Support HB 449 and HB 553!

Both HB449 and HB553 have made it onto the agenda for Senate and Governmental Affairs’ meeting tomorrow, Wednesday 5/31. This means that written testimony is due 4 hours before the meeting…technically 5 AM Central, which effectively means tonight unless you are a very early riser! I will submit the attached coalition letter in support of both bills, but encourage personalized written testimony and in-person comments if you are able to provide either.

As a reminder, HB449 provides for:

• 1. Increased poll commissioner training and testing regarding accessibility laws and best practices.
• 2.  The appointment of an Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) Compliance Officer in the Office of the Secretary of State.
• 3.  The creation of a “Voting Accessibility Advisory Group” in the Department of State, comprised of at least 7 members with diverse accessibility needs.

HB553 was originally drafted to call for the appointment of a voter with disabilities on the State Board of Elections Supervisors. The bill was amended in committee on the House side, so we are importantly calling for amendments to ensure it honors the bill’s original intent. I have attached talking points as a reference point to understand and articulate this posture. As always, messages are best communicated in your owns words but hopefully these can help to understand the background and framing.

Statements may be emailed to marinovichl@legis.la.gov and must be received by the committee secretary before 5 AM CT tomorrow, Wednesday, May 31. The meeting will take place in Room F on the Senate side, starting at 9 AM CT, or you can tune into the live-stream here.

Wednesday, May 31

House – Administration of Criminal Justice 
Room 6 – 9:00 AM 

SB 48 Oppose (LACDL) SEN. MORRIS, JAY – CRIMINAL PROCEDURE Constitutional amendment to eliminate a judge’s discretion to grant bail for certain offenses after conviction. 

SB 159 Watch SEN. CATHEY – JUVENILE JUSTICE Provides for the detention of seventeen year old juveniles under certain circumstances.

SB 215 Support (VOTE) SEN. BARROW – CRIME/PUNISHMENT Provides justification defense to domestic violence victim-defendants. 

SB 217 Oppose (VOTE) SEN. HENRY – CAMERON CRIME/PUNISHMENT Creates a state wide database for individuals convicted of child abuse/neglect. 

---

House – Education
Room 1 – 10:00 AM

HB 287 Support (Housing Louisiana) REP. CORMIER – INSURANCE/PROPERTY Provides relative to insurance adjusters and property inspections (Subject to Rule Suspension).

HB 552 Support (Housing Louisiana) REP. HILFERTY – INSURANCE Suspends the premium surcharge of at least ten percent assessed by the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Subject to Rule Suspension). 

---

Senate & Governmental Affairs 
Room F 9:00 A.M.

HB 311 Support (LDF) REP. MIGUEZ (Constitutional Amendment) Prohibits the use of monies from a foreign government or nongovernmental source to fund elections

HB 396 Support (PCEJ) REP. JENKINS Provides for the reinstatement of the voter registration of a person who is no longer under an order of imprisonment

HB 449 Support (PCEJ) REP. WILLARD Provides relative to the rights of voters with disabilitiesHB 490 Support (PCEJ) REP. LYONS Provides for procedures and guidance regarding voter registration activities

---