Establishes a temporary task force to comprehensively review, evaluate, and recommend changes to Hawaii's election laws regarding vote counting, particularly consideration of automatic recount and contesting procedures, to ensure the integrity and certainty of the State's electoral process. (HB168 HD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The purpose of this Act is to establish a task force to comprehensively review, evaluate, and recommend changes to Hawaii's election laws regarding vote tabulation – with particular consideration of automatic recount and contest procedures -- to ensure the integrity and certainty of the State's electoral process.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established within the office of the lieutenant governor for administrative purposes the elections review task force to comprehensively review, evaluate, and recommend changes to Hawaii's election laws to ensure the integrity and certainty of the State's electoral process. The task force shall consider the following:

1. The adequacy of the law with respect to vote tabulation and contest procedures; and
2. The feasibility of implementing an automatic recount and improved contest procedure.

In conducting this study, the task force shall consider vote tabulation and contest procedures used or proposed for use in other states.

(b) The task force shall consist of nine members. The chief election officer, or designated representative, shall serve as the chair of the task force. The remaining members shall be representative of the major political parties, have prior elections administration experience, and be appointed in the following manner:

1. Two members shall be appointed by the governor;
2. Two members shall be appointed by the president of the senate;
3. One member shall be appointed by the minority leader of the senate;
4. Two members shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and
5. One member shall be appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives.

(c) The members of the task force shall serve without pay, but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in carrying out their duties.

SECTION 3. The task force shall submit its study of Hawaii's election laws with it s findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature not later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2002.

SECTION 4. The task force shall terminate upon the adjournment of the regular session of 2002.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.