Hawaii House Bill HR226

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/3/24
• Passed: 5/3/24

Caption

Authorizing And Empowering The Speaker To Perform And Carry Out Any Official Legislative Business During The Interim Between The 2024 And 2025 Regular Sessions.

Impact

The authority granted by HR226 enables the Speaker to effectively manage legislative functions during a time when the House is not in regular session. This includes expending funds appropriated for legislative expenses, hiring additional personnel as necessary, and overseeing the actions of standing and investigative committees. By ensuring that these functions can proceed unimpeded, the bill aims to facilitate a smooth transition between legislative sessions, allowing for ongoing oversight and accountability of legislative processes.

Summary

House Resolution 226 authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Hawaii to perform official legislative business during the interim period between the 2024 and 2025 Regular Sessions. The resolution provides the Speaker with specific powers to ensure the continuation of legislative operations, which may include fiscal expenditures, committee actions, and the hiring of personnel needed to address legislative responsibilities during this interim phase. This measure is particularly important for maintaining governance continuity and preparing for the upcoming legislative session.

Contention

Notably, while HR226 serves critical logistical functions, its passage might also raise concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of the Speaker. Opponents may argue that this could lead to a lack of transparency and accountability, especially if the Speaker's discretionary powers are not adequately checked. Additionally, some members may contest the implications of authorizing and approving expenditures and actions without further legislative oversight, emphasizing the need for careful scrutiny of the use of public funds and the operations of legislative committees.