Hawaii Senate Bill SB1557

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/27/25

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Provide For A Citizens' Assembly And To Authorize The Citizens' Assembly To Propose To The Legislature Constitutional And Statutory Revisions Or Amendments To The Laws Governing Elections, Political Campaigns, Campaign Finance, Ethics, Referendum, Reapportionment, Legislative Process, And Public Access To Information.

Impact

If enacted, SB1557 is expected to decentralize some aspects of legislative power by involving citizens directly in the proposal of amendments to critical democratic processes. The assembly would consist of 25 randomly selected registered voters, ensuring a representative demographic that accounts for age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geography. This initiative could enhance citizen engagement in government and promote more responsive political reform aligned with the needs and perspectives of Hawaii's diverse population.

Summary

SB1557 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Hawaii, focusing on the establishment and functioning of a Citizens' Assembly. The bill aims to create a citizen-driven body that will address and propose revisions or amendments related to various aspects of state governance, particularly in the areas of elections, political campaigns, campaign finance, ethics, and more. This assembly is intended to empower the state's residents by providing a platform for public participation in shaping the laws that govern their democratic processes.

Contention

While supporters of SB1557 advocate for increased citizen participation and transparency in government, there may be contention surrounding the mechanism of the assembly and the nature of its proposed amendments. Critics might express concerns regarding the assembly's ability to make impactful changes and the potential for political bias within the randomly selected members. Furthermore, discussions may arise about how effectively this assembly could address systemic issues within the existing legislative framework, and whether it truly represents the broader public's view or merely a vocal minority.