Hawaii House Bill HB1514

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23
• Report Pass: 2/17/23
• Engrossed: 2/21/23
• Refer: 2/22/23
• Report Pass: 3/7/23
• Enrolled: 3/14/23
• Chaptered: 3/28/23
• Passed: 3/28/23

Caption

Making Appropriations To Provide For The Expenses Of The Legislature, The Auditor, The Legislative Reference Bureau, The Ombudsman, And The Ethics Commission.

Impact

If enacted, HB1514 is expected to affect state budgetary laws by exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling for the fiscal year 2022-2023 by over $27 million. This would necessitate careful monitoring of state financial allocations and could set a precedent for future budgetary decisions. The appropriations outlined in the bill are deemed essential to maintain governmental transparency and accountability, as they facilitate necessary operations of institutions pivotal for oversight and public access to legislative activities.

Summary

House Bill 1514 aims to appropriate funds to cover necessary expenses for the legislature, the auditor, the legislative reference bureau, the ombudsman, and the ethics commission for the fiscal year 2023. The proposed budget seeks to support the ongoing operations and functions of these governmental bodies, ensuring they have the financial resources to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. Notably, the bill includes specific amounts designated for session and nonsession expenses, as well as for enhancing the legislative information systems and broadcasting legislative proceedings to the public.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1514 appears to be largely supportive within legislative circles, given its focus on ensuring adequate funding for essential state functions. Lawmakers recognized the importance of maintaining a well-funded legislative apparatus to enable robust public service. However, potential concerns may arise regarding the implications of exceeding the expenditure ceiling, as it could provoke discussions around fiscal responsibility and management of state resources.

Contention

While opposition to HB1514 may not be prominently documented, the act's intent to exceed the state expenditure limits could lead to scrutiny among fiscal advocates who prioritize budgetary discipline. Furthermore, the allocation of funds for specific legislative functions may spark debates about transparency and the efficiency of resource usage. Nevertheless, the bill is designed to address integral aspects of governmental operations that are vital for legislative efficacy.