As legislators across the country continue their efforts to address a myriad of issues affecting their states, this week’s edition of the “State of the States” highlights a diverse array of legislative developments. From Alabama’s push to restructure its Department of Archives and History to Wyoming’s State of the State Address, where Governor Mark Gordon calls for action on property tax relief and support for the coal industry, each state is navigating its unique challenges and priorities. Let’s delve into the latest updates from statehouses across the nation.
Alabama
An Alabama Senate committee approved a bill to replace the board of trustees of the state’s Department of Archives and History. SB 77, proposed by Senator Elliott, aims to end the board’s autonomy and shift appointment powers to the governor, house speaker, and lieutenant governor. However, it mistakenly references a nonexistent position, “Speaker Pro Tempore of the Senate.”
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Alaska
The Alaska House Education Committee unanimously advanced legislation aimed at the University of Alaska to require the state university system to list course material costs, including textbooks, in its catalog. The bill, Senate Bill 13, aims to enhance price transparency.
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Arizona
Legislation in Arizona would make illegal entry into the state a class 1 misdemeanor, escalating to a class 6 felony for repeat offenses. The bill also requires undocumented individuals in Arizona to leave the state or face a class 2 felony charge.
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Arkansas
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) announced plans to invest nearly $30 million towards improving mental health and substance abuse services across the state. Through the American Rescue Plan Act, funding will go towards establishing a statewide crisis response system and more.
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California
A package of bills introduced by state lawmakers look to target artificial intelligence and its use in campaigns. Specifically, one of the bills would ban “materially deceptive” election-related deepfakes 120 days pre-Election Day and 60 days post-Election Day.
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Colorado
A Senate committee in Colorado passed a bill mandating adults to use hands-free devices while driving to reduce distracted driving. This extends restrictions on cellphone use while driving to adult drivers.
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Connecticut
Connecticut lawmakers will consider a new AI bill to regulate the industry’s growth while minimizing hindrances. Senator James Maroney (D) is introducing the bill, developed with legislators from multiple states, to avoid inconsistent regulations that burden tech companies.
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Florida
Governor Ron Desantis (R) proposed legislation this week aimed at curbing thefts in the state. The proposed legislation would make it a felony for someone to commit two thefts within a year as well as make it a felony to steal packages.
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Georgia
The Senate Judiciary Committee has unanimously approved a bill requiring Georgia landlords to provide livable rentals. This milestone advances Georgia from being one of three states without such standards, improving housing conditions for many.
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Hawaii
Lawmakers are considering legislation in Hawaii that would prevent former President Donald Trump (R) from appearing on the election ballot.
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Idaho
Lawmakers passed a Maternal Mortality Bill this week. This legislation would amend an existing law that allows the state Board of Medicine to collect information regarding maternal mortality.
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Indiana
Governor Eric Holcomb (R) signed a bill into law this week that adjusts wetland classifications. This legislation would change the classification of wetlands from a Class III to a class II, allowing for development on these lands.
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Iowa
Governor Kim Reynolds (R) proposed new legislation that would give school districts control over funding for programs related to education, media, and special education services.
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Kansas
The House and Senate have advanced competing resolutions related to unauthorized crossings at the Texas border.
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Kentucky
Legislation was proposed this week that would expand child care centers across the state. Senator Danny Carroll (R) has proposed nearly $150 million of funding that would go into improving childcare initiatives through this bill.
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Maine
Governor Janet Mills (D) announced nearly $6.5 million in grant funding towards businesses in Maine for electrical grid upgrades in the state.
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Maryland
Governor Wes Moore (D) has announced nearly $16 million in funding for abortion care access. This funding would help expand current abortion care training and diversify the current healthcare provider field.
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Massachusetts
The legislature has advanced a bill this week that would require public establishments to have changing tables in their bathrooms.
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Michigan
Numerous pieces of legislation went into this week from the 2023 legislative session. These pieces of legislation include gun control issues, expansion of LGBTQ+ rights protections, and a repeal of existing law.
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Minnesota
The state legislature convened this week for the 2024 legislative session. Lawmakers are looking to push legislation related to sports betting, gun control, and medical debt.
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Missouri
Lawmakers advanced a bill this week that would expand sports betting both virtually and at casinos. Under HB 2331, revenue earned would go towards funding for public schools.
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Nebraska
To safeguard local homeownership, a Nebraska senator introduced a bill to prohibit out-of-state businesses from buying single-family homes.
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New Jersey
Atlantic City casinos would be able to continue to allow gamblers to smoke on the casino floor under a new bill introduced by New Jersey state Sen. John Burzichelli (D). The bill would keep the current 25% limit of the casino floor on which smoking can occur.
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Nevada
Governor Joe Lombardo (R) and State Controller Andy Matthews (R) have launched The Nevada Open Finance Portal, aimed at improving transparency in state spending.
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New Hampshire
The House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee advanced a bill this week to prohibit assigning a merchant code to the sale of firearms and other firearm accessories.
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New Mexico
The state legislature has advanced a bill that encourages public colleges and universities to educate and have conversations with students about affirmative consent. The legislation awaits approval from Governor Michelle Lujan Grishman (D) before going into effect.
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North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper (D) signed an executive order into law this week that looks to protect wetlands in the state. This order sets long-term goals to preserve and restore land, as well as plant millions of trees within the next two decades.
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North Dakota
Four bills addressing the construction of pipelines were dismissed this week in the House Commerce and Energy Committee.
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Ohio
Governor Mike DeWine (R) announced more than $100 million will go towards public transportation projects in the state. This initiative would award over 300 transit projects with the goals of improving workforce mobility and rural transit.
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Pennsylvania
State lawmakers are considering a bill to establish a syringe service substance abuse program. If passed, the bill would authorize statewide programs to provide drug users with clean needles and connect them to other treatment services.
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South Carolina
The legislature approved a bill that would legalize medical marijuana. The South Carolina Compassionate Care Act was reviewed by the Senate and is awaiting another vote before it heads to the House for consideration.
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South Dakota
Governor Kristi Noem (R) signed a bill into law this week that redefines and expands the definition of a “legal newspaper.”
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Tennessee
Legislation is on its way to Governor Bill Lee (R) that would give officiants the power to refuse to perform same-sex marriages.
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Utah
The legislature advanced a series of bills this week related to water restoration and conservation for the Great Salt Lake.
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Virginia
Virginia’s House of Delegates has approved legislationto facilitate the construction of an arena for the Washington Capitals and Wizards. However, the bill now faces an uncertain fate as it moves to the Virginia Senate for consideration.
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Wyoming
Governor Mark Gordon (R) delivered his State of the State Address this week, calling on lawmakers to address issues such as property tax relief, supporting coal, and more.
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From The Experts
Expert insights from the authors at Duane Morris Government Strategies.
Ryan Stevens
As legislators across the country continue their efforts to address a myriad of issues affecting their states, this week’s edition of the “State of the States” highlights a diverse array of legislative developments.
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