Bill > HR132

This resolution requests the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a comprehensive study on implementing fiscal notes in Hawaii's legislative process, which are detailed financial impact statements that would accompany proposed legislation. The study aims to explore the most effective method of adopting fiscal notes, either through statute or House Rules, and analyze the implementation requirements including staff, salary, and program costs. The resolution specifically asks the bureau to examine how other states like Colorado, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Texas have successfully integrated fiscal notes into their legislative procedures, identify potential implementation barriers such as staffing constraints and technological limitations, and ensure public accessibility of these financial documents. The bureau is requested to consider implementing fiscal notes through the existing Office of the Legislative Analyst and to submit a report with findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the Legislature twenty days before the 2026 Regular Session. Currently, Hawaii does not require fiscal notes, which means legislators vote on measures without knowing their potential financial consequences, and this study seeks to address that transparency gap by understanding how to effectively introduce fiscal notes into the state's legislative procedure.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HR&billnumber=132&year=2025