Report Title:

Public Accountability; Executive Decisions; Transparency

Description:

Amends the governor's power to unilaterally limit appropriations that were previously approved by the legislature to require the governor to explain in writing any decisions to reduce, withhold, or otherwise limit appropriations approved by the legislature. (SD1)

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	646
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 37-74, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "(a)  Except as limited by policy decisions of the governor, appropriations by the legislature, and other provisions of law, the several agencies responsible for administering state programs shall administer their program assignments and shall be responsible for their proper management.  All policy decisions of the governor to reduce, withhold, or otherwise limit appropriations previously approved by the legislature shall be explained by the governor in writing and submitted to the presiding officers of the legislature no later than ten days following the effective date of the applicable policy decision."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.