Hawaii Governor Signs Bill on the Powers of Artificial Persons

Gov. Josh Green signed Senate Bill 2471 concerning the powers of corporations and certain other artificial legal entities. Beginning July 1, 2027, the bill excludes election and ballot-issue activity from the powers of corporations and other non-committee artificial legal entities organized and transacting business in Hawaii. Election and ballot-issue activity by such entities will be deemed void and result in penalties, including forfeiture of state charter privileges. The prohibition is based on the premise that artificial persons such as corporations were never intended to be imbued with the power to influence elections. The bill is conditioned on its ongoing applicability to foreign entities transacting business in the state. Hawaii is one of a number of states with measures introduced this year (e.g., Arizona Senate Concurrent Resolution 1053, Kansas House Bill 2766, Oklahoma House Joint Resolution 1075) addressing the grant of corporate powers related to election influence in the continuing wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.

Comply with state and local procurement lobbying rules. Our online guidebooks make it easy to view regulations all in one place. Learn more here.