Bill > SB1255

This bill amends Hawaii's Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA) to enhance transparency and accountability in government contracting by expanding public access to government records. Specifically, the bill requires that any contract for performing a government function must include provisions mandating contractors retain records according to the agency's retention schedule and provide the agency full access to those records. The bill defines "government function" as a service, program, or activity an agency is legally authorized to perform, and broadens the definition of "government record" to include information created, received, maintained, or used by private contractors when performing government functions. Importantly, the bill prohibits government agencies from refusing public records requests related to contractor work by claiming trade secrets or proprietary information, except where specifically protected by law. The legislative intent is to prevent agencies from circumventing public records transparency by outsourcing government functions to private contractors. This legislation aims to ensure that records created during the performance of government contracts remain accessible to the public, thereby maintaining government accountability and transparency. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2491, which appears to be a typographical error and likely meant to be a more near-term date.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1255&year=2026