Bill > SB2447

This bill amends Hawaii's campaign finance laws to change when the clock starts for prosecuting violations, specifically by altering the "period of limitations," which is the timeframe within which legal action must be taken. Previously, prosecutions for campaign finance violations had to begin within five years of the violation or the filing of the relevant report. This bill changes that by stating the period of limitations will now begin only upon the "discovery of the offense by the commission," meaning the Campaign Spending Commission, the state agency responsible for overseeing campaign finance, must first find out about the violation before the five-year countdown starts. This change is also reflected in a broader section of Hawaii Revised Statutes that outlines time limits for criminal prosecutions for various offenses, ensuring that the new discovery-based timeline for campaign finance violations is consistently applied. The bill also clarifies that existing rights, penalties, and proceedings are not affected by these changes.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2447&year=2026