News
Remote Testimony procedures have been released
A silver lining to the Capitol building being closed is the opportunity this year to testify from your home, work, or wherever you may be. In addition to your written testimony, you now have the option of offering remote testimony at hearings that allow oral testimony.
We’ve created a new “How to submit testimony” video and informational handout that walks you through the process. Visit the Engagement 101 page of…
Read more… Remote Testimony procedures have been released
Budget Briefings
Interested in the State budget? The Senate Ways and Means (WAM) and House Finance (FIN) committees have started their budget briefings with the Executive departments. All of the briefings are being streamed and saved — look on the “Broadcasts/Videos” calendar for links. (https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/broadcasts.aspx)
Want access to the departments’ presentations? Check the hearing notices for links. (Find hearing notices by clicking the “Hearings” button on the legislature’s website,…
Read more… Budget Briefings
Come Chat with PAR!
Join us! “Coffee Hour with PAR” takes place each Friday at 3 p.m. HST. Just open Zoom and enter the meeting ID 990 4865 9652. PAR staff will be available to talk story, answer questions, and discuss the legislative process.
Capitol Website Maintenance
Senate Data Systems will begin their annual maintenance of the Legislature’s website tomorrow morning. They anticipate the website rollover to last a day or two. During this time, some features such as bill status reports and members and committee pages will not be functioning.
November is a key time to talk with legislators
Now that the elections are over, it is time to start thinking about the 2021 legislative session. If you have an idea for a bill or want to let your legislators know what you would like them to focus on this upcoming session, now is an ideal time to talk to them. We are currently updating all our information sheets to help make it easier for you to connect with…
Read more… November is a key time to talk with legislators
Judges: Advise and Consent
A number of judicial nominees are up for consideration by the Senate! Find the 10/1/2020 hearing notice put out by the Judiciary Committee by heading to the Senate’s First Special Session page: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/splsession.aspx?year=2020a
The advise and consent power vested in the Senate is one of the ways it differs from the House of Representatives. Interested in how the appointment of justices and judges works in Hawaii? You’ll find the…
Read more… Judges: Advise and Consent
2020 Session is a Wrap!
We can finally wrap up the 2020 Regular Session! Find the bills the governor signed, vetoed, and the three still “pending” that became law without his signature (HB361, HB2744, SB2486). Just go to the Reports and Lists page on the Legislature’s website and scroll down to the bottom section. You’ll find the lists (acts, vetoes, pending) there.
Deadline for 2020 Bills
The governor has a deadline coming up! Tuesday, September 15th, is the deadline for him to decide which of the bills in his possession he should sign, let become law, or veto. (For any bill enacted, the date that it goes into effect as law can be found in its last section.) Have an opinion? Contact the governor! (808) 586-0034 or use the Contact page on his website (governor.hawaii.gov)
Governor’s Timeline
The legislature’s lawmaking work for the 2020 regular legislative session is complete but the process isn’t over. The ball is now in the governor’s court, and he has to take action by specific deadlines. If you want to know what those deadlines are, we’ve got you covered. Our handy guide is available on the “Current Legislature” page of the website: https://lrb.hawaii.gov/par/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/2020-Governor-deadlines-AMENDED.pdf
As always, please feel free…
Read more… Governor’s Timeline
All Events Livestreamed
Trying to stay up on what’s happening at the Legislature? Watch!
Links to livestreams appear in the Broadcast Calendar… https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/broadcasts.aspx