Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 12 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Require The Chair Of A Committee Of The Legislature To Set For Public Hearing Every Bill Assigned To The Committee.
If enacted, HB2707 would fundamentally change how legislative committees operate by mandating that all bills receive a public hearing. This requirement would impact the legislative timeline, as it could potentially delay the process for some bills, depending on scheduling. However, supporters believe that the increased public discourse would lead to better-informed decision-making and governance, fostering a more participatory democracy in Hawaii. This amendment signifies a move towards more inclusive governance practices in the state.
House Bill 2707 proposes to amend Article III, Section 12 of the Hawaii Constitution to require legislative committee chairs to set public hearings for every bill assigned to their committee. This bill aims to enhance the legislative process by ensuring that all bills are publicly discussed and debated, thereby increasing transparency and public involvement in the legislative process. The proponents of the bill argue that this amendment will promote accountability among committee chairs and allow constituents to be better informed about legislation that may affect them.
Opponents of HB2707 may raise concerns about the feasibility of holding public hearings for every single bill assigned to committees, especially during busy legislative sessions. Critics argue that this could overwhelm the committees and impede their ability to function efficiently, particularly if numerous bills are introduced simultaneously. Thus, while the goal of enhancing transparency is commendable, there are apprehensions regarding the practicality of implementing such a requirement without disrupting the legislative workflow.