Bill > HCR138

This concurrent resolution requests the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a comprehensive study on implementing fiscal notes (detailed financial impact statements) in Hawaii's legislative process. Recognizing that 44 states already include projected costs in their bill documentation, the resolution seeks to understand how Hawaii could adopt this practice, either through statute or legislative rules. The study's specific objectives include determining the staffing and cost requirements for implementing fiscal notes, exploring methods to make these notes publicly accessible, identifying potential implementation barriers, examining successful approaches in states like Colorado and Texas, and considering integration with the existing Office of the Legislative Analyst. The resolution aims to increase legislative transparency by ensuring representatives and senators have clear financial information before voting on measures. The Legislative Reference Bureau is requested to submit a report with findings and recommendations, including potential legislation, by twenty days before the 2026 Regular Session, with the ultimate goal of helping Hawaii better understand the fiscal implications of proposed legislation.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=138&year=2025