THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

246

THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO GOVERNMENT.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that there is a need to modernize state government to reflect the current generation of Hawaii residents, as recent studies have shown a lack of public support for government in the State.  Furthermore, the current structure of government presents challenges to effective and efficient governing at all levels.  The legislature also finds that the needs of society have changed drastically, with greater emphasis on modernization, transparency, and accountability, and that these needs should be reflected in the functions and services provided by state government.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish the state government realignment commission to periodically review the state executive branch's departments, divisions, and agencies, including functions and services, and submit its findings and recommendations to the legislature.

     SECTION 2.  The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new chapter to title 4 to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Chapter

State government realignment commission

     §   -1  Establishment of the commission.  (a)  There is established a state government realignment commission, hereinafter called the commission, which shall be placed within the department of accounting and general services for administrative purposes.  The commission shall consist of seven members.  Three members shall be appointed by the governor, two members by the president of the senate, and two members by the speaker of the house of representatives.  All members appointed by the governor shall be subject to the advice and consent of the senate.  The commission shall elect its chairperson from among its members.

     (b)  The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

     (c)  To perform its duties, the commission may engage employees without regard to chapter 76 and enter into contracts with consultants.  Departments of the state government shall make available to the commission any data and facilities that are necessary for the commission to perform its duties.

     §   -2  Term.  Members of the commission shall be appointed and confirmed on or before July 1, 2022, and new members of the commission shall be appointed and confirmed on or before July 1 every ten years thereafter; provided that if any vacancy occurs in the membership of a commission prior to the completion of its duties or dissolution, there shall be appointed a replacement member in accordance with section 26-34.  The commission shall meet as necessary to execute its duties.  The commission shall dissolve upon the adjournment sine die of the legislature to which it submits the evaluation and recommendations required by section    -3.

     §   -3  Duties.  The commission shall conduct a systematic review of the state executive branch's departments, divisions, and agencies, including functions and services, that uses standards such as equity, efficiency, and modernization to consolidate, expand, or reassign services.  Thirty days prior to the convening of the second regular session of the legislature after the members of the commission have been appointed, the commission shall submit to the legislature the findings of its systemic review of the state executive branch and any recommendations based on the findings; provided that the legislature shall review and take into consideration the commission's findings and recommendations."

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2112.



 

Report Title:

State Government Realignment Commission; Departments; Divisions; Agencies

 

Description:

Establishes a state government realignment commission to periodically review the state executive branch's departments, divisions, and agencies, including functions and services, and submit its findings and recommendations to the legislature.  Effective 7/1/2112.  (HD1)

 

 

 

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