Polystyrene Ban Legislation: 2025 State Efforts Face Mixed Results Across the U.S.
Ryan StevensExpanded polystyrene foam, commonly known as Styrofoam, has become a growing environmental concern due to its resistance to decomposition and limited recyclability. In 2025, multiple state legislatures introduced various pieces of legislation to restrict its...
Weekly State of the States: June 13th, 2025 Edition
Ryan StevensThis week, states tackled pressing issues through legislative and executive actions. Alabama eyes voting access reforms for 2026, while Arizona nears a tobacco age increase to 21. Arkansas approved a state insurance program to curb...
The End of the Line: New Jersey’s Primary Recap with Micah Rasmussen
Ryan StevensIn this solo-hosted episode of Back in Session, Ryan Stevens is joined by Micah Rasmussen from the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics. As the Garden State heads toward a pivotal 2025 election, Micah breaks...
States Consider Expanding Access to Sunday Hunting
Ryan StevensAcross the country, lawmakers are revisiting longstanding “blue laws” that prohibit or limit hunting on Sundays. Initially rooted in religious or cultural norms, these restrictions are increasingly seen as outdated by advocates who argue for...
H.R. 1 | “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”
John ZangIn May 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1 — officially and unironically named the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — a sprawling legislative package advanced via the budget reconciliation process that contains...
Weekly State of the States: June 6th, 2025 Edition
Ryan StevensAs state legislatures wrap up their sessions and shift into interim work, lawmakers across the country continue to push forward a wide array of policies. From new regulations on vaping products in Alabama to bold...
SNAP Restrictions & Crackdown: States Target Sugary Foods in Push to ‘Make America Healthy Again
Ryan StevensAcross the country, states are proposing new policies that would restrict the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the purchase of sugary foods, such as soda and candy. These efforts to implement...
Plastic Bag Ban Legislation: States Push Forward on Single-Use Plastics Reform
Ryan StevensAs concerns over plastic pollution continue to grow, state legislatures across the country are revisiting and expanding policies aimed at reducing single-use plastic waste. Plastic bags, widely used for retail checkout, have become a primary...
Weekly State of the States: May 30th, 2025 Edition
Ryan StevensState legislatures were active this week, with governors signing key bills, lawmakers wrapping up their sessions, and budget deadlines fast approaching. From Florida’s recognition of gold and silver as legal tender to Hawaii’s new “green...
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