Digital collage by Ryan Stevens; image source by RJA1988 from Pixabay 

This week saw plenty of action by lawmakers and governors across the country on various issues, notably COVID-19, special sessions, redistricting, marijuana, and more. This year has seen a flurry of activity related to COVID-19 powers and this week alone we saw Connecticut’s legislature extend Governor Ned Lamont’s emergency powers for the sixth time, and Kansas lawmakers announcing the creation of a special committee on government overreach and the impact of COVID mandates. Outdoor dining has also become a popular fixture during the pandemic, and some California lawmakers want it to be permanent and exist beyond the pandemic.

Alabama

Alabama lawmakers convened on Monday for a special session to address prisons – specifically on a $1.3 billion plan to build two large prisons, including an overhaul of the state’s correctional system.

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California

Some California lawmakers are urging Governor Gavin Newsom to extend outdoor dining in the state past the pandemic.

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Connecticut

Lawmakers in Connecticut this week approved extending Governor Ned Lamont’s emergency powers for the 6th time (through February 15th) and to keep the state under a pandemic emergency for COVID-19.

Read more here.

Kansas

Kansas lawmakers this week announced the creation of a special committee on government overreach and the impact of COVID mandates.

Read more here.

Nebraska

Nebraska lawmakers gave final approval to redistricting legislation this week setting new boundaries for the state’s congressional districts.

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New York

Despite passing legislation legalizing recreational marijuana about six months ago, New York is violating the law’s deadline for home cannabis cultivation rules.

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Ohio

Legislation limiting Ohio employers’ ability to mandate workers receive the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment appears to face a slower legislative route than anticipated.

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Pennsylvania

A pair of Pennsylvania lawmakers this week introduced legislation that would make it legal for anyone age 21 and older to purchase and consume cannabis for recreational purposes in Pennsylvania. 

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South Dakota

Lawmakers in South Dakota are scheduled to convene for a special session in early November to consider opening an impeachment inquiry into Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg. The special session will be after, and separate from, a redistricting session.

Read more here.

Vermont

Vermont lawmakers and Governor Phil Scott’s administration are seeking a compromise on a bill that would create a rental registry for landlords.

Read more here.

Capital and Capitol Happenings: Staff on the Move, Promotions, and More

  • Emily Hoffman: new Government Affairs Associate, SoftBank Group International
  • Sharon Lamberton: new Deputy Vice President of State Policy and External Outreach, PhRMA
  • Nikki Dostoomian: new Senior Policy Advisor and Counsel, the Brennan Group
  • Britton Burdick: new Communications Director, Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ-1)
  • Allegra Smith: new Legislative Correspondent, Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), Senate Subcommittee on Children and Families
  • Renee Gamela: new Deputy Chief of Staff, Rep. G. T. Thompson (R-PA-15)
  • Tyler Ladzinski: new Staff Assistant, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ-4)
  • Mabintou Ouattara: new Staff Assistant, Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-9)

Happy Birthdays This Week

  • Danielle Scoggins: Vice President of Public Policy at Florida Realtors
  • Sharon Seyler: Deputy Director of Government Affairs, Duane Morris Government Strategies
  • Jon O’Brien: Executive Director, Keystone Contractors Association
  • Djibril V. Diop: Director Of Government Relations, Washington Education Association
  • Dorian Almaraz: Lobbyist, Prime Strategies of California
  • Aaron Pickrell: Principal, Remington Road Group

Email future suggestions to rjstevens@dmgs.com.

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