Hawaii House Bill HB718

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Relating To Preliminary Determination Of Probable Cause.

Impact

The implications of HB 718 are significant for the enforcement of campaign finance laws. The legislation is a response to findings from a commission established by a House Resolution aimed at improving standards of conduct among public officers. By changing the delivery method of preliminary determinations, the bill seeks to enhance communication and compliance, thereby fostering a system that is more responsive and transparent. This aligns with broader goals of restoring public trust in government by ensuring that ethical standards are met and maintained.

Summary

House Bill 718 aims to amend the campaign spending commission's method for serving preliminary determinations of probable cause relating to campaign finance violations. The bill specifically proposes that such determinations be served by first-class mail instead of the previous requirement of certified mail. This change is rooted in issues faced by the commission when candidates did not claim certified mail, which impeded the service as required by law. The intent of this amendment is to streamline the process and enhance the efficacy of notifications to candidates regarding potential violations.

Contention

While HB 718 has been introduced to improve the timely notification of campaign finance violations, it does bring forth concerns about how such changes may affect candidates' responses to notifications. In particular, there is a potential for increased confusion or dispute regarding the official notification process, depending on how well candidates receive and understand these mailings. Opponents may argue that the shift from certified to regular mail could lead to misunderstandings about receipt and timelines, which could ultimately affect the fairness of the process in adjudicating campaign violations. Thus, while the bill aims to enhance transparency, the modifications may also introduce new challenges.