Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study On The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Implementing A Unicameral Legislature In Hawaii.
Impact
The proposed study seeks to evaluate several key areas, including the representativity and responsiveness of the legislature, the stability of the law, and the accountability and authority of legislators. Additionally, it will address the concentration of power and the overall quality of legislative decision-making. Should Hawaii choose to move forward with a unicameral system, it could lead to significant changes in how laws are formulated and debated, with implications for both efficiency and governance.
Summary
Senate Resolution 181 requests a study from the Legislative Reference Bureau on the potential benefits and drawbacks of transitioning Hawaii from a bicameral legislature to a unicameral one. The resolution arises from public concerns regarding the state’s current legislative structure, which some citizens find to be cumbersome and inefficient, often hindering accessibility and accountability. As Hawaii’s legislative body is currently divided into two chambers, the study will examine whether consolidating into a single chamber could streamline processes and improve public engagement.
Contention
Despite the potential benefits of a unicameral legislature, such as cost savings and reduced duplicative work, there are concerns that this change may undermine the system of checks and balances inherent in the current bicameral setup. Critics argue that the bicameral structure allows for more thorough deliberation and prevents hasty legislation, ensuring that all voices are heard. The study will also review unicameral experiences in other states, particularly Nebraska, to inform the discussion on whether Hawaii should consider a similar transformation.
Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study Of A Continuous Legislative Session, Extending The Legislative Session, And Adding Additional Recess Days.
Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study Of A Continuous Legislative Session, Extending The Legislative Session, And Adding Additional Recess Days.
Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study Of A Continuous Legislative Session, Extending The Legislative Session, And Adding Additional Recess Days.
Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study To Determine The Implementation And Standards Of Various Sexual Health Education Policies Within The Department Of Education.
Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study To Examine The Implementation And Standards Of Various Sexual Health Education Policies Within The Department Of Education.
Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study To Examine The Implementation And Standards Of Various Sexual Health Education Policies Within The Department Of Education.
Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study To Understand The Implementation Process For A Continuous Legislative Session And Its Relative Impacts On The State.
Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study To Understand The Implementation Process For A Continuous Legislative Session And Its Relative Impacts On The State.