H.B. 1301 Summary

• Establishes a sunset law creating staggered repeal dates for Hawaii's principal departments, with the first departments (Human Resources Development, Accounting and General Services, Attorney General) repealing on June 30, 2025, and others scheduled through June 30, 2039.

• Requires the State Auditor to conduct comprehensive reviews of each department before its scheduled repeal date, evaluating performance against 15 specific criteria including efficiency, mission accomplishment, fee assessments, overlap with other departments, and compliance with state and federal laws.

• Mandates departments submit self-evaluation reports to the Auditor before September 1 of the odd year preceding their repeal, addressing the evaluation criteria and any additional relevant information.

• Allows the legislature to continue any department for up to 12 additional years during the regular session immediately before repeal, or to terminate departments earlier than scheduled.

• Establishes procedures for department termination including a one-year wind-down period, transfer of records and property to the Comptroller or designated department, continuation of bonded debt obligations, and lapse of unobligated appropriations on June 30 of the even-numbered year after repeal.