Hawaii House Bill HCR55

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/24
• Refer: 3/8/24

Caption

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.

Impact

This resolution aims to evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of a continuous legislative session. By examining what a year-round legislative calendar might resemble, the study will address critical elements such as bill and budget deadlines, which are crucial for the efficient functioning of government. Furthermore, it will explore necessary salary adjustments for full-time legislators and their staff, which could lead to significant changes in the compensation framework of the state's lawmakers.

Summary

HCR55 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the 32nd Legislature of Hawaii, requesting the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a comprehensive study on the implementation of continuous legislative sessions. The proposal comes in light of the current structure where Hawaii's legislature convenes only for sixty days a year, traditionally from mid-January to early May. The resolution posits that turning the part-time legislative bodies into full-time ones may enhance productivity, orderliness, and transparency in governmental processes.

Contention

While the resolution is primarily a request for a study, it raises important discussions about the future of legislative operations in Hawaii. Advocates for a continuous session believe it could streamlining processes and enhance accountability, while critics might argue the financial implications and challenges associated with transitioning to a full-time legislature. There could be concerns regarding the feasibility of such a shift, particularly in terms of funding and the long-term impacts on governance.