News
It’s Conference Time
The legislators are meeting to come up with the final form of bills to send off to the governor. Here are a few resources to help make it easier to follow things during conference.
The Public Access Room has a new information sheet that provides an overview to conference. It’s creatively titled, “Conference Committee Information,” and can be found on the Information Sheets page of their website.The Legislature’s webmasters have…
Read more… It’s Conference Time
“Second verse, Same as the first!”
Second Decking
Friday, April 5th is the Second Decking deadline. That’s the date by which a bill must be filed with the non-originating chamber’s Clerk for 3rd reading.
The Hawaii Constitution, Article III, Section 15 states in part, “No bill shall become law unless it shall pass three readings in each house on separate days. No bill shall pass third or final reading in either house unless printed copies of the bill…
Read more… “Second verse, Same as the first!”
Budget Worksheets are Posted
The budget worksheets have been posted on the Legislature’s website. (On the right-hand side of the page, select “Legislative Information” and then the “Budget Worksheets” for 2013.)
The worksheets provide detail and explanation of the changes made from the previous version of the bills. Interested in the changes the House made to the Executive Budget submitted by the…
Read more… Budget Worksheets are Posted
Diving into the Budget
To help make sense of the budget discussions next week, the Public Access Room’s posted its latest information sheet — Budget Overview.
Budget Decking is Monday, March 11th, and Budget Crossover is Wednesday, March 13th. (Check out the 2013 Session Calendar for other upcoming deadlines.)
First Crossover — Time to take a Fresh Look
March 7th is the deadline for bills (other than the budget) to crossover to the other chamber for consideration. It’s a great time to take a look at what’s still alive.
How? Just go to the Legislature’s website, click on “Reports and Lists” and under the “First Crossover” section view the Senate Bills Crossed Over to the House or the
First Lateral — 58% Survive
Last Friday, February 15th, was the First Lateral deadline — now all bills must be in the last committee to which they’ve been referred in their originating chamber. Otherwise, barring extraordinary measures, they’re dead. (Or, more accurately, “zombified” until next year’s session.)
You can take a look at which’ve survived — and how they’ve morphed — by going to the “Reports and Lists”…
Read more… First Lateral — 58% Survive
The HIPA Booklets Have Arrived
The incredibly handy, pocket-sized “Hawaii Directory of Public Officials 2013″ (which lists contact information for Hawaii’s legislators) is here. And once again its publisher, the Hawaii Institute of Public Affairs (HIPA), has generously provided the Public Access Room with an ample supply for distribution to our patrons.
And this year, they’ve provided a mobile app as well.
Come on by (Room 401, State Capitol) and pick up a copy — and take…
Read more… The HIPA Booklets Have Arrived
Hearings are Underway
January 24th was the cut-off deadline for the introduction of bills. The bills for the 2013 Session are now all in the “hopper.”
The Legislature’s home page has a wealth of new tools available to the public.
Scroll through the Hearing Notices that have been posted — you’ll see them in the lower-center of the screen on the Legislature’s homepage.Click on the “Reports and Lists” icon to help locate…
Read more… Hearings are Underway
Who’s where?
The election’s pau! At the Capitol, legislators are getting organized and into their offices. The Senate has elected leadership and formed committees. We’re still waiting for the House to publish all the leadership positions and committees. Meanwhile, where do you go to find the latest contact information? Visit the Legislature’s website and click on the “Legislators” icon.
Vote!
Saturday, August 11th, 2012 is the primary! Need information on where to vote, the candidates or how to register for the next election? Visit the Hawaii Office of Elections website at https://hawaii.gov/elections . As always, feel free to call the Public Access Room at 808/587-0478 (or email us at [email protected]) and we’ll be happy to help you find what you’re looking for.