Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that if your, excuse me, your assessed that if your, excuse me, your assessed value<04:18:38.640
• So that takes assessments have changed.
• So, towns can do assessments change.
• The clerk will call the roll on the amendment only. assessment, which many of them, most of assessment
• </c> problem with regards to um the assess problem with regards to um the assess assessment<06:39:54.878

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that would also allow management to assess or evaluate staff performance.
• </c><00:22:48.799><c> We</c> assess or evaluate staff performance.
• We assess or evaluate staff performance.
• </c> feel like we will get a chance to assess feel like we will get a chance to assess what<00:26:14.159
• 01:22:44.080><c> or</c> datadriven riskbased assessment or datadriven riskbased assessment or determination

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The informational briefing focused on the Office of the Auditor’s recent audit of Hawaii’s deposit beverage container program and the Department of Health’s response. State Auditor Les Condo reviewed the program’s structure, noting it was created to increase recycling and reduce litter, but said prior audits have repeatedly found weak internal controls, reliance on self-reported data, and an “honor system” approach. He cited examples of underreporting and overpayment risks, including a Whole Foods settlement and secret-shopper testing at a redemption center where the program reimbursed more than what was actually paid to consumers. Condo said the special fund continues to grow, increasing by more than $12 million between FY24 and FY25, and that the 2024 audit found no meaningful progress in implementing earlier recommendations. He also noted that many prior recommendations were later codified in law, including risk-based audits and internal control requirements, and said the office will audit the program again in about a year. Senator Fevella said the briefing was needed because he has seen little progress over the years and emphasized the program’s goals of reducing litter and promoting recycling. He noted that Hawaii has lost a glass recycler, underscoring broader challenges in the system. Department of Health Deputy Director Kathleen Hoe said the department is committed to addressing longstanding problems and said the director’s office meets with the program twice a month. Program staff outlined steps being taken to respond to the audit, including revising accounting and inspection/enforcement manuals, retaining third-party services, and implementing risk-based audits of distributors and redemption centers. They said internal control process documents from distributors were due June 30, with about 200 received and roughly 100 still outstanding, and that enforcement letters are being sent. The department also described plans for electronic reporting to reduce manual entry and improve accuracy, as well as a broader legislative proposal for a tiered audit system. Under that proposal, larger distributors would remain subject to the current every-other-year audit requirement, middle-tier distributors would be audited every five years, and smaller distributors would be exempt. Officials said the governor had temporarily waived enforcement of the 2025 independent audit requirement because of cost concerns for smaller distributors, while the department reviews submitted audits and considers a longer-term fix. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• and reimbursement law or air emission fees that are assessed annually.
• and reimbursement law or air emission fees that are assessed annually.
• and reimbursement law or air emission fees that are assessed annually.
• uh like the dry cleaner assessed uh like the dry cleaner environmental<00:18:31.440><c> response</c>
• a fee or could be used to then assess a fee or figure<00:19:23.679><c> out</c><00:19:23.840><c> the<

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:33:19.520><c> And</c><01:33:19.679><c> then</c> help inform these assessments.
• And then help inform these assessments.
• Up next is SB 2322, relating to environmental assessments.
• Up next is SB 2322 relating to environmental<01:51:46.639><c> assessments.
• </c><01:51:47.599><c> Um,</c> environmental assessments. Um, environmental assessments.

Bills: SB2606 , SB3253 , SB237 , SB3252 , SB1178 , SB2322 , SB2019 , SB3043 , SB3014 , SB2972 , SB1190 , SB2488

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Keywords: wildlife sanctuary, environmental conservation, Hawaii, nonprofit corporation, freshwater preservation, community stewardship, biodiversity, ecological heritage, conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several measures related to wildlife, conservation, shoreline adaptation, and climate governance. On SB 2606, which would establish the Freshwater State Recreational Area Wildlife Sanctuary Corporation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said it had concerns about employee eligibility and was not yet prepared to comment further on the bill’s ramifications. After testimony ended, a senator asked DLNR to follow up with more detail, and the department said it would relay the questions to leadership and respond later. No vote was taken on the measure during the excerpt. On SB 3253, which would create the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity to work with DLNR, the department said it supported the bill. In discussion, DLNR said Hawaii has not done anything like this before, described a similar model in New Zealand, and estimated that developing such a sanctuary could cost millions of dollars. Members also discussed whether the concept would fit with existing efforts such as Hakalau, and DLNR said the bill could apply to private or state lands depending on the site. No action was taken. The most extensive discussion was on SB 237, which would expand state and county authority to develop adaptation pathways for relocating infrastructure away from sea level rise and coastal flooding areas. DLNR supported the bill, saying it prioritizes public trust resources over economic development or private property. The Kahana Bay Steering Committee and the Shoreline Preservation Coalition opposed the measure, arguing it was too focused on managed retreat and should include a broader range of shoreline responses, such as erosion mitigation, groins, sand nourishment, and other interim protections. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it appreciated the bill’s intent but wanted broader language that would allow more tools in the toolbox. Members debated whether retreat is inevitable, whether different shorelines require different approaches, and whether the bill should be more flexible. No vote was taken. The final measure discussed was SB 3252, which would amend the powers and duties of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, create a coordinator position, and appropriate funds. The commission’s coordinator testified in support, while OPSD opposed the bill, saying it would remove the two cabinet-level co-chair positions, raise accountability concerns, and duplicate some of OPSD’s functions. In questioning, members debated whether the current commission structure has been effective, who would appoint or confirm the coordinator, and whether the bill would improve transparency and implementation. OPSD said it supported more statewide interdepartmental funding for climate planning and staffing, but had concerns about the proposed governance changes. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:25:52.279><c> worksheet</c> uh an environmental assessment worksheet uh an environmental assessment
• However, that does not necessarily need to be an environmental assessment worksheet.
• However, that does not necessarily need to be an environmental assessment worksheet.
• Finally, the bill eliminates the need for an entire environmental assessment worksheet for mandatory
• for mandatory assessment worksheet for mandatory category<00:32:17.679><c> EIS</c><00:32:18.159><c>

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• another audit, and this time we know as honey roasted nuts in this situation, the department would assess
• later the taxpayer received an audit from us and we caught the issue, the taxpayer would not be assessed
• the additional tax for that assessed the additional tax for that specific<00:23:43.159><c> issue</c>
• </c><00:27:16.200><c> back</c><00:27:16.480><c> taxes</c><00:27:17.080><c> for</c> they will be assessed
• back taxes for they will be assessed back taxes for following<00:27:17.760><c> the</c><00:27:17.919>

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What we're doing is we're letting the local assessments now do that assessment.
• </c> is we're letting the local assessments is we're letting the local assessments now<01:28:47.239><
• their standard assessments for their high school grades specific questions designed to assess whether
• </c> going to be we're going to be assessing going to be we're going to be assessing throughout<02:00
• </c> school Civics Assessment school Civics Assessment bill<03:42:00.960><c> and</c><03:42:01.239><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on HB 366, which would increase school building aid for eligible projects. Representative Cahill, the prime sponsor, said the bill would raise the annual minimum from $50 million to $60 million and help address a long backlog of school construction and renovation needs after years of a moratorium on applications. He argued that districts forced to build during the moratorium were left to shoulder costs through local property taxes, and he cited examples such as Londonderry, Claremont, and other communities with aging or inadequate facilities. He also said the current aid structure, including paying 80% upfront and 20% at completion, concentrates too much spending at once and limits how many projects can be funded. Several committee members asked about the fairness and structure of the program. Representative Maguire questioned whether aid should be distributed more broadly to all districts rather than only a few selected projects, and Representative Luneau noted that the committee would also be considering related bills on catastrophic aid, special education aid, and the school foundation formula. Cahill responded that building aid has historically been targeted to property-poor communities and that the state should be a reliable partner in school construction. He also said the bill includes a small retroactive component for communities that built during the moratorium, which he described as a compromise. Testimony in support came from Representative Cluder, who described Claremont’s Stevens High School project as a case where a bond issue narrowly failed and the city later had to fund renovations without state aid, contributing to high property taxes. He said the bill would help property-poor communities and urged passage. Tony Weinstein of New Market also supported the bill, saying his community had serious facility and safety needs, had moved forward with scaled-back renovations during the moratorium, and still faced debt-service burdens without state participation. Robert Thompson, superintendent in Hampstead, testified that his district needs an addition for overcrowding, safety, and special education space, and said building aid would help reduce out-of-district placements and transportation costs. No vote was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Minnesota, the 2024 Medicaid assessment assistant trends for GLP-1s specific to weight loss ranged
• In Minnesota, the 2024 Medicaid assessment assistant trends for GLP-1s specific to weight loss ranged
• In Minnesota, the 2024 Medicaid assessment assistant trends for GLP-1s specific to weight loss ranged
• </c><00:03:07.000><c> assistant</c> the 2024 Medicaid assessment assistant the 2024 Medicaid assessment
• It's easier to assess the short-term cost savings in adults because they have more costly events.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.760><c> any</c><00:47:02.000><c> fees,</c> prohibits the assessment of any fees, prohibits the assessment
• </c><00:55:57.280><c> I'll</c><00:55:57.440><c> be</c> assessment of fines and fees.
• I'll be assessment of fines and fees.
• So in most family court instances, minors won't be assessed fees currently.
• So in most family court instances, minors won't be assessed fees currently.

Bills: HB1877 , HB2006 , HB2167 , HB2224 , HB1626 , HB1690 , HB2012

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: LGBTQ+ rights, commission membership, representation, youth involvement, Hawaii legislation, child well-being, financial support, expectant mothers, Hawaii Rx kids program, economic stability, youth homelessness, financial assistance, housing instability, emergency services, transitioning youth, Medicaid, pharmaceutical benefits, human services, healthcare access, public funds

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1877, which would expand the membership of the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission and add a youth seat. The commission’s vice chair supported the bill, saying the commission started with eight members, has growing interest, and would benefit from an odd-numbered board and youth representation. Members asked about quorum, and the commission said it has generally met monthly with only one quorum issue in the past 18–19 months and would work with legislative leaders to have appointments ready if the bill passes. Written testimony included support from Kokopac and one individual in opposition. The committee then took up HB 2006, which would create a cash assistance program for pregnant women and mothers of babies. The Department of Human Services explained current TANF rules, including eligibility requirements, child support cooperation, and work-program participation, and said the state has recently raised benefit levels to the maximum allowed, with a family of three or four receiving a little over $900 per month. Supporters from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others argued the bill could reduce child poverty and improve maternal and child health, citing evidence from Michigan’s Rx Kids program and the temporary federal child tax credit expansion. A mother and Oahu Youth Action Board member testified from personal experience about the need for direct support during pregnancy. The committee also noted support from several organizations and about 26 individuals. The committee next heard HB 2167, which would direct the Office of Youth Services to run a pilot program providing financial assistance to homeless youth. The Office of the Public Defender, youth advocates, and several organizations supported the measure, saying even small amounts of help can prevent homelessness and help youth transition safely to adulthood. The Office of Youth Services said it supports the intent of the bill but requested clarification, and committee members discussed whether the program should be run directly or through contracted community agencies, how to set performance metrics, and how to structure the RFP and contract process. The chair indicated the committee wanted to work with the vice chair and OYS offline to refine the bill before moving forward. The committee then began discussion of HB 2224, relating to Medicaid pharmacy benefit management, with testimony generally supporting giving DHS flexibility to negotiate with PBMs.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> going</c><01:06:29.680><c> to</c> These assessments and I'm going to These assessments and I'm going
• These assessments varied courteous.
• As Albany under these assessments.
• </c><01:07:36.559><c> straw</c><01:07:36.880><c> that</c> assessments would be the straw that assessments
• </c><01:07:47.440><c> tax</c> This storm water drainage assessment tax This storm water drainage assessment

Bills: SF0099 , SF0116 , SJ0006

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: easement, electricity delivery, public utility, prescriptive easement, landowner rights, surface water, drainage utilities, municipality, elections, environmental management, shared parenting, family law, joint custody, child well-being, parental rights, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The assessments are not limited, as Chapter 720 requires, to an owner's proportionate share of the common
• strike-all amendment prohibits provisions in governing documents requiring association members to pay an assessment
• to include any area for which the developer or other owner requires association members to pay assessments
• It provides that assessments payable to the developer may not exceed the members' proportional share
• It allows a neutral judge to examine the association's conduct, assess the risks and the financial condition

Bills: S0936 , S1724 , S1014 , S1498

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Keywords: temporary door locking device, emergency safety, building code, training programs, fire exit security, utility services, municipal agreements, public meetings, rates and fees, public service commission, municipal utility, water service, wastewater service, property owners, annexation, civil action, community associations, condominium, homeowners associations, structural integrity

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up four bills. First, it considered SB 1724 on municipal utility services. Senator Martin offered a late-filed delete-everything amendment that would require annual customer meetings for extraterritorial utility customers, cap use of gross utility revenues for general government at 10%, eliminate a 25% surcharge on customers outside city limits, reduce the rate differential cap from 50% to 25%, remove municipal natural gas utilities from the bill, and preserve certain existing bond-related surcharges until debt is retired or refinanced. The League of Cities raised implementation concerns about the July 1, 2026 effective date and the need for rate studies and budget adjustments. The amendment was adopted and the committee reported CS/SB 1724 favorably. The committee then heard SB 936 on temporary door locking devices from Senator McLean. The bill would define temporary door locking devices, allow them to be installed at any height, require the Florida Building Commission to add standards to the Florida Building Code, and require their use to be incorporated into safety plans, drills, and training. With no opposition or amendments, SB 936 was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 1014 by Senator Mayfield, which would prohibit municipalities from refusing water or wastewater service solely because a property owner will not annex, and would require service expansion when a property is near a municipal main line, not served by another utility, and the utility has capacity. A committee amendment narrowed the bill to properties near a main line and reduced the distance threshold from 2,000 meters to one-half mile. The Florida League of Cities opposed the bill as amended, citing concerns about property size, annexation conflicts, enclave creation, and possible revenue impacts, but the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 1498 on community associations from Chair Bradley. A strike-all amendment revised technical provisions on video conference recordings, turnover inspection reports, SIRS references, and electronic voting, and added two major policy changes: requiring associations to provide records to law enforcement and prosecutors and creating a second-degree misdemeanor for willful refusal, and prohibiting mandatory club or amenity fee schemes controlled by developers or third parties that generate profit beyond proportional expenses. Testimony in support described homeowner disputes involving concentrated board control, lack of transparency, and mandatory fees in communities such as Rosedale. The amendment was adopted and CS/SB 1498 was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, Senator Bracey Davis asked to be recorded voting in the affirmative on tabs 1, 2, and 3, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of uh assessments or fines or fees. of uh assessments or fines or fees.
• </c><00:29:23.200><c> um</c> up for past uncollected assessments um up for past uncollected assessments
• </c><01:02:18.240><c> that</c> full payment of dues or assessments that full payment of dues or assessments
• </c><01:25:29.920><c> assessments</c> common expenses and special assessments common expenses and special
• </c> other assessments. other assessments. accept<01:25:38.080><c> that</c><01:25:38.400><c> the</c><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes you get on the phone with a resident for an assessment, which is done with everybody, and it's
• Sometimes you get on the phone with a resident for an assessment, which is done with everybody, and it's
• , which is done with an assessment, which is done with everybody,<00:31:33.120><c> and</c><00:31:33.279
• So for the hospital rate improvement program and the ambulance provider assessment program, those two
• So for the hospital rate improvement program and the ambulance provider assessment program, those two

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services heard a presentation on Kentucky personal care homes from representatives of the Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities, Management Systems of Kentucky, and Elder Care Partners. Witnesses described personal care homes as a lower-cost, 24/7 residential option for adults with serious mental illness who do not qualify for nursing home care but need structured support, medication assistance, meals, housekeeping, transportation, and supervision. They said the homes are regulated by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, are not Medicaid-funded, and rely on a state supplementation rate of about $50.70 per day, which they argued no longer covers operating costs because of rising food, labor, insurance, and maintenance expenses. The presenters said the sector has shrunk significantly over time, citing a drop from 64 homes in 2002 to 34 today among the homes serving this population, with 30 closures over 23 years and two more closures since August. They argued that the closures have contributed to homelessness, hospital overcrowding, and longer stays in psychiatric hospitals, and they gave examples of residents who had spent many months in hospitals before stabilizing in a personal care home. One provider also described spending more than $800,000 on capital improvements after acquiring Kentucky facilities and said reimbursement is too low to sustain safe operations. They asked for an incremental reimbursement increase over two years and said they have also proposed an assisted-living model for people with mental illness. Members asked about staffing, reimbursement, and the number of people still needing placement. The presenters said there is no requirement for licensed or certified staff in these facilities, though some homes use medication technicians and occasional LPNs. They estimated they are currently serving about 2,000 residents and said they receive roughly 30 referrals for every one person admitted, with many referrals involving people whose needs exceed the personal care home level. Senator Meredith and Representative Fleming said any funding request would need documentation of savings and corresponding budget offsets, while Representative Duval expressed support and asked about possible staffing and program improvements. The witnesses also compared Kentucky’s flat-rate reimbursement to a more individualized reimbursement model in Minnesota, saying a needs-based system would better match staffing and reduce hospitalizations.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:26:56.360><c> taxes</c><00:26:56.679><c> and</c><00:26:56.880><c> fees</c><00:26:57.200><c> assessed
• </c> parks and other taxes and fees assessed parks and other taxes and fees assessed on<00:26:57.760>
• these taxes, then these taxes should be assessed.
• We are doing an assessment of all state parks.
• There currently is a case law in, you know, made... doing an assessment of all state parks doing an assessment

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the House Committees on Tourism and Water and Land was held on March 20, 2025, on SB 1396 SD3 HD1, which would raise transient accommodations tax revenues beginning in 2027, impose a $20 per-night tax on stays booked through loyalty or rewards points, and dedicate funds to DLNR for natural resource protection, management, and restoration. The Office of the Governor, DLNR, DBEDT, the Hawaii State Energy Office, Tax Department, Hawaiian Home Lands, HI-EMA, the Climate Advisory Team, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HCDA, the Hawaii Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resource Legacy Fund, KUA, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority all testified in support or with comments, generally emphasizing the need for dedicated funding for environmental stewardship, resilience, wildfire and climate preparedness, and community-based projects. Several supporters cited polling showing broad visitor willingness to pay additional fees to protect Hawaiʻi’s resources, and DLNR and the Attorney General noted the bill aligns with broader state land-management and fire-safety priorities. Opposition came from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and the Maui Chamber of Commerce, which argued the bill unnecessarily raises the TAT, places more burden on visitors and visitor-dependent businesses, and could harm Maui’s still-recovering economy. The Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaiʻi initially marked opposition but then said it had misunderstood the bill’s relationship to another measure and asked to resend testimony. Expedia Group did not oppose the TAT increase itself but raised operational concerns about the new tax on loyalty-point redemptions, calling it novel and difficult to administer. The American Hotel Lodging Association and Hawaiʻi Hotel Alliance were listed as having no comments present. Testifiers also suggested amendments, including dedicating the revenues to a special fund, ensuring community grants, and clarifying administrative provisions. One testifier urged the bill be used to fund hurricane shelters and stronger building standards, while another emphasized that the measure should support people and disaster resilience as well as environmental protection. During questions, members asked for the polling methodology and for a breakdown of current TAT allocations; staff indicated they could share the survey memo and began identifying existing statutory remittances. No vote or final committee action was taken during the excerpted portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows the board to approve and seek a ticket assessment fee and a capped 2% sales tax only on that
• It allows the board to approve and seek a ticket assessment fee and a capped 2% sales tax only on that
• So the commission can charge a special assessment on real property.
• , which would allow them to put the ticket assessment, a ticket fee on it, and then the sales tax of
• is it's obviously a completely, again, if this new CBC were to institute this bill and put that assessment

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the previous day’s journal by a 122-0 vote, and numerous introductions of special guests, including Special Olympics participants, occupational therapy and social work students and professionals, teachers, social workers, local officials, and community groups visiting for Hill Day and other advocacy events. Members also made announcements about committee meetings before the chamber recessed until 2 p.m. On the floor, House Bill 2974 was perfected and printed with little debate. Supporters said it would codify telehealth access in Missouri’s licensure reciprocity framework, helping seniors and rural residents continue to receive care. House Bill 2934, a bipartisan St. Louis convention center governance measure, also advanced after adoption of an amendment changing governor-appointed board seats to two city, two county, and one at-large member. The bill would merge existing entities managing the convention center and Dome, create a new board structure, and authorize a convention district tax framework and related financing rules; members discussed local control, revenue use, and the length of agreements under the bill. House Bill 2057, a technical fix for Osage Beach entertainment district authority, was adopted and perfected and printed. Supporters said it corrects an error from a prior bill and would allow Osage Beach to create an entertainment district similar to those in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Branson to support tourism and economic development. The chamber also took up House Bill 1839 and related bills on age verification for pornographic websites. Proponents argued the measure is needed to protect minors from online pornography and exploitation, citing the Supreme Court’s upholding of a similar Texas law and Missouri’s existing attorney general enforcement efforts; opponents raised privacy, enforcement, and unintended-consequences concerns, including whether less-scrupulous sites could become more accessible. After a motion for the previous question, the House adopted the committee substitute and perfected and printed House Bill 1839 by a 104-16 vote with 20 present.

Transcript Highlights:

• It ensures the credit does not reduce assessed valuation or impair bonded indebtedness.
• So the assessments continue, the assessment process goes forward.
• So if the house transfers, you don't have these years of gap where assessments weren't taking place.
• Because the assessments are going to continue to go up as far as, you know, I think the issue that we
• So those assessments and support...

Committee: House Special Committee on Tax Reform

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our own needs assessment again showed that water providers have a real need, a large need, for new water
• And we can do a more holistic assessment of what is the need of these communities, how are they meeting
• those needs, environmental assessments, those types of things.
• So yes, highlighting again the water demand that we found through our needs assessment was a supply gap
• So I think if we went back to do that needs assessment again, we would probably see a bigger number,

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the two ways that we assess compactness are visual and mathematical.
• There are a couple of mathematical measures that are used to assess compactness.
• It provides some assistance in assessing compactness.
• The second measure that we use to assess compactness is the convex hull score.
• Ultimately, I think the visual assessment is the primary way to assess it, but the scores are helpful

Summary: The Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting met for an informational presentation from outside counsel Andy Bartos on the legal standards governing congressional redistricting. He reviewed federal Equal Protection principles, Florida’s non-diminishment provision, and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, explaining how race can be considered in redistricting but generally cannot be the predominant factor. He also discussed the Florida Constitution’s tiered standards, including the prohibition on intentional political favoritism, compactness, and the requirement to use existing political and geographical boundaries where feasible. Bartos focused on two recent or pending cases: the Florida Supreme Court’s Black Voters Matter decision, which upheld the legislature’s 2022 congressional map and held that the non-diminishment clause does not justify making race predominant absent specific identifiable discrimination, and Louisiana v. Callais, pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, which may further clarify whether race may be used predominantly to comply with the Voting Rights Act or whether Section 2 remains constitutional as applied. He also explained how courts assess compactness and intent, and how data such as the 2020 census, voter registration, turnout, and election results are used for voting-rights analysis. Members asked about what triggers redistricting, whether the legislature must redraw maps now, what data is available in the mapping tool, how intent is measured, and whether public input opportunities will be provided. Bartos said redistricting timing is largely a legislative judgment unless a court requires changes, that the committee can consider whether BVM or the eventual Callais decision warrants revisions, and that the Callais ruling will bind Louisiana directly but serve as precedent for other courts. No votes or legislative actions were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• $304,000 per year and again that's run through the special revenue fund and those costs would be assessed
• $304,000 per year and again that's run through the special revenue fund and those costs would be assessed
• 04:47.520><c> be</c> revenue fund and those costs would be revenue fund and those costs would be assessed
• back through the uh natural gas assessed back through the uh natural gas utilities.<00:04:51.840><c>
• to PUC and to the one assessment at the Department of Commerce.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Lethality assessment forms. You're recognized as one of them. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• These the assessments are used to determine victims risk of serious bodily injury or death at the hands
• Sp 16, 40 is a public records bill that makes lethality assessment forms confidential and exempt from
• Everybody lethality assessments up until when this is going to be effective. >> Thank you.
• The workgroup has been working to get our assessment in place. >> For an October 2026, roll out.

Keywords: 999, senate, all