HI
Hawaii House Bill HB1420

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB1420

Introduced
1/19/22  

Caption

Proposing To Amend Sections Of Article V Of The Hawaii State Constitution.

Impact

The bill necessitates a significant shift in Hawaii's electoral framework, where currently the gubernatorial candidates and their running mates are elected separately. By altering this practice, the bill aims to enhance the continuity and stability of governance. Furthermore, it establishes protocols for when the governor's office becomes vacant, whereby the lieutenant governor temporarily assumes the governor's responsibilities, thereby ensuring that the executive functions of the state continue without interruption. If the vacancy occurs with a substantial portion of the gubernatorial term remaining, a special election will be held to fill the positions of both governor and lieutenant governor.

Summary

House Bill 1420 proposes amendments to Article V of the Hawaii State Constitution, fundamentally changing the processes of election and succession for the governor and lieutenant governor. The bill mandates that political parties' gubernatorial nominees select their running mates for lieutenant governor during primary elections, effectively unifying the election process for these two key offices. This change is intended to foster a closer working relationship between the governor and lieutenant governor, promoting better governance and productivity.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at streamlining the election process and ensuring effective governance, it raises debates on the implications of making the lieutenant governor's candidacy dependent on the gubernatorial nominee. Critics may argue that this could limit voter choice in elections, as voters may feel compelled to vote for a party ticket rather than choosing candidates based solely on their qualifications. Additionally, concerns are likely to arise regarding the handling of special elections, as the logistics and timing could complicate governance during transition periods.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI HB1399

Proposing Amendments To The Hawaii Constitution Relating To The Attorney General.

HI SB1217

Proposing To Amend Article V Of The State Constitution To Raise The State Residency Requirement For Candidates For Governor And Lieutenant Governor.

HI HB411

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Amend Procedures To Elect Legislators.

HI HB831

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish Legislative Term Limits.

HI SB149

Proposing Amendments To Article Iii Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish A Continuous Legislative Session.

HI SB2281

Proposing Amendments To Article Iii Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish A Continuous Legislative Session.

HI HB2635

Proposing Amendments To Article Iii Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish A Continuous Legislative Session.

HI HB1723

Proposing Amendments To Articles Ii, Iii, And Xvii Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Provide For Initiative, Referendum, And Recall.

HI HB1173

Proposing Amendments To Articles Ii, Iii, And Xvii Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Provide For Initiative, Referendum, And Recall.

HI SB631

Proposing An Amendment To Article X, Section 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Modify The Appointment Process For The Board Of Regents Of The University Of Hawaii.

Similar Bills

HI SB711

Relating To Gubernatorial Appointments.

LA HB498

(Constitutional Amendment) Relative to vacancies in the office of governor, provides for filling of such vacancies and vacancies created by gubernatorial succession to the office of governor (OR NO IMPACT See Note)

NY S07815

Relates to declaring inabilities of the governor, lieutenant-governor and acting governor; creates the committee on gubernatorial inability.

HI SB149

Proposing Amendments To Article Iii Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish A Continuous Legislative Session.

HI SB721

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Sections 10, 11, 12, 15, And 16 Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish A Continuous Legislative Session.

HI SB2486

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Sections 10, 11, 12, 15, And 16 Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish A Continuous Legislative Session.

HI SB149

Proposing Amendments To Article Iii Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish A Continuous Legislative Session.

HI SB2281

Proposing Amendments To Article Iii Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish A Continuous Legislative Session.