The issues of firearms and abortion continued to dominate talks in various state capitals this week. Notably, California implemented a law allowing victims of gun violence to sue gun manufacturers and Missouri democrats want the GOP governor to call lawmakers into a special session to address legislation that would protect access to contraceptives and treatment of ectopic pregnancies.
Don’t forget to also check out this week’s DMGS posts below on a California Reparations Task Force, Delta-8 legislation, and plastics legislation.
This Week’s DMGS Posts
California
This week, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed legislation allowing victims of gun violence to sue gunmakers.
Learn more here.
Connecticut
Both Democrats and Republicans this week called for hearings to be held on proposed double-digit rate increases being sought by nine health insurers that offer coverage on and off the state’s Access Health CT exchange.
Learn more here.
Florida
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission this week moved along rule changes for its Vessel Turn-In Program, which is designed to speed up the removal of privately owned boats that have been abandoned, wrecked, junked, or dismantled in state waters.
Learn more here.
Illinois
Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) signed an executive order earlier this week relaxing the state’s guidance on COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.
Learn more here.
Michigan
Legislation signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) will allow for self-serve beer at bars and restaurants.
Learn more here.
Missouri
Democratic lawmakers in Missouri are urging Gov. Mike Parson (R) to call lawmakers into a special session to address legislation that would protect access to contraceptives and treatment of ectopic pregnancies. This comes in the wake of the state’s ban on nearly all abortions.
Learn more here.
New Hampshire
Gov. Chris Sununu (R) signed a bill earlier this month that increases the punishment for vandalism from a violation that comes with no jail time and a max $1,000 fine to a Class A misdemeanor which carries a possible jail sentence and a fine up to $2,000. This comes partly in response to defacement of the State House plaza.
Learn more here.
North Carolina
Gov. Roy Cooper (D) signed the state’s budget early this week and also announced he will lift the state’s COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency next month.
Learn more here.
Pennsylvania
Gov. Tom Wolf (D) signed legislation this week adding a section on “legitimate cannabis-related business” under Pennsylvania’s commerce and trade statutes, providing them with broad protections to financial services.
Learn more here.
Virginia
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) signed into law a bill which permits school boards to enter into agreements with third party logistics companies and use school buses, while not transporting students, to transport packages from distribution centers. The idea for the bill came from a middle school project.
Learn more here.
Capital and Capitol Happenings: New Positions, Promotions, and More
- Price Ashley: new Senior Director, State Government Affairs, Envision Healthcare
- Daniel Martinez: new Director of External Affairs, Americans for Prosperity
- Christopher Johnson: Manager, State Affairs, American College of Surgeons
- Donna Hamzy: new Chief Strategy Officer, Connecticut Conference of Municipalities
Happy Birthdays This Week
- Kelley Hudak: Director of Government Affairs, Tyson Foods, Inc.
- Mark Denzler: President & CEO, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association
- Howard Franklin: President & CEO, Ohio River South
Email future suggestions to rjstevens@dmgs.com.
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