Bill Text: HI SB2561 | 2012 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Elections; Fundraisers; Legislators
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-01-23 - (S) Referred to JDL. [SB2561 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2012-SB2561-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2561 |
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TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to fundraising while the legislature is in session.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the public perception that lawmaking is influenced by a legislator's campaign fundraising should be addressed and eliminated. During the legislative session, many individuals, businesses, and other groups seek favorable action from legislators on measures introduced and heard throughout the session. When legislators solicit campaign donations from similar stakeholders while legislation is pending, the public has reason to mistrust the lawmaking process. As a result, the public becomes suspicious that legislative votes may be affected by fundraising activity. Even if the legislators' motives are pure, public perception of the legislature and the lawmaking process is lowered, along with the public trust and confidence in elected officials.
The legislature believes that banning fundraisers during regular sessions of the legislature will reduce public suspicion and result in increased public trust and confidence in our elected leaders.
The purpose of this Act is to prohibit fundraising activity of legislators during regular sessions of the legislature.
SECTION 2. Section 11-342, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§11-342[]] [Fundraiser; notice of intent.]
Fundraisers. (a) No fundraiser shall be held unless a
notice of intent to hold the fundraiser is filed with the commission setting
forth the name and address of the person in charge, the price per person, the
date, hour, and place of the fundraiser, and the method thereof.
(b) The person in charge of the fundraiser shall file the notice with the commission prior to the fundraiser.
(c) No fundraiser shall be held by any candidate for public office who also holds a seat in the state legislature during the period in which the legislature is in regular session.
[(c)] (d) As used in this
section, "fundraiser" means any function held for the benefit of a
candidate, candidate committee, or noncandidate committee that is intended or
designed, directly or indirectly, to raise contributions for which the price or
suggested contribution for attending the function is more than $25 per person."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2012, or upon its approval, whichever is later.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Elections; Fundraisers; Legislators
Description:
Prohibits fundraisers for legislators during regular sessions of the legislature.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
