THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

1312

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO STATE FUNDS.

 

 

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

 


PART I

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to address state funds.

PART II

     SECTION 2.  The legislature finds that article VII, section 6, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii, when certain conditions occur, requires the legislature to provide a tax refund or tax credit to state taxpayers or make a deposit into one or more funds, as provided by law, to serve as a reserve for the State.  The conditions are that the state general fund balances at the end of two successive fiscal years exceed five per cent of the state general revenues for those fiscal years.

     The legislature finds that the state general fund balances at the end of fiscal years 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 exceeded five per cent of the state general revenues for those fiscal years.  However, the legislature finds that, during the regular session of 2015, the legislature is required to provide a tax refund or credit and cannot, pursuant to section 328L-3(a)(3), Hawaii Revised Statutes, make a deposit into a reserve fund.

     The legislature finds that the best course of action during the regular session of 2015 is to make a deposit into the emergency and budget reserve fund instead of providing a tax refund or credit.  The legislature finds it preferable to increase the reserve fund at present to address possible emergencies and contingencies that may occur in the future when state revenues slow down.

     SECTION 2.  Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, for fiscal year 2014-2015, the director of finance shall transfer to the emergency and budget reserve fund the total sum of the tax credit or tax refund as determined by the legislature pursuant to the provisions of article VII, section 6, of the Hawaii Constitution.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $         or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 to be deposited into the emergency budget and reserve fund for the purposes of this Act.

PART III

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $         or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2015-2016 to be deposited into the other post-employment benefits trust fund for the prefunding of health and other benefit plan costs for retirees and their beneficiaries.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of budget and finance for the purposes of this Act.

PART IV

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that Part III of this Act shall take effect on July 1, 2015.


 


 

Report Title:

Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund; Other Post-Employment Benefits Trust; Appropriation

 

Description:

Provides for a deposit of general revenues into the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund, pursuant to article VII, section 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution, which requires, under certain economic conditions, that the legislature provide a tax credit to state taxpayers or make a deposit into one or more funds.  Makes an appropriation to the Other Post-Employment Benefits Trust Fund.  (SB1312 HD1)

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.