Welcome to the latest edition of the DMGS Weekly State of the States. This week, state lawmakers cultivated plans to address medical debt, funding shortages, voter initiatives, and other relevant topics.  Join us as we explore the various state actions having major impacts across the nation. 

Alabama 

Alabama lawmakers have pre-filed bills to ban gun conversion devices, specifically trigger activators like Glock switches and bump stocks. House Bill 26, sponsored by Rep. Phillip Ensler, would prohibit the possession of devices that turn semi-automatic handguns into automatic weapons, with exceptions for law enforcement and registered owners.

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Arizona

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that a 200-word summary used to collect signatures for a pro-abortion ballot measure is valid. Under the measure, abortions would be allowed until fetal viability, which is around 24 weeks. The ruling allows the measure to remain on the November ballot

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Arkansas

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) announced the completion of phase one of the Arkansas Water Plan. The initiative looks to expand access to clean, reliable drinking water in the state. The first phase included a review of existing water plans and infrastructure, conducted by the Department of Agriculture.

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California

The California Senate is advancing several bills, including legislation related to changes to high school graduation standards to better align with college and career readiness, restrictions on banks’ ability to charge excessive overdraft fees, and new standards for tortilla manufacturing. 

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Georgia

Governor Brian Kemp (R) announced a $10.7 million ad campaign to promote the Pathways to Coverage Medicaid health insurance program. The program expands Medicaid for those who work but has only received 4,300 applicants in over 1 year of the program’s existence. 

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Kentucky

Republican legislators praised the University of Kentucky’s decision to shut down its Office of Institutional Diversity. Lawmakers previously sponsored a bill to defund DEI programs in public universities but the bill did not advance in the regular session.

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Louisiana 

Governor Jeff Landry (R) announced the launch of the GUMBO 2.0 program, distributing $1.355 billion to expand broadband access across the state. This initiative will extend high-speed internet to 140,000 locations, including 100,000 homes, 35,000 businesses, and 4,000 community institutions like schools and hospitals. The program is expected to create 8,000-10,000 new jobs and boost Louisiana’s GDP by $1.3 billion. 

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Maryland

Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) announced $23 million in federal funding to expand registered apprenticeships and workforce development programs. This initiative aims to enhance job training opportunities, particularly in sectors like healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades. The funding is part of a broader effort to strengthen Maryland’s workforce by providing residents with the skills needed to succeed in high-demand industries.

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Missouri 

Governor Mike Parson (R) signed HB 2134,  aimed at protecting clean water. The legislation focuses on enhancing water quality standards and implementing measures to prevent pollution in local water bodies. This action is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to safeguard natural resources and ensure access to clean water for its residents.

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Montana

Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen certified a constitutional initiative expanding abortion rights, solidifying its place on the November ballot. Like a similar measure in Arizona, the proposition would permit abortion until fetal viability, which is around 24 weeks.

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Nebraska

State lawmakers passed three bills addressing property tax relief. One bill reapplies a property tax income tax credit, while the other two designate $185 million in property tax relief funded by budget guts. The incremental changes have been part of a strenuous process in the current special session addressing property taxes.

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Nevada

Legislators were approached by Warner Bros Discovery Inc. stating the corporation will invest $8.5 billion in a new Las Vegas development if a subsidy is passed. Specific quantities of subsidy demands are not laid out but are expected to form in the buildup to the next legislative session. 

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New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy (D) announced the state will be forgiving $100 million in medical debt for qualifying residents. Those who have medical debt above 5% of their annual income or are four times below the poverty line are set to receive debt forgiveness. An estimated 50,000 residents will be supported under the move.

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New York

Governor Kathy Hochul (D) signed a bill allowing craft breweries to sell directly to consumers online and ship products to their homes. This legislation aims to support the craft brewing industry by expanding market access and providing more convenience for customers. The bill is part of broader efforts to boost the state’s local businesses and beverage industries.

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Ohio

Governor Mike DeWine (R) announced a nearly $100 million investment in expanding high-speed internet access. The project is estimated to provide access to more than 35,000 new households in 23 counties.   

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Oregon

The Oregon Department of Human Services announced a major increase in funding for assisting domestic violence survivors. Per-person assistance will increase from $1,200 to $3,200 to help fund moving, deposits on rent or utilities, or new safety measures. 

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Pennsylvania

Governor Josh Shapiro (D) approved $51 million in funding for 66 transportation projects across the state, including allocations for bridge, highway, aviation, ports, and bike and pedestrian initiatives.

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Rhode Island

Governor Dan McKee (D) signed an executive order aimed at improving support for Rhode Islanders with disabilities. The order focuses on enhancing services, accessibility, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities across the state. It underscores the administration’s commitment to creating a more inclusive environment, ensuring that all residents have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

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South Carolina

Governor Henry McMaster (R) signed an extension to tax credits for revitalizing abandoned buildings and railroads. SB 1021 extends the South Carolina Abandoned Buildings Revitalization Act, which was set to expire in 2025. Credits can apply to any taxpayer making less than $700,000 per year.

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Texas

State officials on the Water Development Board are eying a $55 billion proposal aimed at preventing flooding. After reports finding additional counties and neighborhoods threatened by floods, the board emphasized the need to support much of its 4600 proposed protective projects.

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Utah

Lawmakers are set to convene in a special session addressing ballot initiatives. After a court ruling blocked lawmakers from overturning voter-approved gerrymandering reforms, Republican legislators are looking to pass legislation that enables the state congress to amend or veto ballot initiatives. 

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Virginia

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) signed 10 bills into law to increase access to affordable child care in the state. These bipartisan bills support the “Building Blocks for Virginia Families” initiative, which aims to create new childcare options and empower working families.

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Wyoming

Governor Mark Gordon (R) announced his support for a state-issued dollar-pegged “stablecoin”, embracing ideas from blockchain innovators. He plans to use U.S. Treasury bills to back the coin and list the token in Q1 of 2025. Gordon framed the conversation around an overreach of government action starting with the 2008 financial crisis. 

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