Welcome to the February 16th 2024 edition of DMGS’ Weekly State of the States, where we delve into the dynamic legislative landscape across the nation. From groundbreaking proposals to impactful amendments, each state is navigating various issues from legalizing cannabis to securing the border, and budget proposals to e-bikes. 

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Alabama

The House of Representative advanced legislation this week that looks to define gaming license allocations, terms and fees, and tax rates in the state. The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration. 

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Alaska

A proposed amendment to the Alaska Constitution advanced to a vote in the House this week. This amendment would guarantee an annual Permanent Fund dividend for Alaskans. 

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Arizona

Lawmakers advanced three pieces of legislation this week that look to limit illegal entry into the state. The bills would make it a crime to cross into the state at a location that is not the port of entry and would allow judges to deport those who cross the border. 

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Arkansas

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) announced plans to award nearly $5 million in Outdoor Recreation Grants to projects aimed at expanding access to outdoor recreation. This grant money is being provided to 29 counties across the state. 

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California

Governor Gavin Newson (D) renewed the state’s climate partnership with Sweden this week, looking to strengthen their commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. 

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Colorado

The legislature advanced a few bills this week. HB 1097 looks to ensure that any professional licenses received from the spouse or dependent of active duty members is honored in the state when a military family is relocated. Another bill, HB 1076, looks to honor schools that support students of military families. 

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Florida 

A Florida Senate panel approved a revised bill requiring teaching about communism in public schools. The bill aligns with the House position that these lessons should start in kindergarten. The previous Senate bill proposed a History of Communism Task Force to develop instructional standards.

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Georgia

Governor Brian Kemp (R) announced plans to allocate $26 million in pandemic relief funds to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s Victim Services grant program. This funding would help aid victims of crime across the state. 

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Idaho 

The Idaho House of Representatives is considering legislation which would require insurance companies in the state to provide a six-month supply of contraceptives to their enrollees. The bill aims to make access to birth control easier and more convenient, recognizing the importance of contraceptives in reproductive health and overall well-being.

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Illinois

Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) revealed a $52.7 billion budget proposal that lays out plans for a pension restructure, dealing with the migrant crisis, and the establishment of a child tax credit. 

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Indiana

Legislation has advanced out of the state Senate this week that looks to allow juries to know whether victims of car accidents were wearing seatbelts when involved in an accident. 

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Iowa

The legislature advanced two bills this week that would help improve maternal care in the state. The legislation would expand postpartum medicaid for new mothers as well as giving governmental oversight on an existing program intended to allocate state funding towards crisis pregnancy centers. 

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Kansas

Governor Laura Kelly (D) announced plans to provide nearly $17 million towards railroad expansion and rehabilitation projects. This funding would support 17 short line railroads and seeks to boost the agriculture supply chain in the state. 

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Kentucky 

Lawmakers approved legislation that would override current protections against discriminatory practices for tenants. This bill would ban local governments from adopting laws that require landlords to accept vouchers from federal housing assistance as a form of rent payment. 

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Louisiana

The legislature began their second special session for 2024. Governor Jeff Landry (R) opened the session with goals of addressing crime in major cities across the state. 

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Maine

Governor Janet Mills (D) has proposed new legislation this week that looks to address gun control and prevent future mass shootings in the state. The legislation would prohibit seemingly dangerous people from having access to weapons along with strengthening mental health services.

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Maryland

Maryland’s RENEW Act of 2024 aims to impose penalties on major greenhouse gas emitters in the state and allocate the collected funds toward climate mitigation, resilience, and adaptation initiatives. The bill faced skepticism during its first public hearing, with some climate-friendly Democrats expressing concerns.

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Michigan

Legislation was introduced to the legislature this week that seeks to prohibit raffles from giving out firearms as prizes on school property. This bill intends to reduce the presence of firearms in schools. 

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Minnesota

The legislature advanced a bill this week that would adjust the standard deduction amount for the 2023 tax year. This legislation attempts to address an error that was found in the previous tax law. 

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Mississippi

A bill to control how insurance companies determine which prescription drugs and medical treatments a consumer receives, known as prior authorization, has gained overwhelming approval in the Legislature.

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Missouri

In response to the mass shooting at Union Station in Kansas City, Rep. Anthony Ealy has introduced a bill that aims to make carrying a gun at a parade illegal. The bill would amend the Missouri statute regarding the unlawful use of weapons, prohibiting individuals from carrying a gun within one mile of a parade route during parade hours, as defined by the parade host.

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New Hampshire

The New Hampshire House of Representatives approved an amended bill to legalize the retail sale of marijuana in a 239-141 vote. The bill would allow for 15 independently run cannabis stores, and 65% of revenue generated would be used for education funding. Similar attempts to legalize retail cannabis in New Hampshire have not progressed beyond the House.

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New Jersey

The legislature advanced a bill this week that would require e-bikes and scooters to be registered with the motor vehicle commission and insured by their owners. This legislation aims to enhance safety and use of these vehicles in the state. 

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New York

Governor Kathy Hochul (D) announced the expansion of a program that would continue rehousing individuals experiencing homelessness. This $34 million expansion would attempt to address chronic homelessness and find permanent housing for people within major cities and throughout the state. 

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Ohio

Governor Mike DeWine (R) announced the launch of a new internet tool that would help make the process of finding nursing homes more accessible for families. The Nursing Home Quality Navigator would allow people to look at information for nearby facilities and be able to find the best fit for their loved ones. 

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Oklahoma 

The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed House Bill 4118, shifting some responsibility for water pollution caused by chicken farms in eastern Oklahoma from commercial chicken farmers to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture. The department would work with each operation to ensure it has a state-approved nutrient management plan.

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Oregon

The legislature advanced a bill this week that would require manufacturers to provide individuals and small businesses access to materials needed to repair electronic devices and household applications. This bill would help conserve natural resources and prevent excessive waste. 

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania lawmakers are introducing legislation to combat “swatting,” a practice of making fake 911 calls that lead to dangerous situations and waste resources. Swatting has occurred across the country and recently in Etters, York County. The proposed bills aim to increase penalties for swatting, with one requiring convicted individuals to cover the costs of the response.

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South Carolina

A South Carolina Senate subcommittee advanced legislation to update the state’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) law. The existing bill permits student-athletes to profit from partnerships with brands and products. One key change in the new bill is that it would allow greater transparency and further assistance from athletes’ athletic departments. Currently, coaches, athletic directors, and staff have little say in the deals athletes make.

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South Dakota

Lawmakers advanced legislation that would set a $45,000 per year minimum salary for educators in the state. 

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Tennessee

Lawmakers advanced legislation this week that would eliminate flu and whooping cough vaccine requirements for adoptive families and foster families who are caring for infants and medically fragile kids.

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Utah

The legislature advanced legislation this week that requires schools to get consent from parents before giving out any “non-academic” surveys to students and allows districts to opt out of giving statewide health and risk prevention surveys. 

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Vermont

Lawmakers advanced a bill this week that looks to lower existing property tax bills in the state. 

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Virginia 

The legislature advanced two bills that would make to-go cocktails legal in the state. These bills expand current legislation by including language that allows for the inclusion of mixed beverages approved for consumption off of a premise. 

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West Virginia

New legislation has been introduced in the legislature this week that would criminally charge librarians with displaying or distributing material that is considered harmful to minors. 

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Wisconsin

Governor Tony Evers (D) signed newly redrawn legislative maps into law this week. These new maps will be put in place for the November election this year. 

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Wyoming

The legislature passed a budget amendment this week that intends to provide $2 million to assist Texas with its current efforts related to migrants crossing the border. 

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