State legislatures across the country are advancing a wide array of bills addressing varying concerns, from economic reform and healthcare expansion to public safety and environmental policy. In Alabama, lawmakers are cracking down on pharmacy benefit managers to support independent pharmacies, while states like Alaska and Iowa are navigating contentious budget and tax reforms.
Alabama
The Alabama House of Representatives passed legislation on Tuesday aimed at regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and addressing concerns from independent pharmacies about reimbursement rates and business practices.
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Alaska
Alaska lawmakers are divided over the state budget, with House leaders appealing to the minority and Governor Mike Dunleavy for a resolution. House Speaker Bryce Edgmon (I) emphasized the need for collaboration to balance the budget, as the House Finance Committee’s draft includes a $1.9 billion deficit.
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Arizona
Arizona lawmakers are considering House Bill 2387 to address cryptocurrency scams and regulate “crypto kiosks” where people can convert cash into Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The bill, which includes measures like daily deposit limits and mandatory warning signs at kiosks, has received little opposition and, if passed, will be sent to Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) for approval.
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California
A California bill that would have allowed residents and insurers to sue fossil fuel companies for at least $10,000 in damages caused by climate-related natural disasters has stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Scott Wiener (D), who authored the bill, argued it would hold polluters accountable.
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Connecticut
Connecticut’s Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would make it easier for victims of gun violence to file civil lawsuits against firearm manufacturers, inspired by the long legal battle waged by Sandy Hook families that resulted in a $73 million settlement. The bill now heads to the House.
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Florida
A Florida House committee unanimously advanced a bill that would prevent local city councils and county commissions from raising their own salaries without voter approval through a general election referendum.
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Illinois
The Illinois House unanimously passed a bill raising the age for mandatory driving tests from 79 to 87. Lawmakers also approved a bill allowing state funding for women’s pro sports facilities and requiring legislative oversight for future stadium proposals.
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Indiana
The Indiana Senate passed House Bill 1468 in a 41-8 vote, allowing tobacco vendors to obtain a three-year supplemental certificate to sell cigars temporarily at events. The bill aims to support small businesses by expanding opportunities for vendors to connect with communities outside their storefronts.
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Iowa
Iowa Republicans have unveiled an updated property tax reform bill that eliminates the current rollback system immediately in FY 2027 and introduces a revenue-restricted model, capping most annual tax revenue increases at 2%, with exceptions up to 5% during high inflation. The bill also raises the homestead exemption from $25,000 to $50,000 and includes a budget guarantee for small communities.
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Kentucky
A proposed Kentucky bill would expand workers’ compensation coverage to first responders diagnosed with PTSD or other mental health injuries, even without physical harm. It includes a presumption that PTSD diagnosed within three years of service is work-related, shifting the burden of proof to employers.
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Maine
Maine lawmakers are considering a temporary statewide ban on installing new artificial turf fields to allow time for a comprehensive study on their environmental and health impacts.
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Maryland
Governor Wes Moore (D) signed legislation to strengthen Maryland’s workforce, including the RAISE Act, which expands registered apprenticeship opportunities in fields like cybersecurity and aerospace. The Model Employer Act was also signed, creating an office to boost employment access for Marylanders with disabilities.
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Michigan
Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R) announced plans to advance bipartisan legislation aimed at establishing a Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund, allocating $72 million to local police departments based on violent crime rates. Communities with higher crime rates would receive more funding, with future allocations contingent on demonstrated reductions in violent crime.
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Minnesota
Minnesota lawmakers are proposing a tax on large social media platforms that profit from user data. The proposed tax would apply to companies with over 1 million users, requiring them to pay $165,000 monthly plus $0.50 per user. Platforms with fewer than 100,000 users would be exempt, while those in between would have varied rates. The Minnesota Department of Revenue estimates this tax could generate approximately $250 million annually, with the funds intended to support the state’s general fund.
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Missouri
Missouri lawmakers are considering legislation requiring for-profit senior care referral agencies to disclose any financial relationships with assisted living facilities. The bill aims to increase transparency for families seeking care options by ensuring they are informed about potential conflicts of interest and how their personal information is shared.
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Ohio
Ohio lawmakers have approved a $5 million increase in annual funding for public libraries, raising the total to $490 million in fiscal year 2026 and $500 million in fiscal year 2027. However, library advocates argue that this increase falls short of the $90.8 million recommended by Governor Mike DeWine (R) and are pushing for more funding.
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Pennsylvania
The Jake Schwab Worker Safety Bill has advanced to the Pennsylvania Senate after passing the state House. The bill aims to extend OSHA protections to public sector workers to improve workplace safety.
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West Virginia
The West Virginia Senate has passed several bills, including one that aims to streamline the permitting process for businesses by creating a one-stop system. Another bill would ban cellphones in classrooms, with the goal of reducing distractions for students.
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