Hawaii House Bill HB708

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

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

Caption

Relating To Lobbyists.

Impact

The bill modifies Section 97-3 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to require lobbyists to file statements that now include more comprehensive information. This includes details on expenditures made for lobbying activities and clarity on the individuals benefitting from these expenditures. The changes are intended to foster greater transparency in lobbying, thereby aiming to bolster public trust in government institutions and the political process at large. By mandating a stricter disclosure framework, HB 708 aims to provide the public with clearer insights into lobbying activities and expenditures.

Summary

House Bill 708, introduced in the Hawaii Legislature, aims to amend existing regulations surrounding lobbyists and their expenditures. The primary objective of the bill is to enhance standards of conduct by ensuring that lobbyists provide detailed disclosures of their expenditures. This initiative emerged from recommendations made by the commission to improve standards of conduct, which conducted a thorough review throughout 2022 and sought to address transparency and accountability concerns within lobbying practices.

Contention

One notable aspect of the discussions surrounding HB 708 may involve opinions on the balance between necessary regulation of lobbying activities and the potential for overregulation that might stifle political engagement. Advocates of the bill contend that greater transparency will not only improve ethical standards among lobbyists but will also enhance public confidence in state governance. Critics may argue, however, that such regulations could impose undue burdens on individuals and organizations engaged in legitimate lobbying efforts, thereby complicating the legislative process.