The proposed amendments affect Sections 37-48 and 37-49 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, where the current legislation specifies the annual reporting requirements for non-general funds. By revising the structure and details of these reports, HB35 will help in identifying and quantifying the specific outcomes related to non-general funds. This is expected to aid in evaluating departments' effectiveness in meeting their goals and serving the designated populations effectively over the two forthcoming fiscal years.
Summary
House Bill 35 seeks to amend the reporting requirements for accounts managed under non-general funds in the State of Hawaii. Specifically, it focuses on enhancing transparency and accountability in government spending by ensuring that departments submit detailed reports by October 1 each year. These reports will outline the objectives, target populations served, assessment measures for effectiveness, and additional details on the scope of activities associated with non-general fund accounts. Such changes aim to provide better oversight of these funds and ensure that fiscal responsibilities are being met.
Contention
While the bill promotes accountability, it may lead to additional administrative burden on state departments that will have to implement the new reporting measures. Stakeholders may raise concerns about the increased workload on existing resources or whether the detailed reporting requirements could hinder operational efficiency. Some may argue that further clarifications in the bill are necessary to ensure that the expected benefits do not come at the cost of stifling departmental flexibility and responsiveness.