HI HB1153

Establishes a remote legislative access program within the legislature's public access program to enable neighbor island residents and others to provide testimony at committee hearings via videoconference, teleconference, or other remote technology.

Places the remote legislative access program under supervision of the joint legislative access committee, which must consult with technology experts, the disability and communication access board, and county councils when implementing the program.

Requires each house of the legislature to establish procedures by rule that allow the public to present oral testimony at legislative committee hearings through remote testimony using video conferencing or Internet-based technology.

Directs the joint legislative access committee to consider various communication methods and technologies that accommodate individuals with visual or hearing impairments when administering the program.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2020-2021 to the department of accounting and general services to carry out the program, effective July 1, 2050.