HB 134: Office of Elections; Nomination Papers; Electronic Filing; Appropriation
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2025-04-25
Current Status:
In Progress
(2025-06-06: Act 194, on 06/06/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1294).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill requires the Chief Election Officer to provide an online system so candidates (and county clerks) can file nomination papers electronically. The system must accept notarized oaths, other required documents, and filing fee payments, and filers may not be charged an extra fee to use it. The bill funds the effort with an appropriation of $150,000 for each of two fiscal years to build and run the system.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Requires the Chief Election Officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers. Requires that the system for the electronic filing of nomination papers be provided at no additional cost to the filer. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/1/2028. (CD1)
Requires the Chief Election Officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers. Requires the system for electronic filing of nomination papers be at no additional cost to the filer. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/1/3000. (SD1)
Requires the Chief Election Officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/1/3000. (HD1)
Requires the Chief Election Officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers. Effective 1/1/2026.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
134 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ELECTIONS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 12-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§12-3 Nomination paper; format; limitations. (a) No candidate's name shall be printed upon any official ballot to be used at any primary, special primary, or special election unless a nomination paper was filed on the candidate's behalf and in the name by which the candidate is commonly known. The nomination paper shall be in a form prescribed and provided by the chief election officer containing substantially the following information:
(1) A statement by the registered voters signing the form that they are eligible to vote for the candidate;
(2) A statement by the registered voters signing the form that they nominate the candidate for the office identified on the nomination paper issued to the candidate;
(3) The residence address and county in which the candidate resides;
(4) The legal name of
the candidate, the name by which the candidate is commonly known, if different,
the office for which the candidate is running, and the candidate's party
affiliation or nonpartisanship; all of which are to be placed on the nomination
paper by the chief election officer or the clerk [prior to] before
releasing the form to the candidate;
(5) Space for the name, signature, month and date portions of the date of birth, and residence address of each registered voter signing the form, and other information as determined by the chief election officer; provided that a voter's social security number or any portion thereof and the year portion of the voter's date of birth shall not be required;
(6) A sworn certification by self-subscribing oath by the candidate that the candidate qualifies under the law for the office the candidate is seeking and that the candidate has determined that, except for the information provided by the registered voters signing the nomination papers, all of the information on the nomination papers is true and correct;
(7) A sworn certification by self-subscribing oath by a party candidate that the candidate is a member of the party;
(8) For candidates seeking elective county office, a sworn certification by self-subscribing oath by the candidate that the candidate has complied with the relevant provisions of the applicable county charter and county ordinances pertaining to elected officials;
(9) A sworn certification by self-subscribing oath, where applicable, by the candidate that the candidate has complied with the provisions of article II, section 7, of the Hawaii State Constitution;
(10) A sworn certification by self-subscribing oath by the candidate that the candidate is in compliance with section 831-2, dealing with felons, and is eligible to run for office; and
(11) The name the candidate wishes to be printed on the ballot and the mailing address of the candidate.
(b) Signatures of registered voters shall not be counted, unless they are upon the nomination paper having the format set forth above, written or printed thereon, and if there are separate sheets to be attached to the nomination paper, the sheets shall have the name of the candidate, the candidate's party affiliation or nonpartisanship, and the office and district for which the candidate is running placed thereon by the chief election officer or the clerk. The nomination paper and separate sheets shall be provided by the chief election officer or the clerk.
(c) Nomination papers shall not be filed [in]
on behalf of any person for more than one party or for more than one
office; nor shall any person file nomination papers both as a party candidate
and as a nonpartisan candidate.
(d) The office and district for which the
candidate is running, the candidate's name, and the candidate's party
affiliation or nonpartisanship [may] shall not be changed from
that indicated on the nomination paper and separate sheets. If the candidate wishes to run for an office
or district different from that for which the nomination paper states or under
a different party affiliation or nonpartisanship, the candidate may request the
appropriate nomination paper from the chief election officer or clerk and have
it signed by the required number of registered voters.
(e) Nomination papers that contain alterations or
changes made by anyone other than the chief election officer or the clerk to
the candidate's information, the candidate's party affiliation or
nonpartisanship, the office to which the candidate seeks nomination, or the
oath of loyalty or affirmation, after the nomination paper was issued by the
chief election officer or clerk, shall be void and [will] shall
not be accepted for filing by the chief election officer or clerk.
(f) Nomination papers that are incomplete and do not contain all of the certifications, signatures, and requirements of this section shall be void.
(g) The chief election officer shall provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers, including the submission of the notarized written oath or affirmation and any other required documentation and the deposit of the filing fee. No additional fee shall be charged to the filer for using the electronic filing system."
SECTION 2. Section 12-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending its title and subsection (a) to read as follows:
"§12-6
Nomination [papers:] papers; time for filing; manner of filing;
fees. (a) For members of Congress, state offices,
county offices, and the board of trustees for the office of Hawaiian affairs,
nomination papers shall be filed with the chief election officer, or clerk in case of county offices, [not] no later
than 4:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday in June[. However,]; provided that in the
event of a special primary or special election, the filing deadline shall be
determined in the proclamation that [is issued calling] calls for
the election as provided for by state law or county charter. A state candidate from the counties of
Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai may file the declaration of candidacy with the
respective clerk. The clerk shall
transmit to the office of the chief election officer the state candidate's
declaration of candidacy without delay. Nomination papers may be filed
electronically with the chief election officer, or clerk in the case of a county
office, using an electronic filing system operated and maintained by the office
of elections; provided that no additional fee shall be charged to the filer for
submitting nomination papers electronically."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $150,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the chief election officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers, including the submission of the notarized written oath or affirmation and any other required documentation and the deposit of the filing fee; provided that the chief election officer shall make the electronic filing system available to the county clerks for the electronic filing of nomination papers for election to county offices.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the office of elections for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2028; provided that section 3 shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
Report Title:
Office of Elections; Nomination Papers; Electronic Filing; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the Chief Election Officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers. Requires that the system for the electronic filing of nomination papers be provided at no additional cost to the filer. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/1/2028. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
134 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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|
|
|
|
|
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ELECTIONS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 12-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§12-3 Nomination paper; format; limitations. (a) No candidate's name shall be printed upon any official ballot to be used at any primary, special primary, or special election unless a nomination paper was filed on the candidate's behalf and in the name by which the candidate is commonly known. The nomination paper shall be in a form prescribed and provided by the chief election officer containing substantially the following information:
(1) A statement by the registered voters signing the form that they are eligible to vote for the candidate;
(2) A statement by the registered voters signing the form that they nominate the candidate for the office identified on the nomination paper issued to the candidate;
(3) The residence address and county in which the candidate resides;
(4) The legal name of
the candidate, the name by which the candidate is commonly known, if different,
the office for which the candidate is running, and the candidate's party
affiliation or nonpartisanship; all of which are to be placed on the nomination
paper by the chief election officer or the clerk [prior to] before
releasing the form to the candidate;
(5) Space for the name, signature, month and date portions of the date of birth, and residence address of each registered voter signing the form, and other information as determined by the chief election officer; provided that a voter's social security number or any portion thereof and the year portion of the voter's date of birth shall not be required;
(6) A sworn certification by self-subscribing oath by the candidate that the candidate qualifies under the law for the office the candidate is seeking and that the candidate has determined that, except for the information provided by the registered voters signing the nomination papers, all of the information on the nomination papers is true and correct;
(7) A sworn certification by self-subscribing oath by a party candidate that the candidate is a member of the party;
(8) For candidates seeking elective county office, a sworn certification by self-subscribing oath by the candidate that the candidate has complied with the relevant provisions of the applicable county charter and county ordinances pertaining to elected officials;
(9) A sworn certification by self-subscribing oath, where applicable, by the candidate that the candidate has complied with the provisions of article II, section 7, of the Hawaii State Constitution;
(10) A sworn certification by self-subscribing oath by the candidate that the candidate is in compliance with section 831-2, dealing with felons, and is eligible to run for office; and
(11) The name the candidate wishes to be printed on the ballot and the mailing address of the candidate.
(b) Signatures of registered voters shall not be counted, unless they are upon the nomination paper having the format set forth above, written or printed thereon, and if there are separate sheets to be attached to the nomination paper, the sheets shall have the name of the candidate, the candidate's party affiliation or nonpartisanship, and the office and district for which the candidate is running placed thereon by the chief election officer or the clerk. The nomination paper and separate sheets shall be provided by the chief election officer or the clerk.
(c) Nomination papers shall not be filed [in]
on behalf of any person for more than one party or for more than one
office; nor shall any person file nomination papers both as a party candidate
and as a nonpartisan candidate.
(d) The office and district for which the
candidate is running, the candidate's name, and the candidate's party
affiliation or nonpartisanship [may] shall not be changed from
that indicated on the nomination paper and separate sheets. If the candidate wishes to run for an office
or district different from that for which the nomination paper states or under
a different party affiliation or nonpartisanship, the candidate may request the
appropriate nomination paper from the chief election officer or clerk and have
it signed by the required number of registered voters.
(e) Nomination papers that contain alterations or
changes made by anyone other than the chief election officer or the clerk to
the candidate's information, the candidate's party affiliation or
nonpartisanship, the office to which the candidate seeks nomination, or the
oath of loyalty or affirmation, after the nomination paper was issued by the
chief election officer or clerk, shall be void and [will] shall
not be accepted for filing by the chief election officer or clerk.
(f) Nomination papers that are incomplete and do not contain all of the certifications, signatures, and requirements of this section shall be void.
(g) The chief election officer shall provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers, including the submission of the notarized written oath or affirmation and any other required documentation and the deposit of the filing fee. The chief election officer shall not charge an additional fee to the filer for using the system for electronic filing of nomination papers."
SECTION 2. Section 12-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending its title and subsection (a) to read as follows:
"§12-6
Nomination papers: time for
filing; manner of filing; fees.
(a) For members of Congress, state
offices, county offices, and the board of trustees for the office of Hawaiian
affairs, nomination papers shall be filed with the chief election officer, or clerk in case of county offices, [not] no later
than 4:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday in June[. However,]; provided that in the
event of a special primary or special election, the filing deadline shall be
determined in the proclamation that [is issued calling] calls for
the election as provided for by state law or county charter. A state candidate from the counties of
Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai may file the declaration of candidacy with the
respective clerk. The clerk shall
transmit to the office of the chief election officer the state candidate's
declaration of candidacy without delay. Nomination papers may be filed
electronically with the chief election officer, or clerk in the case of a county
office, using an electronic filing system; provided that the chief election
officer or clerk shall not charge an additional fee to the filer for filing
nomination papers electronically."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the chief election officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers, including the submission of the notarized written oath or affirmation and any other required documentation and the deposit of the filing fee.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the office of elections for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 3000; provided that section 3 shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
Report Title:
Office of Elections; Nomination Papers; Electronic Filing; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the Chief Election Officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers. Requires the system for electronic filing of nomination papers be at no additional cost to the filer. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/1/3000. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
134 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ELECTIONS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 12-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§12-3 Nomination paper; format; limitations. (a) No candidate's name shall be printed upon any official ballot to be used at any primary, special primary, or special election unless a nomination paper was filed on the candidate's behalf and in the name by which the candidate is commonly known. The nomination paper shall be in a form prescribed and provided by the chief election officer containing substantially the following information:
(1) A statement by the registered voters signing the form that they are eligible to vote for the candidate;
(2) A statement by the registered voters signing the form that they nominate the candidate for the office identified on the nomination paper issued to the candidate;
(3) The residence address and county in which the candidate resides;
(4) The legal name of
the candidate, the name by which the candidate is commonly known, if different,
the office for which the candidate is running, and the candidate's party
affiliation or nonpartisanship; all of which are to be placed on the nomination
paper by the chief election officer or the clerk [prior to] before
releasing the form to the candidate;
(5) Space for the name, signature, month and date portions of the date of birth, and residence address of each registered voter signing the form, and other information as determined by the chief election officer; provided that a voter's social security number or any portion thereof and the year portion of the voter's date of birth shall not be required;
(6) A sworn certification by self-subscribing oath by the candidate that the candidate qualifies under the law for the office the candidate is seeking and that the candidate has determined that, except for the information provided by the registered voters signing the nomination papers, all of the information on the nomination papers is true and correct;
(7) A sworn certification by self-subscribing oath by a party candidate that the candidate is a member of the party;
(8) For candidates seeking elective county office, a sworn certification by self-subscribing oath by the candidate that the candidate has complied with the relevant provisions of the applicable county charter and county ordinances pertaining to elected officials;
(9) A sworn certification by self-subscribing oath, where applicable, by the candidate that the candidate has complied with the provisions of article II, section 7, of the Hawaii State Constitution;
(10) A sworn certification by self-subscribing oath by the candidate that the candidate is in compliance with section 831-2, dealing with felons, and is eligible to run for office; and
(11) The name the candidate wishes to be printed on the ballot and the mailing address of the candidate.
(b) Signatures of registered voters shall not be counted, unless they are upon the nomination paper having the format set forth above, written or printed thereon, and if there are separate sheets to be attached to the nomination paper, the sheets shall have the name of the candidate, the candidate's party affiliation or nonpartisanship, and the office and district for which the candidate is running placed thereon by the chief election officer or the clerk. The nomination paper and separate sheets shall be provided by the chief election officer or the clerk.
(c) Nomination papers shall not be filed [in]
on behalf of any person for more than one party or for more than one
office; nor shall any person file nomination papers both as a party candidate
and as a nonpartisan candidate.
(d) The office and district for which the
candidate is running, the candidate's name, and the candidate's party
affiliation or nonpartisanship [may] shall not be changed from
that indicated on the nomination paper and separate sheets. If the candidate wishes to run for an office
or district different from that for which the nomination paper states or under
a different party affiliation or nonpartisanship, the candidate may request the
appropriate nomination paper from the chief election officer or clerk and have
it signed by the required number of registered voters.
(e) Nomination papers that contain alterations or
changes made by anyone other than the chief election officer or the clerk to
the candidate's information, the candidate's party affiliation or
nonpartisanship, the office to which the candidate seeks nomination, or the
oath of loyalty or affirmation, after the nomination paper was issued by the
chief election officer or clerk, shall be void and [will] shall
not be accepted for filing by the chief election officer or clerk.
(f) Nomination papers that are incomplete and do not contain all of the certifications, signatures, and requirements of this section shall be void.
(g) The chief election officer shall provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers, including the submission of the notarized written oath or affirmation and any other required documentation and the deposit of the filing fee."
SECTION 2. Section 12-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending its title and subsection (a) to read as follows:
"§12-6
Nomination papers: time for
filing; manner of filing; fees.
(a) For members of Congress, state
offices, county offices, and the board of trustees for the office of Hawaiian
affairs, nomination papers shall be filed with the chief election officer, or clerk in case of county offices, [not] no later
than 4:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday in June[. However,]; provided that in the
event of a special primary or special election, the filing deadline shall be
determined in the proclamation that [is issued calling] calls for
the election as provided for by state law or county charter. A state candidate from the counties of
Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai may file the declaration of candidacy with the
respective clerk. The clerk shall
transmit to the office of the chief election officer the state candidate's
declaration of candidacy without delay. Nomination papers may be filed
electronically with the chief election officer, or clerk in the case of a county
office, using an electronic filing system."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the chief election officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers, including the submission of the notarized written oath or affirmation and any other required documentation and the deposit of the filing fee.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the office of elections for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 3000; provided that section 3 shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
Report Title:
Office of Elections; Nomination Papers; Electronic Filing; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the Chief Election Officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers. Appropriates funds. Effective 1/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
134 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ELECTIONS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 12-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§12-3 Nomination paper; format; limitations. (a) No candidate's name shall be printed upon any official ballot to be used at any primary, special primary, or special election unless a nomination paper was filed on the candidate's behalf and in the name by which the candidate is commonly known. The nomination paper shall be in a form prescribed and provided by the chief election officer containing substantially the following information:
(1) A statement by the registered voters signing the form that they are eligible to vote for the candidate;
(2) A statement by the registered voters signing the form that they nominate the candidate for the office identified on the nomination paper issued to the candidate;
(3) The residence address and county in which the candidate resides;
(4) The legal name of
the candidate, the name by which the candidate is commonly known, if different,
the office for which the candidate is running, and the candidate's party
affiliation or nonpartisanship; all of which are to be placed on the nomination
paper by the chief election officer or the clerk [prior to] before
releasing the form to the candidate;
(5) Space for the name, signature, month and date portions of the date of birth, and residence address of each registered voter signing the form, and other information as determined by the chief election officer; provided that a voter's social security number or any portion thereof and the year portion of the voter's date of birth shall not be required;
(6) A sworn certification by self-subscribing oath by the candidate that the candidate qualifies under the law for the office the candidate is seeking and that the candidate has determined that, except for the information provided by the registered voters signing the nomination papers, all of the information on the nomination papers is true and correct;
(7) A sworn certification by self-subscribing oath by a party candidate that the candidate is a member of the party;
(8) For candidates seeking elective county office, a sworn certification by self-subscribing oath by the candidate that the candidate has complied with the relevant provisions of the applicable county charter and county ordinances pertaining to elected officials;
(9) A sworn certification by self-subscribing oath, where applicable, by the candidate that the candidate has complied with the provisions of article II, section 7, of the Hawaii State Constitution;
(10) A sworn certification by self-subscribing oath by the candidate that the candidate is in compliance with section 831-2, dealing with felons, and is eligible to run for office; and
(11) The name the candidate wishes to be printed on the ballot and the mailing address of the candidate.
(b) Signatures of registered voters shall not be counted, unless they are upon the nomination paper having the format set forth above, written or printed thereon, and if there are separate sheets to be attached to the nomination paper, the sheets shall have the name of the candidate, the candidate's party affiliation or nonpartisanship, and the office and district for which the candidate is running placed thereon by the chief election officer or the clerk. The nomination paper and separate sheets shall be provided by the chief election officer or the clerk.
(c) Nomination papers shall not be filed [in]
on behalf of any person for more than one party or for more than one
office; nor shall any person file nomination papers both as a party candidate
and as a nonpartisan candidate.
(d) The office and district for which the
candidate is running, the candidate's name, and the candidate's party
affiliation or nonpartisanship [may] shall not be changed from
that indicated on the nomination paper and separate sheets. If the candidate wishes to run for an office
or district different from that for which the nomination paper states or under
a different party affiliation or nonpartisanship, the candidate may request the
appropriate nomination paper from the chief election officer or clerk and have
it signed by the required number of registered voters.
(e) Nomination papers that contain alterations or
changes made by anyone other than the chief election officer or the clerk to
the candidate's information, the candidate's party affiliation or
nonpartisanship, the office to which the candidate seeks nomination, or the
oath of loyalty or affirmation, after the nomination paper was issued by the
chief election officer or clerk, shall be void and [will] shall
not be accepted for filing by the chief election officer or clerk.
(f) Nomination papers that are incomplete and do not contain all of the certifications, signatures, and requirements of this section shall be void.
(g) The chief election officer shall provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers, including the submission of the notarized written oath or affirmation and any other required documentation and the deposit of the filing fee."
SECTION 2. Section 12-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending its title and subsection (a) to read as follows:
"§12-6
Nomination papers: time for
filing; manner of filing; fees.
(a) For members of Congress, state
offices, county offices, and the board of trustees for the office of Hawaiian
affairs, nomination papers shall be filed with the chief election officer, or clerk in case of county offices, [not] no later
than 4:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday in June[. However,]; provided that in the
event of a special primary or special election, the filing deadline shall be
determined in the proclamation that [is issued calling] calls for
the election as provided for by state law or county charter. A state candidate from the counties of
Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai may file the declaration of candidacy with the
respective clerk. The clerk shall
transmit to the office of the chief election officer the state candidate's
declaration of candidacy without delay. Nomination papers may be filed
electronically with the chief election officer, or clerk in the case of a county
office, using an electronic filing system."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the chief election officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers, including the submission of the notarized written oath or affirmation and any other required documentation and the deposit of the filing fee.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the office of elections for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2026; provided that section 3 shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
Office of Elections; Nomination Papers; Electronic Filing; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the Chief Election Officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers. Effective 1/1/2026.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Jun 6, 2025 | Act 194, on 06/06/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1294). |
| Jun 6, 2025 | Act 194, 06/06/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1294). |
| May 1, 2025 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| May 2, 2025 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 821). |
| May 1, 2025 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 888). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia, Muraoka voting no (2) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 22; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 2 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) McKelvey). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 04-30-25 |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 158). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 04-30-25. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 158) as amended in (CD 1). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 3 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Kitagawa, Matsumoto; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Kim, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 04-25-25 2:15PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Thursday 04-24-25 2:15PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Wednesday 04-23-25 2:15PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Tuesday 04-22-25 2:05PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Monday 04-21-25 2:05PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 16, 2025 | Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Thursday, 04-17-25 3:46PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 790). |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Rhoads Chair; Kim Co-Chair; Fevella. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 732). |
| Apr 14, 2025 | House Conferees Appointed: Tarnas, Kitagawa Co-Chairs; Matsumoto. |
| Apr 11, 2025 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 704). |
| Apr 10, 2025 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 598) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 23; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 2 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | One Day Notice 04-08-25. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1681) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 31, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 28, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 03-31-25 10:02AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 18, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 18, 2025 | Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1127) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 11, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Awa; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 7, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC has scheduled a public hearing on 03-11-25 9:45AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Referred to JDC, WAM. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 192). |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia, Muraoka, Shimizu voting no (3) and Representative(s) Pierick, Ward excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1132), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 25, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 13 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Alcos; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 3 Excused: Representative(s) Kusch, Reyes Oda, Ward. |
| Feb 21, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Tuesday, 02-25-25 12:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 5, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia, Muraoka voting no (2) and Representative(s) Cochran, Ward excused (2). |
| Feb 5, 2025 | Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 172) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Jan 28, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Hashem, Kahaloa, Perruso, Takayama, Todd, Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: none; 1 Noes: Representative(s) Garcia; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Cochran. |
| Jan 23, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Tuesday, 01-28-25 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Referred to JHA, FIN, referral sheet 1 |
| Jan 16, 2025 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 14, 2025 | Prefiled. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 8, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Mar 31, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
|
| Mar 11, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
|
| Mar 4, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Feb 25, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
|
| Jan 28, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Mar 31, 2025 |
| Kingdom of The Hawaiian Islands | *** Support | Mar 11, 2025 |
| Office of Elections | *** Support | Mar 31, 2025 |
| Ohana Unity Party | *** Support | Mar 11, 2025 |
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 158
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 134
H.D. 1
S.D. 1
C.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madam and Sir:
Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the House of Representatives to the amendments proposed by the Senate in H.B. No. 134, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS,"
having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Require the Chief Election Officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers;
(2) Prohibit the Chief Election Officer from charging an additional fee to filers for using the electronic system; and
(3) Appropriate funds for the Chief Election Officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers.
Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:
(1) Clarifying that the system for the electronic filing of nomination papers shall be operated and maintained by the Office of Elections and made available to the county clerks;
(2) Appropriating $150,000 for the Chief Election Officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers;
(3) Changing the effective date to January 1, 2028; and
(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 134, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 134, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, C.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:
|
ON THE PART OF THE SENATE |
|
ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE |
|
____________________________ KARL RHOADS Chair |
|
____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS Co-Chair |
|
____________________________ DONNA MERCADO KIM Co-Chair |
|
____________________________ LISA KITAGAWA Co-Chair |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1681
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 134
H.D. 1
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 134, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to facilitate the filing of nomination papers in elections.
Specifically, the measure:
(1) Requires the Chief Election Officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers;
(2) Prohibits the Chief Election Officer from charging an additional fee to filers for using the electronic system; and
(3) Appropriates moneys.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Office of Elections and Democratic Party of Hawaii.
Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Ohana Unity Party/Kingdom of The Hawaiian Islands.
Your Committee finds that a system to electronically submit nomination papers, without the imposition of an additional fee, will accommodate more community members seeking to serve in public offices. Accordingly, your Committee believes that this system will have a positive effect on elections and the democratic process.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 134, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
|
|
|
________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1127
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 134
H.D. 1
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 134, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Require the Chief Election Officer to provide a system for the electronic filing of nomination papers; and
(2) Appropriate funds.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Elections, Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, and three individuals.
Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.
Your Committee finds that updating the process that candidates for public office must complete in order to be placed on the ballot by including the option to electronically submit nomination papers will ensure that more of the State's community members have the ability to participate in the electoral process as candidates. Your Committee further finds that specifying that filing electronically will be at no additional cost to the filer will further encourage individuals to participate in the State's electoral process as candidates. This measure will enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of the State's democracy by making it easier for candidates for public office to submit their nomination papers.
Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by specifying that use of the electronic filing system established by this measure shall come at no additional cost to the filer.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 134, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 134, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,
|
|
|
________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1132
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 134
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 134, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 134, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
|
|
|
____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 172
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 134
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 134 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee finds that the existing process for completing and filing nomination papers is a hybrid electronic-physical process. Providing a fully electronic process for completing and filing nomination papers will streamline the candidate filing process and improve government efficiency.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount;
(2) Changing the effective date to January 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
Your Committee notes that the Office of Elections submitted testimony requesting that the measure be amended to authorize elections officials to charge a processing fee when candidates electronically file their nomination papers. The Office of Elections is also requesting the effective date be changed to January 1, 2028, to ensure that it is able to procure, test, and train candidates on the use of the electronic system.
Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $500,000.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 134, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 134, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,
|
|
|
____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair |
|
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Testimony PDF
|
|---|---|
| Mar 31, 2025 | HB134_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_03-31-25_.PDF |
| Mar 11, 2025 | HB134_HD1_TESTIMONY_JDC_03-11-25_.PDF |
| Feb 25, 2025 | HB134_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-25-25_.PDF |
| Jan 28, 2025 | HB134_TESTIMONY_JHA_01-28-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
2MIN
Conference Committee
24SEC
Conference Committee
26SEC
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
3MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary
33SEC
