In this week’s DMGS State Capital Recap, we look at the latest happenings in state capitals around the country. Issues covered include catalytic converter theft, out-of-state abortion access, marijuana, term-limits, & more.
Arizona
Governor Doug Ducey (R) signed legislation attempting to curb the state’s increasing rise in catalytic converter thefts in the state.
Learn more here.
California
California’s governor has announced a new reproductive health spending plan that would dedicate $57 million to prepare for an influx of people from other states seeking abortions in California.
Learn more here.
Colorado
Colorado lawmakers passed legislation that would allow a jury or judge to decide whether a person charged with felony fentanyl possession between 1-4 grams knew it contained fentanyl and have the charge lowered to a misdemeanor.
Learn more here.
Connecticut
Governor Ned Lamont (D) signed what is being touted as the largest tax cut in state history.
Learn more here.
Delaware
Delaware Senate passed a simplified bill legalizing marijuana possession, which sent the legislation to face its final hurdle–receiving a signature from Gov. John Carney.
Learn more here.
Florida
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) signed legislation designating November 7th as Victims of Communism Day and requiring students to receive at least 45 minutes of instruction every November on “victims of communism.”
Learn more here.
Georgia
Governor Brian Kemp (R) signed a $30.2 billion spending plan that includes a $2,000 pay raise for teachers.
Learn more here.
Kansas
Governor Laura Kelly (D) signed legislation that will require producers of plant-based meats to include on their labels a disclaimer that is in a “prominent and conspicuous font size, in close proximity” to traditional meat terms. Disclaimers can include vegetarian, vegan and meatless, to name a few. Without any disclaimers, the food would be considered misbranded.
Learn more here
Maryland
Governor Larry Hogan (R) signed legislation this week to strengthen cybersecurity in state and local governments in Maryland.
Learn more here.
Michigan
Michigan voters will consider a resolution on the November 2022 ballot that would reform term limits for state elected officials and increase financial transparency among officeholders.
Learn more here.
New Jersey
The Senate Judiciary Committee held a five-hour hearing this week to hear from the state agency tasked with regulating New Jersey’s cannabis industry.
Learn more here.
North Carolina
North Carolina lawmakers are set to convene next week and could consider legalizing medical cannabis.
Learn more here.
Ohio
There are five different bills pending in the legislature that would make major changes to the state’s laws on bail, including a proposed statewide ballot issue.
Learn more here.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s State Senate President plans on introducing legislation to form a task force to study how federal policy decisions around cryptocurrency could benefit the state.
Learn more here.
Tennessee
Under legislation signed last week by Governor Bill Lee (R), a medical clinician in Tennessee will be required to be physically present when abortion pills are administered to a patient even though federal regulations now allow mail delivery nationwide.
Learn more here.
Vermont
The Vermont Legislature ended its 2022 session which lasted five months and included the passage of an $8.3 billion state budget.
Learn more here.
Virginia
Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) is urging state lawmakers to act on his 90-day gas tax holiday. The measure would suspend VA’s 26-cent gas tax at the pump, would be phased out in the fall and would cost the state about $470 million.
Learn more here.
This Week’s DMGS Posts
- 2022 Ohio Primary Election Results
- Ohio held its 2022 primary election on Tuesday, May 3. On the ballot in the Buckeye State’s primary election were races for Ohio Governor and the U.S. Senate, among others. Here are the 2022 Ohio Primary Election results.
Capital and Capitol Happenings: Staff on the Move, Promotions, and More
- Justine Murray: new Deputy Chief of Staff, City of San Diego
- Laura Manion: new President and CEO, Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry
- Kent Sopris: new President, New York Association of Convenience Stores
- Eric Fryer: new Manager, Grassroots and PAC, US Travel Association
- Jeff Waldock: new Chief of Staff, Texas House of Representatives
- Jess Kirchner: new Policy Analyst, Children and Families, National Governors Association
Happy Birthdays This Week
- Collan Rosier: Vice President of Government Relations, Pyramid Healthcare, Inc.
- Michael Lawrence: Senior Manager, State Government Affairs, American College of Cardiology
- Phil Innamorato: Senior Field Representative, Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA)
- Lesley Beltran Brizuela: Legislative Aide, California State Assembly
- Maureen Bereznak: Research Analyst, PA House of Representatives
Email future suggestions to rjstevens@dmgs.com.
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