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HI SB2313

Bill

Status

Engrossed

3/6/2026

Primary Sponsor

Karl Rhoads

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Establishes a voluntary comprehensive public funding program for all state and county candidates in Hawaii, beginning with the 2028 general election year.

  • Requires candidates to collect $5 qualifying contributions from registered voters in their district to become certified (ranging from 50 contributions for Hawaii County council to 6,250 for governor).

  • Provides certified candidates with public funds distributed 67% for primary and 33% for general election, with amounts ranging from $20,000 for Hawaii County council to $2.5 million for governor.

  • Prohibits certified candidates from soliciting, accepting, or using any private contributions during their campaign and, if elected, throughout their term in office.

  • Allows candidates up to $5,000 or 5% of maximum funding (whichever is greater) in seed money contributions before certification, with individual seed money contributions capped at $250.

Legislative Description

Relating To Public Financing For Candidates To Elected Office.

Appropriation ($)

Last Action

Referred to JHA, FIN, referral sheet 16

3/10/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs3/10/2026
Ways and Means2/19/2026
Judiciary1/26/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available