Photo credit: iStock.com/StockRocket The “right to repair” has become a growing national conversation, centered on the idea that consumers should have access to the tools, parts, software, and information needed to repair or maintain the products they own. Over the last eight years, right-to-repair legislation has been introduced in every state in the United States. [...]
With the start of the new fiscal year, states across the country are finalizing budgets, implementing the laws passed in the 2025 legislative session, and adjusting priority frameworks for next year. This week featured major developments in state budgets, from New Jersey’s record-setting $58.8 billion plan to delayed negotiations in Michigan. In addition to fiscal [...]
What exactly does the Pennsylvania Auditor General do—and why should you care? Deputy Chief of Staff Hayden Rigo joins the Back in Session podcast to demystify the work of this essential state office. Learn how audits protect taxpayer dollars, how Rigo’s lobbying past informs his present role, and what priorities shape the office’s future under [...]
Photo credit: iStock.com/master1305 In 2025, several state legislatures are considering stadium subsidies, a government subsidy directed toward athletic facilities and events, aiming to boost local economies and attract and retain professional sports franchises. In 2025, state lawmakers in Arizona, Missouri, and Oregon have introduced distinct legislative approaches to financing sports venues, each utilizing varying spending [...]
From education reforms and budget negotiations to infrastructure upgrades and emerging AI initiatives, state governments across the country have been busy shaping public policy this week. In this edition of the Weekly State of the States, we highlight significant legislative and executive actions from all 50 states. Whether it’s Alabama’s shift in school accountability, California’s [...]
Photo credit: iStock.com/Genevieve Isabelle Expanded 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 use, particularly in the food service and packaging industries. Some polystyrene ban legislation gained traction, while [...]
This 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 rising premiums, and California raised vehicle processing fees. Colorado launched a teacher home-buying program, Connecticut banned government crypto investments, and [...]
In 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 down the latest results, strategic party maneuvers, and the impact of the recently dismantled "county line" ballot system. This conversation [...]
Photo credit: iStock.com/ElviK Across 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 more flexibility in outdoor recreation. In response, states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are [...]
As 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 solar goals in Hawaii, tax increases in Washington, and new proposals for Special Sessions, state legislatures are certainly staying busy. [...]
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