Bill > SB300

This bill establishes a new process for filling legislative vacancies in Hawaii's state senate and house of representatives when the governor fails to make an appointment within specified deadlines. Under the new law, if the governor does not appoint a replacement for a vacant senate or house seat by the applicable deadline, the President of the Senate or Speaker of the House (respectively) will be required to make the appointment within a certain number of calendar days. The bill also amends existing statutes to add specific timelines for political parties to submit lists of potential appointees to the governor and for the governor to make temporary appointments during different stages of the election cycle. The proposed changes aim to ensure that legislative vacancies are filled promptly and that appointed individuals meet certain requirements, such as being a member of the same political party as the previous legislator and residing in the same district. The bill does not affect any rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed before its effective date and will take effect upon approval.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=300&year=2025