THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1545
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to nepotism.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature recognizes the importance of maintaining transparency, accountability, and fairness in government operations, including within its own ranks. While existing laws prohibit most state employees from hiring or supervising relatives or awarding contracts to businesses owned by relatives or household members, these provisions do not currently extend to employees of the legislature.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to subject legislative employees to the same ethical standards as other state employees, effectively preventing nepotism in the legislative branch. Through this Act, the legislature reaffirms its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fostering public trust in government operations.

SECTION 2. Section 84-13.2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (i) to read as follows:

"(i) Notwithstanding sections 84-2 and 84-3, this section shall not apply to employees or agencies of the [legislative or] judicial branch of the State."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Legislative Employees; Code of Ethics; Nepotism; Prohibition

Description:

Repeals language in the State's Code of Ethics that exempts the Legislative Branch from prohibitions against nepotism in public employment.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.