Bill > SB291

This bill clarifies administrative oversight and restrictions on lobbyist contributions during legislative sessions. It specifies that during regular or special legislative sessions (defined as periods when both houses of the legislature are in session), lobbyists are prohibited from making or promising contributions to elected officials, candidates, candidate committees, or other individuals required to file organizational reports. The bill establishes clear jurisdictional responsibilities for enforcement: the campaign spending commission will oversee elected officials and candidates, while the ethics board or commission will have oversight of lobbyists. If a lobbyist makes a prohibited contribution, they will be administratively referred to their ethics board, and if a candidate receives such a contribution, they will be referred to the campaign spending commission. The bill also stipulates that any prohibited contributions may be transferred to the Hawaii election campaign fund. These provisions aim to streamline administrative processes and provide clearer guidance on contribution restrictions that were originally established in Act 128 from the 2023 legislative session, ensuring more efficient enforcement of lobbyist contribution rules.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=291&year=2026