Hawaii House Bill HB1653

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/26
• Refer: 1/26/26

Caption

Relating To Claims Against The State.

Impact

The bill places a significant restriction on claims against the State by establishing a strict six-year limit for submission. Claims that fail to comply with this timeline will not be considered, which may discourage individuals or entities with viable claims from pursuing redress if they inadvertently miss this deadline. This change could lead to a reduction in the number of claims and potentially shield the state from long-term financial liabilities, as claims would need to be addressed within a shorter time frame.

Summary

House Bill 1653 amends specific sections of the Hawaii Revised Statutes concerning claims for legislative relief against the State. It proposes that all claims for refunds, reimbursements, or other payments must be filed with the Attorney General along with supporting documentation within six years from the date the claim matured. The bill emphasizes a time limitation and explicitly states that claims exceeding this period cannot be presented to the legislature. This amendment aims to streamline the process of legislative claims and ensure timely resolutions.

Contention

There are notable implications of this bill that may lead to contention among various stakeholders. Critics may argue that the stringent deadlines could unfairly disadvantage claimants who may have valid claims but are hindered by circumstances that delay their filing. Additionally, the requirement for the Attorney General to submit a report detailing claims and the circumstances surrounding them adds an accountability measure. However, it raises concerns about transparency and could be seen as an oversite on the capabilities of state agencies to manage claims effectively. This oversight may ignite a debate on the balance between protecting state interests and ensuring fair access to justice for claimants.