Hawaii Senate panel passes ban on fundraisers during session
HONOLULU (AP) — The Hawaii Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday passed a bill that would ban lawmaker fundraisers during the legislative session, one of several measures aimed at addressing corruption after two former legislators pleaded guilty in connection with a bribery scandal.
The committee unanimously approved the bill, which prohibits legislators or their representatives from holding fundraisers during a regular or special legislative session. The measure now goes before the full Senate for consideration.
More than 80 individuals and organizations submitted testimony supporting the bill. Some urged lawmakers to go further and prohibit soliciting or accepting donations during the session.
