STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1096-16

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2016

RE:   S.B. No. 2438

      S.D. 2

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2438, S.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to provide for the operating expenses of the Campaign Spending Commission from the general revenues of the State.  Presently, the Commission's funding source is the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund.  This measure appropriates $495,506 for fiscal year 2016-2017 for the Campaign Spending Commission's operating expenses, including staff salaries and fringe benefits.

The Campaign Spending Commission, Common Cause Hawaii, and one concerned individual testified in support of this measure.  The League of Women Voters of Hawaii testified in support and provided comments.  The Department of Accounting and General Services testified in opposition.

     Your Committee finds that the Commission plays an important role and needs a consistent, reliable funding source.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2438, S.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair