Hawaii Senate Bill SB2404

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/22
• Refer: 1/24/22

Caption

Relating To Remote Access To Legislative Committee Hearings.

Impact

The introduction of SB2404 represents a significant shift in how legislative committees operate. It mandates that all hearings be live-broadcasted over the internet and that procedures for presenting remote oral testimony be established. This amendment to Hawaii's Revised Statutes is expected to enhance transparency, allowing more citizens to participate in the legislative process and ensuring that discussions and decisions are accessible to the public at large. By enabling this level of accessibility, the bill aims to create a more inclusive legislative environment.

Summary

SB2404 is a bill aimed at enhancing public access to legislative committee hearings in Hawaii by making remote participation a permanent feature of the legislative process. The bill recognizes the successful use of interactive conference technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling live broadcasting, recording, and remote testimony. By institutionalizing these practices, the legislature seeks to improve the public’s ability to engage with their government, especially benefiting residents in rural areas who may have difficulty attending hearings in person.

Contention

While the premise of expanding access through technology is well-received, there are discussions around the implications of such changes. Supporters argue that remote access can democratize participation, while critics express concerns about the potential for technical difficulties and the effectiveness of virtual versus in-person testimony. Additionally, there is a need to ensure that measures are in place to protect the integrity of the testimony presented remotely. Overall, SB2404 seeks to balance between leveraging technology for greater public involvement and maintaining the quality and accountability of legislative processes.