HB413 clarifies and refines Hawaii’s restrictions on lobbyist contributions during legislative sessions. The bill amends existing law to state more clearly that lobbyists may not make or promise contributions or expenditures to elected officials, candidates, candidate committees, or other filers during a regular or special session of the Legislature, including extensions, recesses, holidays, weekends, and the five days before and after a session. It also specifies that prohibited contributions must escheat to the Hawaii election campaign fund.
The bill’s main purpose is administrative rather than substantive: it assigns oversight of violations involving elected officials and campaign filers to the Campaign Spending Commission, while oversight of lobbyists remains with the ethics board or commission that regulates the lobbyist. It also defines “session” as a period when both legislative houses are in session, narrowing and clarifying when the contribution ban applies.
Impact
HB413 would amend sections 11-365 and 97-5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, affecting campaign finance and ethics enforcement rules for lobbyists and political recipients. It clarifies which agency handles enforcement depending on whether the alleged violation involves a lobbyist or a recipient of a prohibited contribution, and it reinforces the timing and scope of the lobbyist contribution ban. The bill also preserves existing rights, penalties, and proceedings, and takes effect upon approval.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill. The Senate Judiciary Committee passed the measure with amendments by a 4-0 vote, indicating unanimous support among those voting. The bill’s framing as a clarification and administrative streamlining measure likely contributed to the positive reception, and there is no recorded committee testimony in the provided materials showing opposition.
Contention
The main issue addressed by HB413 is not whether lobbyist contributions should be restricted, but how the existing restrictions should be administered and interpreted. The bill resolves overlap between the Campaign Spending Commission and the State Ethics Commission by separating oversight based on who is being regulated, and it clarifies that the relevant session period exists only when both legislative chambers are in session. Any contention would likely center on enforcement jurisdiction and the precise definition of the prohibited period, but the provided record does not show active opposition or debate.