HI HB131

Authorizes state agencies to disclose government records to researchers for research purposes, notwithstanding existing confidentiality provisions under Hawaii's Uniform Information Practices Act (Chapter 92F)

Defines "research purpose" as a non-commercial objective to develop, study, or report aggregate or anonymous information where individual identity is not material to the results

Defines "researcher" to include government agencies, hospitals, educational institutions, news media, nonprofit organizations, or similar organizations requesting research records

Changes the Office of Information Practices' authority to adopt rules for research disclosure from mandatory ("shall") to discretionary ("may")

Takes effect upon approval by the Governor