This week, unsurprisingly, redistricting continued to remain a top priority for many legislatures across the country. Outside of redistricting and various special sessions, one lawmaker in California made news by proposing to ban live weapons for movie sets following the recent accidental shooting death of a cinematographer by actor Alec Baldwin. The push for automated speed enforcement continues as well, with a lawmaker in Wisconsin this week introducing legislation allowing Milwaukee city to utilize automated speed enforcement.
Alabama
Alabama lawmakers convened Thursday for a special session to address redistricting maps and appropriate $80 million of federal COVID relief monies.
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California
One lawmaker in California is proposing to ban live weapons for movie sets following the accidental shooting death of a cinematographer by actor, Alec Baldwin, last week.
Read more here.
Illinois
Illinois lawmakers convened this week to address congressional redistricting. Illinois is set to lose one congressional seat, from 18 to 17.
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Iowa
State lawmakers in Iowa convened Thursday for a second special session to address another round of proposed redistricting maps.
Read more here.
Massachusetts
Lawmakers are set to send Governor Charlie Baker new legislative maps which double the amount of Senate districts in the state and add 13 more House districts.
Read more here.
Nevada
The Nevada legislature’s Interim Finance Committee approved a refund program last week to refund motorists a $1 per transaction surcharge that was authorized unconstitutionally in 2020.
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North Carolina
Republican lawmakers appear poised to hold votes on North Carolina’s state budget as early as next week.
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Ohio
Governor Mike DeWine is expected to sign a bill recently passed by lawmakers that would legalize consumer-grade fireworks on certain days.
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Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania state Senate passed a bill this week that would increase the penalties for those who try to evade arrest on foot.
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Utah
Former Congressman Rob Bishop abruptly resigned from Utah’s independent redistricting commission this week and the Utah House Speaker indicated lawmakers may re-evaluate the redistricting process.
Read more here.
Vermont
Lawmakers in Vermont joined together for a press conference earlier this week urging Governor Phil Scott to reinstate an emergency declaration to address COVID-19.
Read more here.
Wisconsin
A state lawmaker recently introduced the “Safe Roads Saves Lives Act” which would allow Milwaukee city to utilize automated speed enforcement.
Read more here.
Wyoming
Wyoming lawmakers convened for a special session this week to address COVID-19 vaccine mandate penalties.
Read more here.
This Week’s DMGS Posts
- To-Go Cocktail Legislation: Fall 2021 Update
- During the pandemic, many states have looked to soften their stances on allowing cocktails to be ordered to-go as a way for restaurants and bars to help offset lost revenue from declining patronage.
- Around the States: 2021 Special Session Updates
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rise in the number of special sessions to address various issues such as spending federal COVID relief dollars, COVID public health requirements, unemployment, and more.
Capital and Capitol Happenings: Staff on the Move, Promotions, and More
- Christine Pollack: new Vice President of Government Relations, FMI – The Food Industry Association
- Wes Fisher: new Senior Director of Government Affairs, Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council
- Jeannie Morris: new Director of Government Affairs, Vicinity Energy
- Michael Blaustein: new Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Partnership for New York City
Happy Birthdays This Week
- Marie Divine: State Government Affairs Specialist, College of American Pathologists
- Janine Pappalardo: Senior Associate, Delta Development
- Tyler Laughlin: Government and Community Affairs Manager, Allegheny County Airport Authority
- Rian English Barnhill: VP of Government and Community Affairs, Olympia Development of Michigan
Email future suggestions to rjstevens@dmgs.com.
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