Bill > SB1513

This bill addresses concerns about government spending and position vacancies by establishing restrictions on how appropriated funds can be transferred between different budget categories. Specifically, the bill prohibits state departments and agencies from transferring funds allocated for employee positions to operating expenses, or vice versa, except when such transfers are necessary to fulfill the original legislative intent of the appropriation. The bill is motivated by findings that in fiscal year 2025, the state requested funding for over 47,000 permanent and 3,600 temporary positions, representing more than 20% of authorized funds, and that a December 2024 vacancy report from the Department of Human Resources Development showed approximately 4,085 vacancies, which is about 24% of civil service positions. By preventing arbitrary fund transfers, the legislation aims to ensure that funds are used precisely as the legislature intended, promoting more transparent and accountable government spending practices. The new provision will be added to Chapter 37 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes and will take effect immediately upon approval.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1513&year=2026