STAND. COM. REP. NO. 450

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 627

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 627 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize candidates seeking election to use campaign funds for child care and vital household dependent care costs under certain conditions.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Vote Mama Foundation, Hawaii Children's Action Network Speaks!, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the State has shown promise regarding the representation of mothers of young children holding elected office. Presently, 6.58 percent of legislative members in the State are mothers with minor children. As running for office takes considerable time and resources outside of the full-time work week, parents with young children face greater challenges when balancing campaign activities and childcare. This measure authorizes candidates seeking election to use campaign funds for childcare and vital household dependent care costs, under certain conditions, to provide greater access and participation in the political campaign process.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 627 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,

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JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair