Hawaii Senate Bill SB290

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/25
• Refer: 1/21/25
• Refer: 1/29/25

Caption

Relating To Lobbying.

Impact

If enacted, SB290 will have significant implications for how lobbying activities are governed in Hawaii. The legislation establishes certain presumptions regarding testimony provided by lobbyists, thereby holding them to a higher standard of accountability. Additionally, the bill makes any contract entered into by the state in violation of the lobbying law voidable, providing a mechanism for enforcement and compliance. This change is expected to increase scrutiny over how lobbying influences state contracting processes and aims to level the playing field for businesses.

Summary

Senate Bill 290 aims to enhance the transparency of lobbying activities within the state of Hawaii. The bill proposes to expand the definition of 'lobbying' in Chapter 97 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to include communications related to procurement decisions involving high-level government officials. By doing this, the legislation seeks to ensure that the public has better access to information regarding lobbying activities at the administrative agency level, which promotes fairness among businesses competing for government contracts.

Contention

While the bill is positioned as a measure for promoting transparency and accountability, there may be debate over its potential implications for the lobbying industry and state contracting practices. Critics may argue that expanding the definition of lobbying could impose excessive regulations that affect the ability of businesses to advocate for their interests. Moreover, there could be concerns regarding the practicalities of enforcing these new provisions and their impact on the efficiency of government operations.