HI HB391

Establishes a new chapter in Hawaii ethics law to govern political participation by employees of 17 specified state agencies and offices, including the Attorney General, Department of Defense, Campaign Spending Commission, and State Ethics Commission.

Prohibits covered employees from soliciting, accepting, or receiving political contributions, except from multicandidate political committees of labor organizations or state employee organizations where the employee is a member and not a subordinate.

Prohibits covered employees from soliciting or discouraging support for partisan political candidates from persons who have pending applications for compensation, grants, contracts, or licenses before their agency, or who are subjects of ongoing audits or investigations by their agency.

Permits covered employees to retain the right to vote and express opinions on political subjects and candidates as allowed by law.

Requires all state departments, agencies, and courts to post political participation requirements on their premises and websites, with content prescribed by the State Ethics Commission; violations subject to administrative fines up to $1,000 per violation.

Effective date: January 1, 2050.