Bill > SB375

This bill establishes a Select Commission on Government Restructuring within the Office of the Governor to comprehensively examine and recommend changes to how Hawaii's state and county governments allocate responsibilities and funding, particularly in education, health, and public safety. The commission will comprise 13 members, including state officials, legislators, and two citizen experts with public administration experience, who will serve without compensation but receive expense reimbursement. The commission's key tasks include analyzing the current government structure, assessing the impacts of property tax policies on housing affordability, exploring models for sharing governmental duties more effectively, and developing recommendations for legislative or policy changes. The commission is required to submit interim reports before the 2026 and 2027 legislative sessions and a final report with recommendations and proposed legislation before the 2028 legislative session, and must hold public hearings in each county. The commission will be administratively supported by the Governor's Office and will dissolve on December 31, 2027. The bill appropriates an unspecified amount of state general revenues to fund the commission's operational expenses, with funds not lapsing until June 30, 2027. Notably, the bill's effective date is set for January 1, 2525, which appears to be a typographical error and likely should be 2025.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=375&year=2025