Welcome to this week’s edition of the DMGS State of the States! Across the country, state governments are making impactful decisions that shape our communities. From new legislation on public safety and education to executive actions on healthcare and economic development, this edition covers the latest updates and key policy changes taking place in various states.
Alabama
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would require permits for owning or carrying assault weapons. The proposed legislation aims to regulate access to high-powered firearms and enhance public safety by ensuring that individuals undergo background checks and obtain permits before acquiring these weapons.
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Alaska
Governor Mike Dunleavy (R) signed four bills into law on Monday. The bills include establishing a Military Affairs Commission, expediting timber sales in vulnerable regions, adding vehicle warranty coverage requirements, and easing nursing license requirements.
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Arkansas
Arkansas public schools can now collect money from the state’s new school voucher program, following a rule approved by the Arkansas Legislative Council’s subcommittee. This rule reclassifies public schools as “education service providers,” making them eligible for funding reimbursements for services to non-public school students.
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California
Governor Gavin Newsom (D) announced a $133 million initiative addressing behavioral health for the homeless. The money will aid counties in their supply of lodging and support services.
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Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis (R) awarded grants for thirteen churches, ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 through the “Hope Florida” initiative. The program aims to reward organizations for extensive community service, with 5,000 non-profit and charity organizations registered.
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Idaho
Lawmakers have passed a bill that would allow for the killing of up to 90% of the state’s wolf population. The legislation aims to reduce the wolf population to reduce livestock losses and address concerns from hunters, and now sits on the governor’s desk to be signed.
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Illinois
Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) signed the Illinois Worker Freedom of Speech Act, which prohibits employers from holding mandatory meetings on company beliefs. The bill follows the trend of states looking to protect workers from forced anti-union messaging. The bill will become law on January 1st.
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Iowa
A new 6-week abortion ban took effect this week after being cleared by the Iowa Supreme Court last month. The bill’s enactment sparked strong opposition from Democratic lawmakers.
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Kentucky
The Kentucky Legislature is currently holding hearings and discussions on a range of bills and resolutions. These legislative sessions involve debates on key issues such as budget allocations, education policies, public health measures, and economic development initiatives. Lawmakers are considering various proposals, and some bills are moving closer to a vote, reflecting ongoing legislative activity in the state.
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Louisiana
Louisiana has enacted a “buffer law” which went into effect Thursday, August 1st that restricts how close the public and journalists can be to police officers during certain operations.
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Maine
Governor Janet Mills (D) announced $21 million in resilience grants for waterfront communities. The funding stems from $60 million approved by the legislature earlier this year, as part of a joint initiative with the Department of Transportation.
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Massachusetts
As the legislative session winds to a close, lawmakers approved a bill aimed at fighting the state’s opioid crisis. SB 2898 creates programs for primary care services, drug testing, and needle exchange. Cities can opt in or out of the programs.
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Nebraska
During the special session on reducing property taxes, legislators are clashing on the effective way to fund Governor Jim Pillen’s (R) proposal for tax cuts. Lawmakers have proposed various methods, ranging from tax increases on agricultural machinery to cannabis. Considerations come alongside a record 81 bills proposed during the special session.
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New Hampshire
A new law in New Hampshire aims to protect sports officials from harassment and physical attacks. The legislation increases penalties for anyone who assaults or threatens referees, umpires, and other sports officials, in response to growing concerns about their safety. The law is intended to create a safer environment for sports officials and ensure they can perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation.
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New Mexico
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed House Bill 1, allocating $100 million to disaster relief following major wildfires, concluding a special session called to address the topic.
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New Jersey
A 34-year-old assault weapons ban in the state was overturned by Federal Courts on Tuesday. In Judge Peter Sheridan’s opinion, he cited previous Supreme Court rulings protecting gun rights as the baseline for the overturn.
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New York
Governor Kathy Hochul (D) announced a $350 million pool of funding for payments to low-income residents. Residents or households who qualified for the 2023 child tax credit will receive tax returns totaling 25 to 100 percent of the credit payment.
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North Carolina
Republican legislators overruled multiple vetoes by Governor Roy Cooper (D). The three bills increase road access for utility vehicles, require cities to allow landlords to deny tenancy, and block state payments in digital currency respectively.
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Ohio
Two bipartisan lawmakers introduced HB 605, which requires professional sports teams in the state to compete on natural grass. The effort is backed by the NFL players union, arguing the need for turf regulation to protect player safety.
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Oklahoma
House Democrats urged Governor Kevin Stitt (R) to call a special session, looking to impeach Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Heitt. The move comes after accusations surrounding behavior from Heitt classified as “willful neglect of duty”.
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Pennsylvania
Governor Josh Shapiro (D) announced his opposition to the potential Nippon-U.S. Steel merger, siding with the United Steelworkers union. Nippon Steel’s bid to buy U.S. steel has conflicted with workers in the steel manufacturing industry, which Shapiro cites as the baseline for his lack of support on the matter.
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Texas
Governor Greg Abbott (R) celebrated the federal appeals court’s decision to maintain a floating river barrier across the border. The decision overruled the Biden administration’s claim that the barriers needed federal permission.
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Wisconsin
Republican lawmakers are backing two ballot measures aimed at curbing Governor Tony Evers’ (D) ability to allocate federal grants. The referendums are inspired by Evers’ actions with COVID-19 grants, where he used the money on small businesses, local governments, and health care without Republican-majority approval in the legislature.
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