HI HR44

Amends Rule 19 of the Hawaii House of Representatives Rules to require audio or audiovisual recording of all public hearings and informational briefings held at the state capitol.

Requires the House to maintain an archive of recordings and make them publicly available to the extent funds are available and subject to applicable legal restrictions and legislative rules.

Addresses concerns about transcription costs under the Uniform Information Practices Act by clarifying recording requirements and modernizing the process using existing legislative infrastructure.

Expands public accessibility of legislative proceedings beyond the current limited broadcast coverage (approximately 10-15% of annual hearings) to include all committee hearings and briefings.