Bill > SB418

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory review program in Hawaii designed to systematically evaluate and improve the state's administrative rules. The Department of the Attorney General will oversee an annual review process where each state agency must examine at least 20% of its administrative rules each year, ensuring that all rules are reviewed at least once every five years. The primary goals of this review are to identify and eliminate unnecessary, outdated, or duplicative rules, ensure rules are supported by statutory authority, simplify regulatory requirements, and improve the clarity and accessibility of administrative rules. Each state agency will be required to submit an annual report to the Attorney General detailing the rules reviewed, recommendations for retention or modification, and justifications for those recommendations. The Attorney General will compile these reports, review them for consistency, and submit an annual summary to the Governor and Legislature. The bill also mandates public input by requiring a 60-day public comment period and provides for the Attorney General to notify the Governor and Legislature of any agency noncompliance. Funds will be appropriated to implement the program, and the bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2525, with the intention of making Hawaii a more business-friendly environment by reducing regulatory burdens.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=418&year=2026