Bill

Bill > HB766


HI HB766

HI HB766
Relating To Public Financing Of Elections.


summary

Introduced
01/21/2025
In Committee
01/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Establishes a comprehensive system of public financing for all candidates seeking election to state and county public offices in Hawaii, to begin with the 2026 general election year. Requires the Campaign Spending Commission to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a comprehensive public financing system for state and county elections in Hawaii, beginning with the 2026 general election. The program allows candidates to receive public funds if they meet specific qualifying criteria, including collecting a minimum number of $5 qualifying contributions from registered voters in their district. Candidates who choose to participate must agree to strict funding restrictions, including only using public funds for campaign expenses and not accepting private contributions during the election period. The funding amounts vary by office, ranging from $40,000 for Office of Hawaiian Affairs candidates to $2.5 million for gubernatorial candidates, with funds distributed as 67% for the primary election and 33% for the general election. To be eligible, candidates must file a declaration of intent, collect the required number of $5 qualifying contributions, and submit an application for certification. Elected candidates who receive public funding must continue to comply with contribution and expenditure restrictions during their entire term. The bill appropriates $30.2 million from general revenues to establish the program and requires the Campaign Spending Commission to submit progress reports to the legislature in 2026, 2027, and 2028, with a final report due in 2029. The goal is to reduce the influence of special interest money in elections, increase public confidence in the electoral process, and encourage meaningful citizen participation.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Referred to JHA, FIN, referral sheet 2 (on 01/21/2025)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...