A lot of focus was spent this week on California Governor Gavin Newsom surviving a recall election effort, but lawmakers and other governors across the country were also busy this week on issues ranging from COVID-19 to cash bail, redistricting, solar power, cash bail, marijuana, and everything in-between. Notably, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill this week that effectively bans the sale of new internal combustion engine cars, off-road vehicles, light-duty trucks and equipment by 2035.
State lawmakers and state executives weren’t the only ones busy this week, as some government affairs professionals also were also busy with new positions.
Capitol Happenings: Staffers on the Move
When you see these individuals in the halls of your State Capitol (or on Zoom), make sure to wish them congratulations!
- Natasha Eckhard Hammond, new Director of Government and External Affairs at NetJets.
- Peter DePasquale, new Vice President of Government Affairs at Keurig Dr. Pepper Inc.
- Patrick Henning, new Director of Legislative Advocacy at Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas.
- Jenny Sedlis and Jason Ortiz, co-founders of Moonshot Strategies.
- James Logan, new Policy Analyst at National Emergency Management Association.
Email future suggestions to rjstevens@dmgs.com.
California
Governor Gavin Newsom was able to defeat a GOP-led recall effort this week, ensuring California will remain in Democratic control.
Read more here.
Connecticut
Governor Ned Lamont plans to ask the General Assembly to extend his emergency powers until the beginning of next year. Lamont also called on lawmakers to work with him on various COVID policies including mask policies for students.
Read more here.
Florida
At the start of the week. Governor Ron DeSantis announced his intentions to issue fines on local officials who fire employees who are not vaccinated against COVID-19. DeSantis is also supporting a lawsuit to stop Gainesville from imposing a COVID vaccine requirement.
Read more here.
Georgia
Georgia’s Medical Cannabis Commission Oversight Committee needs to determine how the state will conduct required testing of cannabis oil before the rollout of Georgia’s medical marijuana program.
Read more here.
Illinois
Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a new clean energy bill this week, giving Illinois the nation’s leading climate action plan.
Read more here.
Kentucky
Kentucky lawmakers discussed this week the impact of solar power across the state.
Read more here.
New Jersey
Governor Phil Murphy signed an Executive Order earlier this week establishing the Wealth Disparity Task Force, something Murphy previously announced on Juneteenth this year.
Read more here.
New York
Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill this week that effectively bans the sale of new internal combustion engine cars, off-road vehicles, light-duty trucks and equipment by 2035.
Read more here.
Ohio
The General Assembly reconvened earlier this week. Issues on the top of lawmakers priority lists include redistricting, sports betting, COVID-19 vaccines, and critical race theory.
Read more here.
Oklahoma
Some Oklahoma lawmakers are promising to examine the way law enforcement responds to mental health calls.
Read more here.
Oregon
Lawmakers this week from the Oregon House and Senate committees tasked with redrawing the state’s legislative and Congressional maps released the final draft of their proposals as both chambers prepare to meet Monday to discuss their approval in a special session called for by Governor Kate Brown.
Read more here.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Office of Open Records ordered the state health department to disclose how many patients are certified for cannabis under each of the state’s 23 qualifying conditions. This includes how many patients use medical marijuana to treat opioid use disorder.
Read more here.
Tennessee
Tennessee lawmakers are looking to fine-tune the state’s cash bail system and heard from criminal justice reform advocates, district attorneys, local officials, judges, sheriffs and representatives from the bail industry as they brainstormed different policy ideas.
Read more here.
Federal Update: Renewable Fuel Standard Reform
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is a program Congress created in 2005 intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand the renewable fuels sector while reducing the reliance on foreign oil. A particular aspect of the RFS program, Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), has caused some to call for RFS reforms.
Read more here.
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