HI SCR149

Requests the Hawaii State Ethics Commission to establish a task force to review lobbyist disclosure laws and reports, with focus on enhancing transparency and public disclosure of lobbyist expenditures.

Task force composition includes six members: the Ethics Commission Executive Director, two registered lobbyists, two public interest group representatives (one each selected by Senate President and House Speaker), and two news media representatives (one each selected by Senate President and House Speaker).

Task force directed to review lobbyist reporting requirements including who must file, filing frequency, information in disclosure reports, contractual relationships and campaign contributions to elected officials, and gifts and meals paid by lobbyists.

Task force must examine Hawaii State Ethics Commission filing procedures, review recent disclosure reports to identify transparency gaps, and assess best practices from other states and federal level for feasibility in Hawaii.

Task force required to submit findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2013 Regular Session convening, and ceases to exist upon adjournment of that session.