2175 · 2026-04-29
Relating To Disposable Electronic Smoking Devices. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1550 · 2026-04-29
Relating To Health. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1753 · 2026-04-29
Relating To Social Media. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB2852 · 2026-04-29
Relating To Civil Rights. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB3076 · 2026-04-29
Relating To Tobacco Enforcement. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB2247 · 2026-04-29
Relating To Political Fundraising By Executive Branch Employees. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB2152 · 2026-04-28
Relating To Dog Attacks. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1740 · 2026-04-28
Relating To The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1920 · 2026-04-28
Relating To The Low-income Housing Tax Credit. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB2697 · 2026-04-28
Relating To Transportation. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB2818 · 2026-04-28
Relating To Boating. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB3156 · 2026-04-28
Relating To Federal Military Installations. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB2137 · 2026-04-28
Relating To Artificial Intelligence. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB2667 · 2026-04-28
Relating To Transportation. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1881 · 2026-04-28
Relating To Land Use. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB1959 · 2026-04-28
Relating To Domestic Violence. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
HB2293 · 2026-04-28
Relating To The Harm To Students Registry. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB888 · 2026-04-28
Relating To Consumer Protection. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB2397 · 2026-04-28
Relating To Neighborhood Boards. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
SB2108 · 2026-04-28
Relating To Jurisdiction. (Senate Conference: Passed, With Amendments)
Complete voting record from LegiScan (showing the 60 most recent of 944 total roll-call votes this session).
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