THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2698
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

proposing an amendment to article i of the hawaii state constitution to prohibit any ENCUMBRANCE on the right to own, possess, and use any medium of exchange.

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

SECTION 1. The purpose of this Act is to propose an amendment to article I of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii by adding a new section to prohibit any encumbrance on the right to own, possess, and use any medium of exchange. Specifically, this Act:

(1) Identifies the right of individuals to own, possess, and use any medium of exchange; and

(2) Prohibits any encumbrance on an individual's right to own, possess, and use any medium of exchange; provided that this prohibition does not restrict the State from determining the mediums of exchange required for its operations.

SECTION 2. Article I of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii is amended by adding a new section to read as follows:

"Section    . No law shall be enacted prohibiting or abridging the freedom to own, possess, and use a mutually agreed upon medium of exchange, including cash, coin, bullion, digital currency, or scrip, when trading and contracting for goods and services. The right to own, possess, and use a mutually agreed upon medium of exchange when trading and contracting for goods and services shall not be construed to restrict the State of Hawaii from determining the mediums of exchange required for its operations."

SECTION 3. The question to be printed on the ballot shall be as follows:

"Shall the legislature be prohibited from enacting any encumbrances on the right to own, possess, and use a mutually agreed upon medium of exchange when trading and contracting for goods and services; provided that the government of the State of Hawaii may continue to determine the mediums of exchange that it requires for its operations?"

SECTION 4. New constitutional material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This amendment shall take effect upon compliance with article XVII, section 3, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Mediums of Exchange; Constitutional Amendment

Description:

Prohibits any encumbrance on the right to own, possess, and use any medium of exchange.

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