This week, legislation related to marijuana and psychedelic drug regulation gained traction in Hawaii, New Hampshire, and Virginia. Additionally, Pennsylvania’s state House has a new definition for what constitutes a “majority,” and bills related to automated speed enforcement in work zones advanced in Indiana and Michigan.
Alabama
Legislation backed by Attorney General Steve Marshall (R) that would increase prison sentences for crimes caused by gang activity is up for consideration in Alabama’s House of Representatives.
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Alaska
Alaska’s Department of Labor has reopened its Office of Citizenship Assistance to help refugees and immigrants seeking employment in the state, due to an influx of Ukrainian refugees.
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Arizona
Rep. Liz Harris (R) was expelled from Arizona’s House of Representatives for violating ethics rules.
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Arkansas
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) has signed bills restructuring sentencing for violent criminals and creating a new felony for knowingly distributing fentanyl that causes death.
Learn more here.
Colorado
Colorado’s legislature has passed a right to repair bill which would allow Colorado farmers to legally fix their own equipment.
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Delaware
Governor John Carney (D) Delaware’s Natural Resources and Environmental Control is seeking to phase out gas-powered vehicles, but the proposal is receiving opposition from GOP legislators.
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Florida
Florida legislators are considering a bill that would charge individuals who shelter, hire, or transport undocumented immigrants with a felony, and would require hospitals to ask patients about their immigration status.
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Georgia
Governor Brian Kemp (R) signed a law that would increase fines for businesses who fail to post anti-human trafficking notices.
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Hawaii
Hawaii’s Senate approved a bill that would create a psychedelics advisory council.
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Illinois
Faculty at three state universities are on strike over increased pay, expanded student resources, and more balanced workloads. The universities are now calling for Governor J.B. Pritzker’s (D) intervention in bargaining sessions.
Learn more here.
Indiana
A bill that would permit the use of speed camera enforcement in highway work zones has been passed in the General Assembly, and will be sent to Governor Eric Holcomb (R) for signing.
Learn more here.
Iowa
Iowa’s House of Representatives approved a bill that would ban drones from surveilling livestock facilities and homesteads without the permission of the property owner.
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Kansas
Governor Laura Kelly (D) signed a bill that would raise the minimum age for legally buying cigarettes to 21.
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Louisiana
Governor John Bel Edwards (D) delivered his State of the State address and has proposed a $45.7 billion budget.
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Maryland
Governor Wes Moore (D) signed a bill raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour.
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Massachusetts
Leaders of the Massachusetts House of Representatives revealed a $1.1 billion tax cut package.
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Michigan
The Michigan House Regulatory Reform Committee unanimously passed two bills this week that would allow for automated speed enforcement in work zones.
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Minnesota
Minnesota’s House and Senate are both very likely to take on legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana use by the end of the month.
Learn more here.
Mississippi
Mississippi’s legislature gave final approval to a bill that would reauthorize and extend the state’s tourism project incentive program through 2027.
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Missouri
Missouri’s legislature has advanced a bill that would increase access to physical therapy. The bill will now be sent to Governor Mike Parson (R) for signing.
Learn more here.
Montana
Montana’s Senate passed legislation that would codify the “right to mine” bitcoin. The bill now goes to the desk of Governor Greg Gianforte (R) for signing.
Learn more here.
Nebraska
Nebraska legislators have opened their first round of debate on the Nebraska Heartbeat Act, which would ban abortions once cardiac activity can be detected.
Learn more here.
Nevada
Labor unions in Nevada are supporting a measure that would overturn a constitutional ban on the use of lotteries to fund youth mental health services.
Learn more here.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s House of Representatives has approved a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana.
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New York
Governor Kathy Hochul (D) nominated Judge Rowan Wilson to be the state’s chief judge.
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North Dakota
North Dakota’s House of Representatives voted to override Governor Doug Burgum’s (R) veto of a bill that would ban ranked-choice or approval voting in the state.
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Ohio
Governor Mike DeWine (R) has announced $2.9 million in mental health aid to support Ohioans impacted by traumatic events.
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Oklahoma
Governor Kevin Stitt (R) appointed Dr. Katherine Curry as new Secretary of Education.
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Oregon
Governor Tina Kotek (D) unveiled the details of the state’s $85.2 million homelessness reduction strategy.
Learn more here.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania State House has a new definition of what constitutes a “majority party,” so even with a temporary vacancy or two occurring, Democrats could maintain their majority even if their membership dips below the mathematical definition of a majority.
Learn more here.
Rhode Island
Governor Dan McKee (D) has proposed $20 million in funding for local road repair.
Learn more here.
South Carolina
Senator Tim Scott (R) has launched an exploratory committee, which may be his first step in running for President.
Learn more here.
South Dakota
Governor Kristi Noem (R) has stated that she intends to combine the state’s Bureau of Administration with the Bureau of Human Resources.
Learn more here.
Tennessee
The Nashville Metro Council reinstated Rep. Justin Jones (D) and Rep. Justin Pearson (D) to their seats in the House of Representatives.
Learn more here.
Texas
Legislation that would create and fund a new unit for state border enforcement is being considered in a Texas House of Representatives Committee.
Learn more here.
Utah
Governor Spencer Cox (R) has signed a set of bills to protect victims of domestic violence.
Learn more here.
Vermont
Governor Phil Scott (R) has stated that he is considering stockpiling abortion medications following a court ruling that could overturn FDA approval of mifepristone.
Learn more here.
Virginia
Virginia’s General Assembly approved Governor Glenn Youngkin’s (R) amendments to a bill that would place stricter regulations on THC hemp products.
Learn more here.
Washington
Washington’s Senate has given final approval to a bill banning over 50 models of assault weapons.
Learn more here.
Wisconsin
Governor Tony Evers (D) has declared a state of emergency over wildfires that are anticipated to affect over two thirds of the state.
Learn more here.
Capital and Capitol Happenings: New Positions, Promotions, and More
- Matthew Walsh: new State Policy Manager, Waymo
- Jarad Falk: new Vice President Government Affairs, Charter Communications
- Stephanie Williams: new Director External & Government Affairs, MN8 Energy
- Michael Blake Bezruki: new Senior Manager, Government Relations, The Toro Company
- Travis Frazier: new ESenior Manager, Government Relations, Association of National Advertisers
- Ezra Thrush: new Policy Director, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Happy Birthdays This Week
- Mark Giuffre: Vice President, State Government Affairs, UPS
- Don Houser: State Policy Director, BHE GT&S
- Chrissy Buteas: Vice President, Government Affairs, Altice USA
- Dana Brooks: President and CEO, Pet Food Institute
- Patrick Henderson: Director of Government Affairs, Marcellus Shale Coalition
- Alexandria Paolozzi: Director of Government Affairs, CUFI Action Fund
Want to wish someone a happy birthday or recognize their new job or promotion? Email future suggestions to rjstevens@dmgs.com.
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