Lawmakers across the country were hard at work this week drafting bills for the upcoming 2024 legislative session. Notably, New York’s Governor announced a special election to replace George Santos, Pennsylvania’s House won’t convene until March, and the Milwaukee Brewers will remain in Wisconsin until 2050 due to a new law signed by the governor.
Arkansas
Arkansas Citizens for Transparency submitted a ballot measure which aims to create a right to government transparency. The proposed amendment seeks to protect the public’s right to access government documents and hold officials accountable for taxpayer dollars.
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California
California is set to implement several new laws on January 1. Among them is a law requiring big box stores selling toys to maintain a gender-neutral toy section to eliminate stereotypes about gender-specific toys. Additionally, a speed camera pilot program in a handful of localities will take effect, as well as a law expanding sick leave.
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Connecticut
State lawmakers are considering revisiting a legislative proposal to eliminate the lower minimum wage for hourly employees earning tips, establishing a single minimum wage for all workers.
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Florida
House Speaker Paul Renner (R) announced that during the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers will look at legislation to limit children’s access to social media sites.
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Michigan
Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) this week signed legislation to protect healthcare workers and incentivize those wishing to enter the healthcare field. The bills increase fines for those who assault health professionals while on the job.
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Missouri
A pre-filed bill for 2024 would crack down on Missouri drivers who have expired temporary vehicle tags.
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New Jersey
A bill being proposed by the Senate Minority Leader would require the state Department of Transportation to start providing information about potholes on state roads in its yearly Roadway Pavement System report.
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New Mexico
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced this week a first-in-the-nation strategic water supply “to increase drought resilience and advance clean energy production and storage.”
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New York
New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has announced a special election to fill the House seat vacated by Representative George Santos (R), who was expelled from Congress following a House Ethics Committee report accusing him of numerous crimes and ethical lapses. The special election must take place between 70 and 80 days after Hochul’s initial call.
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North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper (D) and Health Secretary Kody H. Kinsley of North Carolina this week celebrated the launch of Medicaid expansion in the state. Over 600,000 North Carolinians are now eligible for Medicaid under the expansion.
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Ohio
Cannabis is now legal in Ohio after voters approved a ballot initiative last month, but lawmakers are still negotiating various details such as tax rates and whether or not to allow medical dispensaries to sell recreational cannabis.
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Oregon
State lawmakers held a hearing this week to discuss the future of Measure 110, which decriminalized possession of small amounts of drugs.
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Pennsylvania
Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton (D) announced this week that the House won’t reconvene in 2024 until March 18th due to roof repairs at the Capitol. However, House republicans have criticized democratic leadership for the move and questioned the reasoning.
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Tennessee
The Libertarian Party of Tennessee has filed a lawsuit against state officials over the state’s ballot access requirements for minority parties.
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Texas
Lawmakers recently passed a law making it a state crime to enter Texas illegally from a foreign country. Immigration rights groups and Democrats plan to file suit, arguing the law oversteps state authority and could lead to racial profiling.
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Wisconsin
This week, Governor Tony Evers (D) signed two pieces of legislation to keep the Milwaukee Brewers and Major League Baseball in Wisconsin through the year 2050.
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Capital and Capitol Happenings: New Positions, Promotions, and More
- Casey Clark: new President and Chief Executive Officer, the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations
- Alan Williams: new Sneior Advisor, Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, the White House
- Suhail A. Khan: new Senior Director of External Affairs, Microsoft
- Ted Sorrell: new Government Affairs Representative, Adams Outdoor
- Leslie Gervasio: new External Affairs Manager, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
- Matthew Welsh: new Government Affairs Director, Lundbeck
Happy Birthdays This Week
- Marcy Ritsick: Principal Analyst, Connecticut General Assembly
- Tim Shestek: Senior Director, State Affairs, American Chemistry Council
- Todd Pauley: Director, Government Operations, the Boeing Company
- Nick Kratz: Vice President of Government Relations, Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability
- Dave Korkoian: Senior Federal Affairs Representative, FedEx
- Erin Corrigan: Special Assistant to the Secretary fo Policy and Planning, Office of Governor Josh Shapiro (D-PA)
- Ben Taylor: Vice President of Public Affairs, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- Dane Bennett: Director of Government Affairs, Baptist Health
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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