Video & Transcript Research : 'four lines'
Page 128 of 500
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/09/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Four ayes, three noes, zero not voting.
- Number four, ayes, three no, zero not voting.
- Four ayes, three no, zero not voting.
- Four ayes, three no, zero not voting.
- Four eyes, three no, zero not voting. There was four eyes, three no, zero not voting.
Keywords:
outdoor advertising, military compatibility, zoning, electronic signage, permitting, undocumented immigrants, financial services, identification requirements, loans, foreign remittances, transitional housing, military, veterans, grant program, supportive services, SB1511, commercial driver license, CDL, nondomiciled CDL, nondomiciled commercial driver license
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Apr 16th, 2025
Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll start here with line 86 on page four. We're going to add in the wording...
- Then the next amendment is in line 91 on page four on the request of a law enforcement officer... ...
- It's defined on line 41 and following. There are...
- But the first eight points there on line 41, 1 through 8, describe what loitering is.
- Replace line 38 on page two with the following factual basis for the defense: "C.
Keywords:
HB411, Alabama, civil practice, affirmative defense, traffic obstruction, roadway obstruction, blocking traffic, protest, demonstration, street blockade, highway, bridge, road, personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, tort liability, civil lawsuit, stay of proceedings, parallel criminal case
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 8th, 2026
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So now it really is pared down to four main groups, U.S. citizens, of course, green card holders. four
- Four options. Fraud abuse, waste or other.
- I haven't calculated one in four Texans. One in four Texans.
- For all four? Yes.
- Are they in line with the state policy?
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (03/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- line seven it says I see hb2 okay line line seven it says I see hb2 okay there's<01:31:21.520>
an - He's just hoping you'd actually give her an example for each one of those four lines.
- He's just hoping you'd actually give an example for each one of those four lines.
- Hang on, line 28.
- Hang on, line 28.
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 713, which would require mile markers on Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway. The sponsor and DOT testimony described the road as a heavily traveled but isolated corridor with little or no cell or radio service, frequent accidents and breakdowns, and serious public-safety problems when emergency responders cannot quickly locate incidents. Members discussed where markers should be placed, how frequently they should appear, whether both sides of the road should be marked, and the potential cost; DOT said the project could be done with federal funds and might be combined with other work to reduce mobilization costs. The committee agreed the bill was straightforward and voted OTP 18-0, with discussion that a friendly amendment might be offered later to refine the language.
The committee then heard HB 563, concerning calculation of adequate education grants. Testimony explained that the bill would add fiscal capacity disparity aid in FY 27 and increase the special education differentiated aid factor, while also reducing extraordinary needs grants so the overall fiscal impact would be net neutral. Members noted the changes were limited to the second year because of the budget process and school district ballot timing. Supporters argued the fiscal capacity aid would help property-poor towns and should be expanded, while others emphasized the bill’s budget-neutral structure. The committee voted to retain HB 563 for further consideration in the budget process.
Finally, the committee opened HB 675, which would limit the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations. A Derry resident and former local official testified in favor, arguing that property taxes are too high, that school spending has outpaced town-side tax caps, and that local voters should have more control over school budgets. Committee members questioned whether the issue should instead be handled locally through existing processes or broader governance changes, and one member noted the state’s constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education. The discussion continued, but no final action on HB 675 was taken in the portion provided.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 10 March, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There it is. 35. >> Line 35. >> It's on line 35 of the strike-all.
- lines 49 through 56 from the strike all. lines 49 through 56 from the strike all.
- <01:43:07.760>
77 >> So, it deletes uh on line 77 >> So, it deletes uh on line - Are we anything in the news lines?
- one time in a four-year period.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, received the invocation and pledge, and then dispensed with reading the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests and pages were introduced, including junior pages, a doctor of the day, Farm Bureau representatives, and other visitors in the galleries. The chamber also recognized a birthday and welcomed a House member to the Senate.
On the calendar, the Senate took up several bills and mostly adopted strike-all amendments before passing them, often by morning roll call. These included HB 1646, which increased disaster trust fund transfer limits for declared and non-declared disasters; HB 1649, which authorized additional state fund transfers for Main Street revitalization projects and increased the total authorized expenditure; HB 1653, which kept a local improvements project fund bill alive for possible repurposing of funds, including a Mississippi Valley State residence hall project; and HB 669, which allowed patrons to bring wine into licensed premises with a corkage fee and changed wine shipment reporting from quarterly to semiannual. HB 1620 created an economic zone around the Chevron refinery in Jackson County, and HB 2787 changed school district gas-piping inspection requirements from annual testing to a two-year cycle, with funding support from gas companies.
The Senate also handled several concurrence and conference motions on House and Senate bills, including SB 2263 on probable-cause requirements for Marine Resources officers boarding or stopping vessels, SB 2524 establishing the Postsecondary Attainment Council, and SB 2597 involving the ABC warehouse transfer in Madison County, with the chamber choosing not to concur and to invite conference on those items. SB 2368 made technical changes to the higher education legislative plan grant program, and SB 2526 on the Rural Water Oversight Committee returned with changes removing a reverse repealer and shifting administration of some duties to a nonprofit using rural water revolving loan funds. The Senate also tabled motions to reconsider on some items, and one nomination-related motion drew extended remarks about the role of the capital post-conviction counsel office and respect for crime victims.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- If we have more than four people testifying on a bill, it's going to be three and three, and no dilatory
- So we've got a bunch of four-letter people out there.
- We have one, two, three, and then I have four, five here. All right.
- Members, with a vote of four ayes and three nays, you have given House Bill 2873 a do-pass.
- My preference is to get it done in four months, to get the budget done that time.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Have you drawn any conclusions based on your four months of exposure? Ms.
- So catching up, just getting up to speed has been, you know, over four months.
- It's actually four months. And their passion is intense, but my passion is intense too.
- Although I think the 'I don't know' answer is valid in that it's only been four months.
- Five to four. Five names. By your vote, Mr.
Summary:
The Committee on Ethics and Elections met to consider a large slate of gubernatorial appointees, with 127 nominees on the agenda. The committee first approved the grouped nominees in Tabs 1 through 54 by unanimous roll call vote after brief public testimony in support of several appointees. The committee then took up individual University of West Florida and Pensacola State College-related nominations, including noting that Dr. Joel Rudman had resigned from the Pensacola State College board before appearing, leaving no action to take on that tab.
Several UWF trustees were confirmed after testimony focused on their qualifications and priorities for the university. Paul Bailey emphasized his local ties, legal background, and interest in UWF’s military connections and pre-law program; Rebecca Matthews highlighted her education and public service background, current role as UWF board chair, enrollment growth, fundraising, and alignment with state directives; Rachel Moyah discussed her education leadership experience, finance role, and positive enrollment and fundraising trends; Ashley Ross described her fundraising and higher education background and stressed workforce, advancement, cyber, and military partnerships; and Christopher Young spoke about his Panhandle roots, business experience, audit and compliance work, and support for military and student opportunity. Each of these nominees was confirmed by roll call and forwarded to the full Senate.
The most contentious nomination was Adam Kissel for the UWF Board of Trustees. Kissel described his background in higher education policy, free speech, philanthropy, and federal education work, and said he would focus on free speech, accreditation, military/veteran support, honors programming, and graduation rates. Committee members questioned him closely about prior writings on privatizing public higher education, his views on free speech versus Senate Bill 266, Project 2025, AI in administration, and his fit for UWF. Public testimony was split, with supporters praising his free-speech credentials and reform views, while opponents, including former UWF leaders, warned he was too ideological and not sufficiently grounded in the university community. After debate, the committee voted 5-4 not to confirm Kissel, so his name will not be forwarded to the full Senate.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I do have a timer, just going to say, or a total of four minutes.
- I do have a timer, just going to say, or a total of four minutes.
- Four, Assembly Member Ramos. AB 362. Thank you. AB 362. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Because when they were doled out, We were not allowed to be in line.
- Four years into implementation, the authority is involved in an adjudication.
Summary:
The committee heard several water, wildlife, conservation, and local government bills. AB 362, by Assembly Member Ramos, would add tribal water uses as a statewide beneficial use and strengthen tribal consultation in water planning; tribal representatives and conservation groups supported it as a long-overdue correction, while water agencies, business groups, and agricultural interests raised concerns about CEQA, regulatory uncertainty, and impacts on existing water planning. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, with some members noting ongoing stakeholder discussions and one abstention.
AB 1089, by Assembly Member Carrillo, would expand local permitting authority under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act to include commercial and industrial projects. The author and the City of Adelanto argued it would speed housing and economic development in the high desert while preserving the overall conservation framework, but environmental groups opposed it as premature and potentially weakening protections for Joshua trees. The committee approved the bill on a due pass motion to Appropriations. AB 1024, by Assembly Member Harabedian, would require a regional black bear mitigation plan for the San Gabriel Valley and related areas; Sierra Madre officials described rising bear intrusions and the need for state help, and the bill passed to Appropriations.
AB 846, by Assembly Member Connolly, would streamline permitting for local wildfire preparedness and vegetation management projects in local responsibility areas by creating a faster review process at Fish and Wildlife and improving mapping coordination with Cal Fire. Local government, fire service, and agricultural witnesses supported the bill as a common-sense wildfire prevention measure, and it passed to Natural Resources with no opposition. AB 263, by Assembly Member Rogers, would extend emergency minimum-flow regulations for the Scott and Shasta Rivers for five years or until permanent rules are adopted; supporters said it protects salmon recovery, tribal subsistence, and the fishing economy during a transition period, while opponents argued it bypasses normal regulatory process and harms farmers. The committee approved it on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, with one abstention and two no votes. AB 1044, by Assembly Member Bains, would create a new Tulare County groundwater sustainability agency for undistricted lands after other local agencies split off; the bill passed to Local Government. AB 1426, by Assembly Member Arambula, began testimony on creating a Diablo Range Conservation Program to fund habitat protection and restoration across the range.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- By way of background there, Texas has four primary abortion statutes.
- I then completed a four-year residency training.
- Not text lines. Anybody else feel different on the panel?
- Women just haven't had to be on the front lines of politics with it.
- It starts on page 12 at line 21.
Keywords:
HB 44, Life of the Mother Act, abortion exceptions, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, spontaneous abortion, fetal survival, Texas abortion law, abortion ban, physician liability, health care provider, disciplinary action, aiding and abetting, emergency abortion, obstetric care
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- That tip line is available now. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for the question.
- That tip line is available now.
- That tip line is available now. Thank you. Any further questions? Nothing further?
- And I think a lot of it comes down to training the people responding to the tip line, right?
- <01:35:24.760>
of line of line of duty<01:35:26.639>section <01:35:27.040>six <01
Keywords:
public safety, school safety, active shooter, active shooter drill, violence prevention, threat reporting, anonymous tip line, See It, Say It, Send It, Minnesota Fusion Center, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, officer-involved death, missing person, endangered missing person, criminal background check, national background check, FBI fingerprint check, adult entertainment license, massage license, correctional facilities
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (04/15/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- lines that are open. lines that are open.
- So, the first one is the first parenthetical phrase in line four, including but not limited to individuals
- Line 20. The word is prescribe. Line 20. There we go. Line 20.
- Line<02:33:54.960>
20. Line 20. Line 20. There<02:33:56.640>we <02:33:56.720>go. - schedule four drugs. schedule four drugs.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 22, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- WE HAVE FOUR BILLS TODAY. BEFORE WE BEGIN I WANT TO GIVE YOU AN UPDATE.
- THE SECOND PHOTOGRAPHIC LINE UP MR. HOLMES WAS IN IT BUT WAS NOT IDENTIFIED.
- THE THIRD PHOTOGRAPHIC LINE UP AGAIN MR. HOLMES WAS IN THE LINE UP AND FINALLY WAS IDENTIFIED.
- IT ALIGNS FOUR TO FIVE DAYS BEFORE FIVE MONTHS OF JUNE AND ENDS FOUR DAYS AFTER.
- IT WOULD HAVE BEEN GREAT IF WE COULD KEPT IN LINE.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 5, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- So what you'll see is that while we make these criteria one of four, more times than not, the land that
- So what you'll see is that while we make these criteria one of four, What you'll see is that while we
- make these criteria one of four, more times than not, the land that we're acquiring the development
- We've had one of the pulp lines in Cantonment shut down recently. We've had mills in Lake Butler.
- I'm all of the rural beyond that, all the way to the state line, and how exciting...
Summary:
The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Committee met with a quorum and heard two Department of Agriculture presentations. First, the Director of Rural and Family Lands described the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which buys development rights through perpetual conservation easements on private agricultural land to preserve farming, wildlife habitat, water resources, and open space while keeping land taxable and avoiding state maintenance costs. He said the program has expanded rapidly since 2023 through streamlined applications, templates, and an online portal, increasing acreage protected from about 66,000 acres through 2022 to more than 210,000 acres, with a higher share in the Florida wildlife corridor. He also said review times were reduced by more than 85 days and that projects under $5 million can move faster under statutory authority. The department is seeking $200 million in nonrecurring funding on top of $100 million recurring, citing 203 existing projects and 224 new applications totaling nearly $2 billion in estimated need. Members asked about the scientific ranking process, South Florida participation, project prioritization, maintenance responsibilities, and whether landowners can exit the program; staff said land remains privately owned, easements are in perpetuity, and partnerships and cost-sharing are prioritized.
The committee then heard from the Florida Forest Service director, who outlined the agency’s dual mission of wildfire response and land management. He said the service responds to roughly 2,200 to 2,500 wildfires annually, manages 38 state forests and one ranch totaling more than 1.1 million acres, and receives about 15 million visitors each year. He highlighted the impact of Senate Bill 1638 gaming compact funds, which provided $32 million for land management, recreation, equipment, roads, invasive species control, habitat restoration, prescribed burning, reforestation, and staffing support. He said Florida leads the nation in prescribed fire, with 277,818 acres burned on state forests last year and 2.47 million acres burned statewide, and noted ongoing restoration work such as Picayune Strand. He also described challenges including aging equipment, deferred maintenance, contractor availability, and timber market instability caused by hurricanes and mill closures, and suggested longer-term funding and a higher capital asset allowance. Members discussed timber markets, public communication and marketing, recreation fees, and coordination with other agencies and FDOT. The meeting ended with the chair noting that next week’s meeting would report out agency conversations and budget recommendations, and the committee rose.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (04/15/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, that crosses a line, but it's not the intent, right?
- Um, and thank chair. on line 17 and 18.
- Um so, it's it is a crossing a line. Um so, it's it is a fine<00:39:23.520>
line. - You're dealing with the First fine line.
- That was four one. Oh, we did we? Yep.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- the following: Replace lines 76 through 77 on page three with the following: Replace lines 80 through
- 85 on page three and lines 84 through 85 on page four with the following: Replace line 95 on page four
- with the following: Replace line 98 on page four with the... ...following: Replace line 98 on page four
- with the following: Replace lines 88 through 119 on page five with the... ...following: Replace lines
- Replace line 635 on page 23 with... ...item. Replace line 635 on page 23 with the following.
Bills:
SJR 18, SCR 5, SCR 13, SCR 25, SB 3, SB 6, SB 10, SB 11, SB 12, SB 13, SB 15, SB 17, SB 18, SB 35, SB 388, SB 412, SB 441, SB 495, SB 666, SB 687, SB 706, SB 740, SB 815, SB 842, SB 917, SB 925, SB 995, SB 1006, SB 1281, SB 1300, SB 1379, SB 1451, SB 1902, SJR 36, SJR 18, SJR 12, SCR 13, SCR 25, SCR 5, SCR 22, SB 565, SB 372, SB 495, SB 842, SB 765, SB 62, SB 19, SB 18, SB 666, SB 707, SB 888, SB 687, SB 706, SB 847, SB 290, SB 11, SB 10, SB 13, SB 412, SB 441, SB 1248, SB 740, SB 14, SB 1006, SB 504, SB 917, SB 925, SB 388, SB 1902, SB 1121, SB 995, SB 857, SB 305, SB 296, SB 284, SB 35, SB 6, SB 815, SB 3, SB 1281, SB 1379, SB 1300, SB 1497, SB 1499, SB 1498, SB 1451, SB 1061, SB 15, SB 65, SB 241, SB 304, SB 402, SB 499, SB 621, SB 974, SB 1023, SB 1024, SB 1025, SB 1106, SB 686, SB 112, SB 371, SB 204, SB 400, SB 609, SB 1447, SB 670, SB 502, SB 427, SB 850, SB 854, SB 413, SB 1555, SB 1362, SB 1346, SB 1033, SB 1220, SB 1073, SB 810, SB 987, SB 1539, SB 893, SB 447, SB 875, SB 406, SB 509, SB 985, SB 965, SB 17, SB 1119, SB 1505, SB 12, SB 24, SB 57, SB 1194, SB 1253, SB 1215, SB 1532, SB 1268, SCR 12, SCR 24, SB 1302, SB 856, SB 650, SB 583, SB 673, SB 840, SJR 18, SB 11, SB 441, SB 10, SB 18, SB 412, SB 495, SR 238, SR 264, SR 266, SR 267, SR 268, SR 270, SR 271, SR 272, SR 278, SB 1169, SB 1169
Keywords:
capital gains, taxation, constitutional amendment, state revenue, individual investment, SCR 5, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, Texas School for the Deaf, TSD, Robert Rives, gymnasium naming, building naming, honorary resolution, commemorative resolution, deaf education, hard of hearing, Gallaudet University, alumni hall of fame, football coach, school facility naming
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- If I could, I'll just direct everybody to page four, line 17.
- line 17 that's going to be there in four line 17 that's going to be there in black<00:39:43.359>
- Representative Emmon: On page four, line three, it says nothing in this paragraph requires the disclosure
- And then, page five, line four, it talks about machine-readable files, so there will be data files publicly
- <04:52:09.160>
not <04:52:09.400>prevent line four those files could not prevent line
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants.
Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Majority Leader, we actually would like to go into calendar four.
- The whole number four is called to order. Mr.
- And this is not me just saying this; this is in our budget—page 70, line 20, line 30, line 40.
- You'll see many, many recurring one-time line items in the budget.
- That was the line. They said it in committee. They said it to the press.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Apr 29th, 2026
Natural Resources & Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- I just want to read a few lines.
- I just want to read a few lines.
- Amendments one through four are technical.
- So if we amended your bill to basically say, kept what you just had, and that at line four...
- Amendment number four.
Summary:
The committee first heard HCR 80 by Representative Domangue, which expressed support for private property rights and reviewed the 2025 landman code of conduct. Domangue described concerns about aggressive landmen and expropriation threats, then voluntarily deferred the resolution so Chairman Geymann could present his bill. The committee then took up HB 841, also on expropriation procedures and landman conduct. Geymann explained the bill was aimed at how expropriation negotiations are conducted and enforced, not at whether expropriation is allowed, and cited a recent dispute involving a pipeline right-of-way and threatening letters to landowners. A video of affected landowners was played, and members from industry and landowner groups discussed the need for fair compensation and better communication.
The committee adopted two amendment sets to HB 841. The first set made technical changes, removed some court-cost language, broadened the code of conduct to all certificate holders, added a prohibition on threatening landowners with court costs and attorney fees, shortened the response period for offers, and clarified that the rules apply across energy types rather than only carbon capture. The second amendment set added graduated fines for violations, required the Department of Conservation and Energy to collect the fines, and directed the department to post violators on its website. After support testimony and no opposition, HB 841 was reported favorably as amended.
The committee next considered HB 621 by Representative Coates, which requires recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure to the extent practical. An amendment clarified that existing DEQ recycling rules apply. Members raised concerns about decommissioning language, costs, and whether the bill overlapped with existing hazardous-waste and universal-waste rules. Coates agreed to remove the bill’s last sentence on decommissioning costs and add an effective date of January 1, 2027. DEQ explained that many components are already covered under federal and state universal-waste rules, and industry witnesses said solar recycling is feasible and already occurring. HB 621 was then reported favorably as amended.
Finally, the committee heard HB 595 by Representative Jacob Landry, which addresses local permits that impede natural resource development, especially road permits affecting Haynesville shale operations. An amendment clarified that local governments may not unreasonably interfere with permitted activity and that road permits not acted on within 30 days are deemed approved. Supporters said delayed parish permits can stall rigs, reduce investment, and hurt royalty owners, while opponents warned the bill could further erode local authority, including in carbon capture matters. Police jury representatives said they were willing to keep working on the issue and suggested a 30- to 45-day target for permit decisions. HB 595 was reported favorably as amended. The committee then began HB 1191 by Representative Landry, creating a certificate of compliance process for oilfield and exploration and production sites, with testimony that it could help clear environmental liability and bring properties back into commerce; the bill was still under amendment and questioning when the transcript ended.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Rules Apr 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a difficult line to draw. It's also a line that's inconsistent with equal protection from...
- It's a difficult line to draw.
- We cannot put lines wherever we want.
- We're lining up. And as you come to the podium, we're going to start with the line.
- We're lining up. And as you come to the podium, we're going to start with the line.
Summary:
The Committee on Rules met with a quorum present and took up a presentation from the Governor’s office on proposed congressional reapportionment. Executive Office of the Governor counsel Mo Jazeel argued that mid-cycle congressional redistricting is legally permissible, that race should not be used in drawing districts, and that the Florida Fair Districts provisions are inconsistent with federal equal protection principles and, in the executive branch’s view, are inseverable. Jason Parada then presented the proposed map, explaining that it was drawn using 2020 census block data, with county growth estimates used only as a guide, and that the plan was designed to be race-neutral while also considering compactness, county and municipal boundaries, and other traditional redistricting criteria. He said the map keeps 48 counties and 382 municipalities whole, has compactness scores comparable to the current map, and makes the largest changes in South Florida, with some districts remaining unchanged and others reconfigured around population shifts and geographic boundaries.
Members questioned both presenters extensively about the legal basis for disregarding the Fair Districts Amendment, the use of partisan data, the absence of racial analysis, and whether the map truly reflects population growth. Jazeel said the executive branch’s position is that race-based provisions in the state constitution cannot be used if they conflict with the U.S. Constitution, and that the forthcoming U.S. Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Calais could further clarify the law. Parada said he did not use race in drawing the map, did use partisan information as one of several traditional criteria, and relied on 2020 census data for population equality. Senators also pressed him on who reviewed the map, why the public and legislators had limited time to review it, and whether the plan was intended to favor Republicans; Parada denied partisan intent and said he was the only person who moved lines on the map, though he consulted with other Executive Office of the Governor staff and counsel.
Several senators raised concerns that the map did not clearly reflect Florida’s recent population growth, that some districts remained highly irregular, and that the plan appeared to be based on a legal theory contingent on future court rulings. The presenters responded that congressional districts must be equal to the person, that growth estimates can only guide orientation rather than replace census data, and that the map was designed to preserve as much of the existing structure as possible while making the largest adjustments in South Florida. No vote or final action on the map was taken during the excerpted portion of the meeting, and the committee continued with questions and discussion.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Line 420, 4.20 and 4.21, 4.22 sorry.
- Um, Um, Um, on<00:36:45.040>
lines <00:36:45.440>4.29 on lines 4.29 on lines 4.29 to<00 - Um, Um, Um, on<00:37:10.720>
line <00:37:11.040>4.31, on line 4.31, on line 4.31, - All in favor, say aye. on the A21, lines 4.20 and 4.21, on the A21, lines 4.20 and 4.21, changing<00:
- <00:58:06.800>
1.23, the amendment that reads on line 1.23, the amendment that reads on line