SB 1253 Summary

• Adds three new definitions to Hawaii's open records law: "guidance" (written discussion of legal and factual issues without rising to opinion level), "opinion" (written discussion with findings and conclusions), and "ruling" (firm and final legal determination on disputed violation issues).

• Allows the Office of Information Practices to issue written guidance concluding an agency denial of access will likely be upheld, rather than requiring a full ruling, if the guidance includes reasons and informs the complainant of their right to judicial action.

• Applies the same guidance alternative to open meetings complaints, allowing the office to issue written guidance concluding a board likely did not violate the Sunshine Law instead of a full ruling, provided it includes reasons and informs complainants of judicial remedy rights.

• Changes references from "which" to "that" in sections describing administrative appeals structures and uniform standards for records collection (technical grammar corrections).

• Takes effect on July 1, 2112.