S.B. 655 Summary

• Establishes a sunset provision for Hawaii's principal state departments with staggered repeal dates ranging from June 30, 2027 to June 30, 2041, requiring legislative action to continue them.

• Requires the state auditor to conduct comprehensive reviews of each department before its repeal date, evaluating performance against 15 criteria including efficiency, mission achievement, overlap with other departments, and compliance with federal and state laws.

• Mandates departments submit performance reports to the auditor by September 1 of the odd year preceding their repeal date, with auditor findings and recommendations submitted to the legislature at least 20 days before the regular session.

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

• Provides procedures for department termination including transfer of assets and records, continuation of bonded obligations and contracts, and lapse of unobligated appropriations to the general fund two years after repeal.