Bill Text: HI HB2021 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating To The Legislature.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2024-01-24 - Referred to JHA, referral sheet 2 [HB2021 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2024-HB2021-Introduced.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2021 |
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THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to the legislature.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the State's sunshine law, Hawaii's open meetings law, governs the manner in which state and county boards and commissions, including the county councils, must conduct their business. Conversely for the legislature, their rules of each respective chamber of the legislature take precedence over the application of the sunshine law.
The legislature further finds that sunshine laws promote ethical standards, prevent fraud and corruption, and engender greater public trust. When the sunshine law was originally enacted, the legislature declared, and codified in statute, that "it is the policy of this State that the formation and conduct of public policy - the discussions, deliberations, decisions, and action of governmental agencies - shall be conducted as openly as possible." The sunshine law helps ensure public trust in the State's democratic process by making deliberations on public policy decisions transparent.
The legislature also finds that the business conducted at the legislature affects all people across the State. Accordingly, legislative business should be conducted in as transparent manner as possible to ensure that members of the public can actively participate and provide valuable input in the legislative process.
Thus, the purpose of this Act is to apply to the legislature the same standards of transparency that are required of all boards, commissions, and county councils.
SECTION 2. Section 92-10, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is repealed.
["§92-10 Legislative branch;
applicability. Notwithstanding any
provisions contained in this chapter to the contrary, open meeting
requirements, and provisions regarding enforcement, penalties and sanctions, as
they are to relate to the state legislature or to any of its members shall be
such as shall be from time to time prescribed by the respective rules and
procedures of the senate and the house of representatives, which rules and
procedures shall take precedence over this part. Similarly, provisions relating to notice,
agenda and minutes of meetings, and such other requirements as may be
necessary, shall also be governed by the respective rules and procedures of the
senate and the house of representatives."]
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Legislature; Sunshine Law; Open Meetings; Applicability
Description:
Removes the Legislature's exemption from the State's sunshine law.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
