Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR72

Introduced
3/12/26  

Caption

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Comprehensive Study On The Feasibility And Implications Of Electing The State's Attorney General.

Impact

By exploring the possibility of transforming the Attorney General's role from an appointed position to an elected one, HCR72 aims to enhance the transparency and public accountability of this office. The study will assess necessary constitutional amendments and evaluate different governance structures across states that use either method of selection. The outcomes could lead to significant changes in how the Attorney General operates and interacts with other branches of government.

Summary

HCR72 requests the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility and implications of electing the State's Attorney General in Hawaii. This resolution stems from concerns regarding the current appointment method, where the Attorney General is nominated by the Governor and must receive Senate approval. The bill emphasizes the need to evaluate how these selection processes influence the independence and accountability of the Attorney General, which is critical in enforcing laws and serving the public interest.

Contention

One notable point of contention highlighted in discussions surrounding HCR72 is the balance between executive power and public accountability. Proponents of an elected Attorney General argue that this approach would allow for greater independence from the Governor, thereby enhancing the office's credibility and removing potential conflicts of interest. Conversely, critics may advocate for maintaining the current system to ensure that the Attorney General can operate within the framework of executive oversight, suggesting that an election might politicize the role and complicate its function.

Companion Bills

HI HR66

Same As Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Comprehensive Study On The Feasibility And Implications Of Electing The State's Attorney General.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR179

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Comprehensive Review Of The Hawaii Revised Statutes And Recommend Amendments To Incorporate Gender-neutral Terminology.

HI SR149

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Comprehensive Review Of The Hawaii Revised Statutes And Recommend Amendments To Incorporate Gender-neutral Terminology.

HI HCR138

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study To Understand The Implementation Process And Projected Financial Impact Of Adopting Fiscal Notes Into The State's Legislative Procedure.

HI HR132

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study To Understand The Implementation Process And Projected Financial Impact Of Adopting Fiscal Notes Into The State's Legislative Procedure.

HI HCR29

Urging The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study On The Economic, Social, And Fiscal Impact Of The Kapiolani Hospital Nurses Strike And Lockout To The State.

HI HCR106

Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Conduct A Study Evaluating The Feasibility Of Establishing A Green Bonds Program In The State.

HI HCR126

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Review All Reports Required To Be Submitted To The Legislature And Make Recommendations On Which Reports Should Be Discontinued.

HI HR28

Urging The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study On The Economic, Social, And Fiscal Impact Of The Kapiolani Hospital Nurses Strike And Lockout To The State.

HI HR102

Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Conduct A Study Evaluating The Feasibility Of Establishing A Green Bonds Program In The State.

HI SCR110

Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Conduct A Study Evaluating The Feasibility Of Establishing A Green Bonds Program In The State.

Similar Bills

IL SB2087

STATES ATTY-PEACE OFCR-PRIVACY

CA SB605

State attorneys and administrative law judges: compensation.

TX HB2530

Relating to special appointments in suits affecting the parent-child relationship.

LA SB454

Provides for a population based allocation of assistant district attorney positions in the state. (7/1/26) (OR +$397,950 GF EX See Note)

LA HB719

Provides relative to the number of assistant district attorneys in each judicial district (RE +$2,274,000 GF EX See Note)

TX SB888

Relating to the attorney general's defense of a district or county attorney against certain lawsuits in federal court.

TX SB1026

Relating to the authority of the attorney general to prosecute criminal offenses prescribed by the election laws of this state.

TX HB2460

Relating to the attorney general's defense of a district or county attorney against certain lawsuits in federal court.