HI SB2644

Establishes a legislative budget office within the Hawaii legislature to produce fiscal analyses of bills that affect state or county revenues and expenditures.

Requires the office to prepare fiscal analyses before bills are recommended by committees or taken up for third reading, including dollar estimates of fiscal impact and distribution to bill introducers, committee members, and legislators.

Creates a director position appointed by majority vote of both houses in joint session for a six-year term, with removal allowed by two-thirds vote for neglect of duty, misconduct, or disability, and compensation equal to the legislative reference bureau director's salary.

Grants the office authority to request information from state and county departments within five days to estimate fiscal impacts, with compliance mandatory for all agencies.

Repeals Chapter 21F (the non-functional joint legislative budget committee and office of the legislative analyst) and provides appropriation authority for fiscal year 2024-2025 with an effective date of July 1, 2024.