Welcome to the latest DMGS State of the States, where we provide a roundup of key legislative activities across the nation. This week, we cover a variety of important developments, from Arizona’s budget cuts impacting infrastructure to Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate 3.0. Discover how states like Florida are shaping their fiscal future, and how New Hampshire navigates the conclusion of its “committee of conference” season.
Arizona
Arizona’s draft state budget includes significant cuts to road and water projects. The reductions aim to address a projected budget shortfall but have raised concerns about the impact on infrastructure development and maintenance.
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Arkansas
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) has called a special legislative session next week to address a range of issues, including tax cuts and teacher pay raises. The session is set to focus on economic measures and improving the state’s public education system.
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California
California lawmakers are expediting a bill requiring online sellers to verify high-volume sellers’ identities to combat organized retail theft. The bill is a part of a 14 bill packet regarding theft. The legislation mandates that sellers providing more than $5,000 in goods annually disclose their names, tax IDs, and bank account information to online marketplaces.
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Colorado
Governor Jared Polis (R) has signed several bipartisan bills aimed at bolstering rural health care. SB24-121 and SB24-055 focus on expanding access to medical services, improving health care infrastructure, and providing additional support for health care providers in rural areas. One of the key aspects includes increasing funding for telehealth services and establishing programs to attract and retain medical professionals in underserved regions.
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Connecticut
Governor Ned Lamont (D) vetoed a bill that could have provided $3 million in assistance to striking workers. He cited concerns about the potential financial burden on the state’s unemployment trust fund and the precedent it might set for future labor disputes. Labor unions have expressed disappointment, arguing the bill would have supported workers fighting for fair wages and conditions.
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Delaware
The state Senate approved SB 215 which mandates annual inspections for the long-term care industry to ensure better quality of care and compliance with regulations. The legislation aims to address issues such as inadequate staffing, poor living conditions, and resident safety, with the goal of improving standards in nursing homes and similar facilities.
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Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis (R) signed the “Focus on Florida’s Future” budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025, totaling $116.5 billion. This budget reflects a reduction in state spending while making significant investments in key areas such as education, infrastructure, and public safety. Additionally, it includes measures to bolster the state’s emergency response capabilities and enhance workforce development programs.
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Hawaii
Legislation sent to the desk of Governor Josh Green (D) would have the chief information officer (CIO) of the Enterprise Technology Services report to the state comptroller instead of the governor; the comptroller is responsible for analyzing taxpayer funding issues. Doug Murdock, the former CIO, opposed the legislation, believing it diminishes the independence of the CIO.
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Illinois
Lawmakers have passed a battery Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) bill to enhance battery recycling and fire safety. The bill, now sent to the Governor’s office, is supported by waste management companies and environmental groups, mandates that producers fund and manage battery collection and recycling programs to mitigate fire risks and environmental impacts. This legislation aims to reduce the frequency of fires caused by improperly disposed batteries and promote environmental sustainability.
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Iowa
HB 2677 is awaiting the signature of Governor Kim Reynolds (R). The proposed legislation aims to introduce stricter controls on the sale and distribution of vape products to reduce youth access and address public health concerns. If signed, the bill will implement age verification for online sales and increase penalties for retailers who sell to minors.
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Kansas
State lawmakers are working on a smaller tax relief package after an initial proposal faced opposition. The revised plan focuses on delivering targeted tax cuts, including property tax relief and adjustments to the state’s tax code, to address economic concerns without significantly impacting the state budget.
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Louisiana
Governor John Bel Edwards (R) signed a bill aimed at modernizing the state’s economic development. SB 494 focuses on streamlining processes, enhancing support for small businesses, and encouraging innovation to boost the state’s economic growth and competitiveness.
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Maine
Governor Janet Mills (D) announced the development of 17 new EV charging locations, supported by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. Department of Transportation chief engineer Joyce Taylor praised the expansion, saying it will “help reduce range anxiety for current and future Maine EV drivers.”
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Massachusetts
The state House has passed a bill updating the state’s parenting laws. The legislation aims to modernize regulations to better reflect the diverse family structures and parenting dynamics of today, ensuring fairer and more comprehensive legal frameworks for child custody and parental rights.
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Michigan
A Michigan House committee has approved a $4.5 billion funding package for economic development and transit projects over the next decade. The plan includes significant allocations for business attraction, housing programs, and transformational mobility projects, but faces opposition from some lawmakers concerned about the long-term financial commitments and the benefits to large corporations.
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New Hampshire
After a week of negotiations, the “committee of conference” season has ended, and now the full House and Senate will reconvene to vote on the compromise packages reached, with the possibility that the bills could still be rejected by rank-and-file members.
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New Jersey
Senator Teresa Ruiz (D) proposed legislation expanding eligibility for childcare assistance to graduate students. SB 4544 looks to plug gaps in childcare coverage; current requirements include four- and two-year students, but no specifications for full- and part-time graduate students.
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New York
Lawmakers passed a rental registry bill to establish a comprehensive database of rental properties. The legislation aims to enhance tenant protections and enforce housing regulations by mandating landlords to register their properties, providing detailed information about ownership and rental conditions.
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Ohio
Republicans have introduced a bill that mandates the replacement of current voting machines and permits the hand-counting of ballots. The proposed legislation aims to enhance election security and accuracy by updating voting technology and providing an option for manual ballot counting to verify results.
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Oklahoma
A new Oklahoma law, effective November 1, 2024, aims to protect residents from surprise medical billing and support EMS services by providing needed revenue for equipment and employee raises, without affecting insurance premiums.
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Pennsylvania
Governor Josh Shapiro (D) ceremoniously signed the Clean Slate 3.0 bill into law, expanding the state’s records expungement program to include non-violent drug felonies. The new law, effective since December, will automatically seal misdemeanor records after five crime-free years and expunge certain felony drug crimes after ten years without a conviction.
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Vermont
Governor Phil Scott (R) signed several bills into law this week, including H.173 which prohibits manipulating a child for sexual contact and H.644 which allows access to records for those formerly in foster care, among others.
Learn more here
From The Experts
Expert insights from the authors at Duane Morris Government Strategies.
Ryan Stevens
In today’s rapidly changing legislative landscape, staying informed about state-level policy developments is crucial for understanding their broader impact. This week’s updates reflect significant shifts in infrastructure, education, and criminal justice reform across the nation.
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