Bill Text: HI SB2946 | 2014 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii Senate Bill 2946 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Videoconferencing; Legislative Hearings ($)

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-01-23 - Referred to TEC, WAM. [SB2946 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2014-SB2946-Introduced.html

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2946
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

ReLATING TO VIDEOCONFERENCING.

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

SECTION 1. Chapter 21, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Part ii. COMMITTEE HEARINGS, GENERALLY

§21- Videoconferencing; rules. By January 1, 2016, each chamber of the legislature shall establish, by rule, procedures to allow the use of audiovisual technology to enable neighbor island residents to remotely present oral testimony at legislative committee hearings held at the state capitol."

SECTION 2. Chapter 21 is amended by designating sections 21-1 to 21-19 as part I, entitled "Investigating Committees, General Powers; Sergeant-at Arms".

SECTION 3. Section 21-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§21-1 Purpose. The purpose of this [~~chapter~~] part is to establish procedures governing legislative investigating committees to provide for the creation and operation of legislative investigating committees in a manner [~~which~~] that will enable them to perform properly the powers and duties vested in them, including the conduct of hearings, in a fair and impartial manner, consistent with the protection of the constitutional rights of persons called to testify at such hearings and preservation of the public good."

SECTION 4. (a) The house of representatives shall establish a pilot program for the duration of the 2015 regular session to enable the house of representatives to use audio or audiovisual technology at legislative committee hearings held at the state capitol to receive live oral testimony from residents of Maui county. The house of representatives shall coordinate with the officials of Maui county to identify sites or facilities that have existing audio or audiovisual capabilities that may be used to allow residents to present live oral testimony remotely from a location or locations in Maui county.

(b) In carrying out the duties prescribed under subsection (a), the house of representatives shall consult with the chief information officer, who shall ensure that the audio or audiovisual technology to implement this section:

(1) Satisfies the technical requirements of the State's existing network infrastructure;

(2) Adheres to best practices;

(3) Is compatible with multiple platforms; and

(4) Is provided appropriate resources and support.

(c) The house of representatives shall consult with the disability and communication access board to ensure that all activities conducted pursuant to this section comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for a videoconferencing pilot program using audio or audiovisual technology to enable Maui county residents to remotely present live oral testimony at legislative committee hearings during the 2015 regular session.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the clerk of the house of representatives for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 6. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2014.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Videoconferencing; Legislative Hearings

Description:

Requires both chambers of the legislature to implement rules by 1/1/16 that allow residents to present testimony through audiovisual technology. Requires the House of Representatives to implement a pilot program during the 2015 regular session to enable the House to receive live oral testimony from Maui county through audiovisual technology. Appropriates moneys.

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