Bill > HB370

This bill aims to update Hawaii's partial public campaign financing program by increasing the amount of funds available to candidates and adjusting the requirements for program participation. Specifically, the bill raises the expenditure limits for various elected offices, with increases ranging from 20% to 50% across positions like governor, lieutenant governor, mayor, and state legislators. The maximum public funds available to candidates will now be 67% of the expenditure limit for most offices, up from 10-15% previously. The bill also modifies the minimum qualifying contribution amounts required for different offices, generally lowering the thresholds for county-level positions like prosecuting attorney and county council. Additionally, the bill increases the matching fund rate from $1 to $2 for each dollar of qualifying contributions above the minimum threshold. To support these changes, the bill appropriates funds from the state's general revenues to the Hawaii election campaign fund and allows the campaign spending commission to hire additional staff. The legislation is designed to encourage broader participation in the public campaign financing program by making it more accessible and financially supportive for candidates across various offices.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=370&year=2025