H.B. 2038 Summary

• Amends section 11-118.5 to require constitutional amendments and ratification questions to be "simple, concise, and direct to the extent practicable" rather than merely "clear and not misleading or deceptive."

• Requires the attorney general, in consultation with the legislative reference bureau, to prepare amendment statements in English and Hawaiian using language that is simple, concise, and direct.

• Adds new jurisdiction to the Hawaii Supreme Court allowing it to issue written opinions on proposed constitutional amendments and ratification questions when requested by the president of the senate, speaker of the house, or both.

• Requires the supreme court to deliver written opinions within seven days of request and to provide detailed explanations when invalidating a constitutional ratification question.

• Makes supreme court opinions on constitutional amendments non-appealable.