House Committee on Judiciary (JUD) - chair: Waters, vice chair: Oshiro

Tuesday, February 20, 2007, 2:00 p.m. Conference Room 325

Testifier: Jean Aoki, Chair, LWV Legislative Committee

Click here to view HB128

The League of Women Voters would support HB 128 with some amendments. First, we commend the proposed amendments that substitutes the word “shall” and the phrase “shall be” and others that makes the language on requirements or forbidden behavior and actions stronger. We would like the phrase, “including discussions among themselves; “ found on page 3, beginning with line 21 and ending on line 22, deleted. These kinds of discussions among the members of the board, albeit at a public forum, on issues that involve matters relating to official board business should occur at an official meeting of the board where all interested members of the public can hear them. Besides, the deference that some groups might give to members of say a county council, could lead to prolonged discussion by these members to the exclusion of others. We need to tread carefully in amending chapter 92 so that we do not fall prey to the slippery slope syndrome. With the proposed amendments, and the stronger language, we would support HB 128. Thank you for this opportunity to testify on HB 128.