Bill > HB770

This bill proposes significant amendments to Hawaii's state constitution to establish a continuous legislative session beginning in January 2029, transforming the current part-time legislature into a full-time body. The bill requires legislators to convene at least once each month, prohibits them from holding private sector employment during their term (while allowing military reserve or government employment), and removes existing constitutional language about special sessions, adjournment, and recesses. Key procedural changes include creating a two-year deadline for bill submissions, standardizing the governor's bill review period to 90 calendar days, and mandating that the legislative budget be passed at least 45 days before the end of each fiscal year. The bill also establishes a specific process for the Commission on Salaries to recommend legislative salaries during the 2028 regular session, with those recommendations becoming effective unless amended by law. To implement these changes, the bill will be placed on the ballot during the 2026 general election, with constitutional amendments taking effect on January 1, 2029, allowing time for legislators and the state to prepare for the new continuous session model.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=770&year=2025