Proposes an amendment to article VIII of the state constitution to require approval of 2/3 of the members of the legislature to increase taxes, levy new taxes, or repeal a tax exemption or credit.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The purpose of this Act is to propose an amendment to article VIII, section 3, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii to require that any new tax, increase in the rate of tax of an existing tax, or repeal of an existing tax exemption or credit shall require the approval of two-thirds of the members of the legislature.

SECTION 2. Article VIII, section 3, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii is amended to read as follows:

"Section 3. The taxing power shall be reserved to the State, except so much thereof as may be delegated by the legislature to the political subdivisions, and except that all functions, powers and duties relating to the taxation of real property shall be exercised exclusively by the counties, with the exception of the county of Kalawao. The levy of a new tax, an increase in the rate of an existing tax or a repeal of an existing tax exemption or credit shall require the enactment of a law by two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature. The legislature shall have the power to apportion state revenues among the several political subdivisions."

SECTION 3. The question to be printed on the ballot shall be as follows:

SECTION 4. New constitutional material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This amendment shall take effect upon compliance with article XVII, section 3, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii.