Hawaii Senate Bill SB1559

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23
• Report Pass: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 15, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Allow Electronic Copies, As An Alternative To Printed Copies, Of A Bill To Be Made Available For Members Of A House In Which The Bill Is Being Voted Upon For Third Or Final Reading In Fulfillment Of The Forty-eight Hour Availability Requirement.

Impact

If enacted, SB1559 would affect the way legislative documentation is distributed and accessed, facilitating a shift towards digital functionality in the legislative process. By permitting electronic formats, the bill aims to streamline the legislative workflow and reduce the reliance on paper, contributing towards more environmentally friendly practices and potentially leading to cost savings for the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 1559 proposes an amendment to Article III, Section 15 of the Hawaii State Constitution, allowing electronic copies of bills to be made available as an alternative to printed copies during the voting process for third or final readings. The legislation seeks to modernize legislative procedures and enhance efficiency by enabling lawmakers to access bills digitally, thereby adhering to the requirement that such documents be available for at least 48 hours prior to a final vote.

Contention

Discussion surrounding SB1559 may involve various perspectives, particularly the balance between maintaining traditional legislative practices versus advancing with technological changes. Advocates of the bill may argue that the amendment represents a necessary evolution of legislative processes, optimizing time and resources. However, critics may raise concerns about the accessibility of electronic records, ensuring that all lawmakers can equally engage with the materials needed for informed decision-making.