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GM 1119

Informing the Legislature that on April 22, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB1202 (ACT 019).

2025 Regular Session

SB 1202 (ACT 019) allows Hawaii candidates to use campaign funds for child care, donations, and scholarships, enhancing campaign finance transparency and support.

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Bill Summary · GM 1119

Summary of GM 1119: Informing the Legislature of SB 1202 (ACT 019)

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: GM 1119
- Title: Informing the Legislature that on April 22, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB 1202 (ACT 019).
- Status: Received
- Introduced: April 22, 2025
- Classification: Proclamation
- Subject: Act 019

Purpose and Intent

GM 1119 serves as a formal notification to the Hawaii State Legislature that the Governor, Josh Green, M.D., has signed Senate Bill 1202 into law on April 22, 2025. This bill, now known as Act 019, pertains to campaign finance regulations in the state of Hawaii.

Key Provisions of SB 1202 (ACT 019)

The primary focus of SB 1202 is to amend Section 11-381 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes regarding the permissible uses of campaign funds. The key provisions include:

  1. Use of Campaign Funds:

    • Campaign funds can be utilized by candidates, treasurers, or candidate committees for various purposes directly related to the campaign, including:
      • Purchasing or leasing consumer goods, vehicles, and services that provide mixed benefits to the candidate, with restrictions on personal use.
      • Making donations to community service, educational, charitable, and other organizations, with limits on the total amount that can be donated during an election period.
      • Awarding scholarships to full-time students in higher education or vocational programs, also subject to contribution limits.
      • Covering ordinary and necessary expenses related to the candidate's duties and campaign activities.

  2. Child Care and Dependent Care Costs:

    • Candidates may use campaign funds to pay for child care or vital household dependent care costs incurred due to their campaign activities. Specific conditions apply, such as:
      • Costs must be incurred during the campaign period.
      • Services cannot be provided by immediate family members.

  3. Contribution Limits:

    • The total amount of donations and scholarships awarded cannot exceed twice the maximum amount that one person may contribute to a candidate, as outlined in Section 11-357.

Who is Affected?

The provisions of Act 019 primarily affect:
- Candidates running for office in Hawaii.
- Candidate committees and treasurers managing campaign funds.
- Organizations that may receive donations from candidates.
- Voters and constituents who may benefit from increased transparency and regulation in campaign finance.

Procedural Aspects

  • Approval Date: The bill was signed into law on April 22, 2025.
  • Effective Date: The Act takes effect upon its approval, meaning the provisions are immediately applicable following the signing.

This summary provides an overview of GM 1119 and its associated legislation, SB 1202 (ACT 019), highlighting its purpose, key changes to campaign finance regulations, and the stakeholders involved.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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