Hawaii House Bill HR164

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Urging The Thirty-third Hawaii State House Of Representatives To Adopt Rules Changes To Foster Decorum And Strengthen True Democratic Principles.

Impact

The proposed changes aim to reform the procedural aspects of the House to promote democratic principles. By removing the unilateral power held by committee chairs, members would potentially gain more influence over legislative decisions, fostering a more inclusive and participatory environment. Additionally, clarifying the use of recommendations to recommit legislation is intended to prevent misuse of procedural motions that can stall bills rather than facilitate discussions on their merits.

Summary

House Resolution 164 (HR164) urges the Hawaii State House of Representatives to adopt changes to its rules in order to foster decorum and strengthen democratic processes. The resolution outlines concerns regarding the concentration of power within the House, emphasizing the need for more balanced decision-making procedures, particularly related to how legislation is deferred and how committee chairs exercise their authority. It specifically points out that certain rules currently allow committee chairs to unilaterally decide on the deferral of legislation, undermining the collective voting process that should reflect true representation.

Conclusion

Overall, HR164 represents a significant effort to enhance transparency, accountability, and democracy within the Hawaii State House of Representatives. Should these proposed changes be implemented, they could lead to a more equitable legislative process, although it remains to be seen how members and leaders will respond to such reforms amidst the historical tensions within the House.

Contention

The bill arises in a context where recent events highlighted ethical concerns within the legislative body, including cases of corruption among legislators in leadership positions. This history suggests that the proposed reforms could be met with resistance from those who see them as a challenge to established norms of power within the House. The resolution's intent to change current practices, especially in regard to calling points of order or recess during debates, underscores a commitment to ensuring that all members have a fair opportunity to express their views without disruption.