Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB200

Introduced
1/19/23  
Refer
1/23/23  
Introduced
1/19/23  
Refer
1/25/23  
Refer
1/23/23  
Report Pass
2/9/23  
Refer
1/25/23  
Report Pass
2/9/23  

Caption

Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

Impact

The measure anticipates a substantial boost in participation in the public financing program. It includes provisions to increase the maximum public funds available to various offices, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, with caps adjusted to a percentage of the set expenditure limits. This change means candidates may potentially receive significantly more public financial support than under previous provisions, which could enhance their campaign efforts and promote a more competitive electoral landscape.

Summary

Senate Bill 200, introduced in the Thirty-Second Legislature of Hawaii, focuses on enhancing the state’s partial public financing program for elections. First established in 1995, the bill proposes to increase the amounts of public funds available to candidates who qualify for the program significantly. This increase is designed to adjust for inflation and improve the overall viability of the public financing system as a choice for candidates in Hawaiian elections. Specifically, the bill raises matching contributions from $1 for each dollar of qualifying donations to $2, thereby incentivizing candidates to seek contributions from a broader base of small donors.

Contention

While SB200 has garnered support for its intention to democratize campaign financing by lowering barriers for candidate participation, it also raises questions about the implications for traditional funding methods. Critics may argue that while increasing public funding helps level the playing field, the reliance on public funds can shift focus away from private contributions, potentially affecting candidates' campaign strategies and relationships with donors. The bill's effectiveness will rely greatly on the prudency with which the Campaign Spending Commission manages the increased funding and the resulting impact on electoral outcomes.

Companion Bills

HI HB95

Same As Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

HI SB200

Carry Over Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

Previously Filed As

HI HB308

Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

HI HB95

Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

HI HB95

Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

HI HB1845

Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

HI HB370

Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

HI SB256

Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

HI SB200

Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

HI SB2210

Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

Similar Bills

HI SB200

Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

HI SB256

Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

HI HB370

Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

HI HB95

Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

HI SB2210

Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

HI HB1845

Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.

HI SB345

Relating To Public Financing.

HI HB720

Relating To Partial Public Financing Of Elections.