The Interactive Federal Review Act encourages the Secretary of Transportation to prioritize the use of digital platforms in selecting covered projects, aiming at demonstrating the effectiveness of these technologies in carrying out environmental impact analyses. The implementation of this bill is intended to facilitate community engagement and foster a better understanding of environmental impacts among stakeholders involved in the review process. Furthermore, it mandates a report to Congress within 180 days of enactment to evaluate the efficiency gained through these digital tools in project reviews and public outreach.
Summary
House Bill 4621, known as the Interactive Federal Review Act, aims to enhance the environmental review process for highway projects by introducing interactive, digital, cloud-based platforms. The bill seeks to streamline federal agency procedures and improve public engagement in reviewing the environmental impacts of transportation infrastructure projects. By leveraging technology, the bill promotes efficiency and accessibility in the environmental review process, potentially impacting how federal agencies conduct assessments under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Contention
While the intent behind HB4621 is to improve efficiency in environmental reviews, there are notable discussions around the changes it proposes. Critics may express concern about the reliance on digital platforms, questioning whether this could inadvertently exclude stakeholders who are less technologically savvy or lack access. The requirement for reports and metrics on efficiency could also lead to debates regarding measuring success and understanding true public engagement levels in complex infrastructural projects.
Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.
Supports National Black Caucus of State Legislatures efforts to ensure 40 percent of certain federal investments are made in communities of color and other disadvantaged communities.
Supports National Black Caucus of State Legislators efforts to ensure 40 percent of certain federal investments are made in communities of color and other disadvantaged communities.
Supports National Black Caucus of State Legislatures efforts to ensure 40 percent of certain federal investments are made in communities of color and other disadvantaged communities.