HI SB1556

Establishes a Trusted Public Representatives Program within the Office of Information Practices to train and assign volunteers to monitor closed public agency meetings for compliance with Hawaii's sunshine law

Requires volunteer representatives to be Hawaii residents at least 18 years old, pass background checks, have no conflicts of interest with monitored boards, and demonstrate commitment to government transparency

Mandates the Office of Information Practices to adopt administrative rules covering recruitment, selection, observation procedures, reporting of suspected noncompliance, and periodic evaluation of representatives

Volunteers serve without compensation but receive reimbursement for expenses including travel; they must submit confidential reports to OIP and maintain confidentiality of closed meeting discussions

Appropriates unspecified general fund amounts for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to implement the program, effective July 1, 2025