We're getting a lot of questions about what we call "defective" effective dates (effective dates far in the future, like July 1, 2050, or January 1, 2222) being put into bills. Rest assured, there's no intention of the bill going off to the governor with that far ahead date intact. These dates are added as placeholders and may facilitate discussion... Read More “Defective” Effective Dates...
We're looking forward to having the public back in the Public Access Room on Monday, 3/7! The Public Access Room (PAR) is pleased that the Hawaii State Capitol is set to re-open to the public on Monday, March 7, 2022! As we begin to welcome visitors, we want to give you a heads-up about some of the procedures that have... Read More Capitol Re-Opens 3/7/2022...
We've been getting this question a lot: "How do I get on Zoom if I've asked to offer oral testimony? Where do I go? What do I do?" The answer is simple. Just sign into your account on the legislature's website (capitol.hawaii.gov), click on the "Testimony" button (the same one you used to submit your written testimony), and locate the... Read More Question of the Day: How do I get on Zoom if I’ve asked to offer oral testimony?...
Legislators have started to “pre-file” bills in anticipation of the 2022 Regular Session. Number-wise, new House bills start with HB1398, new Senate bills start with SB2001. To keep up with what's in the hopper, click on the “Reports and Lists” button on the legislature’s website (https://capitol.hawaii.gov/) – you’ll find lists for House and Senate bills under “Measure Introduction”. New bills... Read More And Away We Go…...
So, here's the latest from House and Senate leadership: the Capitol will continue to be closed to the public "for the near future". No details have been received yet -- we've been advised leadership will be reevaluating the situation in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, you've got access to all the proceedings -- info briefings, floor sessions, hearings -- on the... Read More Capitol Building Remains Closed...
The journey of the Executive budget has begun. Interested in viewing a summary of the governor's proposed budget? Check out his "Budget in Brief" that's been posted to the Budget & Finance website: https://budget.hawaii.gov/budget/executive-supplemental-budget-fiscal-year-2023/ Next, the Senate Ways and Means (WAM) committee and House Finance (FIN) committee will hold informational briefings with the executive departments. Things kick off with WAM... Read More The Executive Budget...
The 2022 Calendar has been released. The Session will begin on Wednesday, January 19th, 2022, and end on Thursday, May 5th, 2022. We're back to a full 60-day Session. Here are several dates to be mindful of in the first half of the upcoming Session: January 26th (Bill Introduction Cutoff)February 9th (Triple Referral Filing for House Bills)February 17th (First Lateral... Read More The 2022 Session Calendar Has Been Released...
We're looking for an Assistant Researcher for the 2022 session! Start January 4th, work full-time through early May. Knowledge of legislative process a plus, but not required -- great opportunity to learn! Excellent communication skills, sound judgment, reliability, integrity, and experience with Microsoft Word and other Office programs required. $3,000/month. Temporary benefits such as health insurance are available. Contact us... Read More We’re Hiring!...
Get active at the legislature! Our latest news brief has been published. You can view it here. PAR Workshops: Our Wednesday Evening Series2022 Regular Session: Just a Few Months Away!Carryover Bills: Tips for Keeping an Eye on ThemEmployment Opportunities at the Capitol Want to get on our distribution list? Simply email us at [email protected] and we'll keep you up to... Read More Use the Interim to Prepare for Session...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7Dz9-ucf2Y When advocating, it's always a good idea to look through the bill or resolution being considered. This video may help make them a bit more understandable. Check out more of our videos on our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgLMUbGwLiZlzHQPe82oSRg Read More New Video: Reading a Bill (and a Resolution)...