Report Title:

Prohibited Activities in State Offices and Buildings

Description:

Includes private citizens and entities in prohibition of campaign communications in state offices and buildings.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2482

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to prohibited activities in state offices or buildings.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that while state employees and legislators are prohibited in the ethics code from using state resources for campaign purposes, including sending campaign-related communications to state offices, there is no similar prohibition for private citizens.

The purpose of this Act is to prohibit any person or organization from sending campaign communications to any state office or building, and sets a fine of not more that $500 for violations.

SECTION 2. Chapter 84, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§84-   Campaign communications in state offices or buildings. (a) No person, including a state official, state legislator and state employee, campaign organization, group of persons acting in concert, for-profit corporation, not-for-profit corporation, organization, or other entity shall, in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by any state public officer or employee, communicate in any manner, or send, mail, or otherwise deliver any communication regarding any contribution of money or other things of value, including complimentary fundraiser tickets and similar invitations, for any political purpose whatsoever.

(b) Any person who knowingly violates this section shall be fined not more that $500 by the state ethics commission. Each date of violation shall constitute a separate offense. Any action taken to impose or collect the fine provided in this subsection shall be considered a civil action."

SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun, before its effective date.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2004.

INTRODUCED BY:

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