HI SB1449

Establishes a 12-member Sunset Advisory Commission within the legislature consisting of 4 legislative members (2 from Senate, 2 from House) and 4 public members appointed by the governor to review state agencies on a recurring schedule.

Commission reviews state agencies based on 12 criteria including efficiency, mission achievement, fee authority, potential consolidation with other agencies, complaint handling, rulemaking process, and federal funding impacts.

Initial agency reviews begin in 2014 with staggered two-year intervals covering executive departments in seven groupings; exempts governor's office, legislature, supreme court, employees' retirement system, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Commission prepares written reports and recommendations on agency continuation, alteration, reorganization, and program consolidation; may draft legislation and recommend budget levels to improve agency operations.

Terminated agencies may continue operations through June 30 of the following year; unobligated appropriations lapse, special funds transfer to general fund (except bonded obligations remain enforceable), and commission reviews all bills proposing new state agencies.