Latest news with #Bill105
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Decoupling Stalled In Florida As Regular Legislative Session Ends
The Florida Legislature has concluded policy discussions for the 2025 Regular Legislative Session, effectively killing the proposed decoupling provisions of Senate Bill 408, House Bill 105, and House Bill 1467, all of which the Florida Senate declined to approve for final passage. However, Florida's Constitution requires the legislature to pass a balanced state budget each year. To meet this constitutional requirement, the Legislature has extended the Legislative Session through June 6, but has limited the focus to items related to the state budget. Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association, issues the following statement to commend Florida leaders who have stood with Florida's Thoroughbred industry, while emphasizing the importance of continued collaborative efforts to preserve and strengthen this vital industry: 'The conclusion of Florida's regular legislative session brings encouraging news for our beloved Thoroughbred legacy and the thousands of Floridians who dedicate their livelihoods to this proud tradition. The FTBOA — and the many horsemen groups, individuals, and elected officials who joined our efforts — once again defended our industry from an ill-advised attempt at decoupling, just as we did in 2012, 2016, 2018, and 2021. 'We are deeply grateful to the many breeders, owners, trainers, vets, and horsemen who traveled to Tallahassee to share their heartfelt opposition with lawmakers. Your voices had a clear impact and made a real difference. We also thank the lawmakers who championed our industry's values, engaged thoughtfully with our members, and stood firm against proposals that threatened the foundation of Florida's $3.24 billion Thoroughbred industry. 'As the legislature continues to consider matters related to the state budget in the coming weeks, we will remain firm in our opposition to any effort to weaken Florida's Thoroughbred industry. We look forward to continuing our work with Florida's leaders and stakeholders on long-term solutions that preserve and grow this vital industry for years to come.'
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Maui Council passes bill allowing certain Lahaina structures to build back as it was
LAHAINA, Hawaii (KHON2) — Many Lahaina residents will be able to rebuild quicker thanks to a new bill passed on March 21 at the Maui County Council. Historic churches will also benefit, allowing many properties to be built back as they were before the fires and bypassing 'new' zoning laws. FEMA completes over 165 temporary homes for Lahaina fire survivors The Maui County Council unanimously voted to allow property owners to rebuild to its original condition, even if it doesn't meet certain modern codes like zoning or land-use, which could take months to approve. West Maui Councilmember Tamara Paltin said many Lahaina residents have been waiting for this bill to pass because they had minor setback discrepancies and the Planning Department was holding their permits. 'Some folks didn't even want to start consulting with their design professional until we passed this bill,' Paltin said. 'So they would know exactly what was allowed because every time you have to change your plans that costs additional money.' She said permits will still need to comply with building and fire codes, but it will help get some residents back home date, there have been 338 building permits issued, 332 residential and six non-residential, and eight residential permits completed. The County Recovery Permit Center has categories for residential and non-residential properties. The non-residential category includes properties with four or more dwelling units, commercial properties and all of the Puamana community in Lahaina. 'The passage of Bill 105 represents a crucial step in helping our community rebuild stronger and with hope. This bill, which was initiated by the Planning Department and strongly supported by Councilmember Paltin, removed barriers for homeowners whose properties were impacted by the August 2023 wildfires,' said Maui Mayor Richard Bissen. 'For many, it will allow them to restore their homes as they were, building back the character that made Lahaina special.' George Foreman, boxing legend and grill mogul, dead at 76 The bill's passage is also a win for several historic churches in Lahaina that were burned in the fire. 'A great example of why this bill is important is Waiola Church. The church is on a piece of land that's zoned for residential use and the residential zoning districts in Maui don't allow a religious meeting place in residential zones unless the church or the temple goes to the planning commission and applies for a special use permit,' explained Jonathan Helton, Grassroots Institute of Hawaii policy analyst. 'And that can take months.' The bill does not allow non-conforming transient vacation rentals to rebuild as it was and have to conform to new zoning standards. 'The need right now is not for TVR's, it is for housing for our residents. We have hundreds of people who don't have places to live,' Paltin said. Property owners would have four years to rebuild, but certain historic district properties and shoreline areas could be given a two year extension. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
