State lawmakers across the country are now rounding out what many consider to be one of the busiest times of the year, with many state budgets due. In addition, various laws signed by governors throughout the year will go into effect on July 1st, relating to education, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure.
Alabama
Governor Kay Ivey (R) announced that the state legislature will enter into a special session for redrawing Alabama’s congressional districts. The legislature will reconvene on July 17, 2023. This announcement follows after the Supreme Court ruled on the current congressional map this month.
Learn more here
Alaska
The Alaska State House will not enter into a special legislative session, following Governor Mike Dunleavy’s (R) line-item vetoes. The governor’s budget cuts include school infrastructure projects and minimum funding for student costs.
Learn more here
Arkansas
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) declared a state of emergency in Arkansas, after a severe set of storms that hit the state on June 25th. The state is still in recovery from the deadly tornadoes that hit the state on March 31st.
Learn more here
California
On Monday night, the State Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom (D) reached an agreement for the state’s 2023-2024 budget. California will have a $310.8 billion budget, including $225.9 billion for general fund spending.
Learn more here
Colorado
Both Governor of Colorado, Jared Polis (D), and Governor of Wyoming, Mark Gordon (R), signed a memorandum regarding direct air capture activity (DAC) and development. The interstate agreement outlines a partnership of using DAC to enhance the economic growth for both state economies, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Learn more here
Connecticut
Governor Ned Lamont (D) signed the Public Act 23-171, which addresses the state’s problem with healthcare affordability. The legislation contains multiple initiatives on how the state can reduce healthcare costs for its constituents.
Learn more here
Delaware
The State Senate passed a $1.4 billion bond bill, which will be sent to the House of Representatives. The bill is expected to pass in the House and the bill will go towards road construction and other infrastructure projects.
Learn more here
Florida
Of the almost 300 bills Governor Ron DeSantis (R) signed this year, more than 200 laws will go into effect as of July 1, 2023. Some bills include the state’s 2023-2024 budget for the fiscal year, expansion on affordable housing, and prohibiting governor investment strategies that consider ESG standards.
Learn more here
Idaho
The Idaho Republican State Central Committee adopted a presidential caucus proposal. The state will use the caucus proposal to select a presidential nominee if legislators do not reinstate the presidential primary election.
Learn more here
Illinois
Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) signed legislation to improve the health insurance market for consumers by authorizing a new state-based marketplace (SBM) and historic rate review.
Learn more here
Indiana
Governor Eric Holcomb (R) signed over 250 bills that will go into effect on July 1st. A few bills include HB1015, which intends to make roads safer for construction workers, along with SB1, a behavioral mental health bill.
Learn more here
Kansas
The state will obtain $451.7 million in federal funding for the Broadband Equity, and Deployment Program. The funds will be used to improve the state’s high-speed infrastructure.
Learn more here
Kentucky
Governor Andy Beshear (D) recently announced that $2.25 million will be allocated to Kentucky Medical Reserve Corps, in order to enhance the state’s emergency preparedness.
Learn more here
Maine
The Maine legislature has finally reached a compromise on the state’s budget, approving paid family leave and investing more money for childcare.
Learn more here
Massachusetts
Legislators have yet to pass a 2024 state budget, as the state government’s fiscal year is quickly approaching on July 1st. Acting Governor Kimberley Driscoll (D) signed an interim budget that sustains basic government functions until August 1st,
Learn more here
Michigan
Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) is expected to sign the $81.7 billion budget for 2024 that lawmakers passed. The budget intends to resolve current issues in education, infrastructure, and taxes.
Learn more here
New Jersey
New Jersey lawmakers approved of a $54.3 billion budget, barely avoiding a government shutdown if the spending bill had not been approved.
Learn more here
North Carolina
The U.S. Supreme Court declined the “independent state legislature” theory, determining that the North Carolina Supreme Court can supervise the state legislature’s exercise of power to regulate federal elections.
Learn more here
Oklahoma
Governor Kevin Stitt (R) rejected Senate Bill 1369, which would implement a statewide information exchange (HIE) for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA). If signed, the bill would have gone into effect on July 1st.
Learn more here
Pennsylvania
The state budget is due on June 30 and a deal does not appear imminent. A sticking point in negotiations is funding for “lifeline scholarships.”
Learn more here
Texas
The state’s first 30-day special session ended without a deal on how to implement property tax cuts. Governor Greg Abbott (R) called a second special session, in which property taxes will be his main issue to address.
Learn more here
Vermont
The Vermont State Legislature overrode Governor Phil Scott’s (R) veto to the Brattleboro charter change for voting, allowing 16 and 17 year-olds to vote in local elections.
Learn more here
Capital and Capitol Happenings: New Positions, Promotions, and More
- Brian Parks: new Head of Advocacy, LSG
- Noah Formica: new Grassroots Associate, Americans for Prosperity
- Zerina Curevac: new Sr. Director, lead Privacy Counsel, GoodRx
- Andrea Hechavarria: new Head of Government Affairs and Policy, North America, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies
Happy Birthdays This Week
- Carlton Jackson: Chief Executive Officer, Dayton REALTORS
- Bennie Tinson: Executive Director, Licensed Adult Residential Care Association
- Mike Holland: Director, Government Affairs, Bayer Crop Science
- Jennifer Statler: Assistant Director of Government Relations, Pennsylvania State Education Association
- Emily Greene: Deputy State Director, Americans for Prosperity-Pennsylvania
- Sarah Bovim: Vice President, Government Affairs, CHS
- James Hickey: VP of Government Affairs, Day & Zimmerman
- Jordan Bailey: Senior Legislative Policy Advisor, DoorDash
- Allie Kutz: Director of Government Relations, Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers
Want to wish someone a happy birthday or recognize their new job or promotion? Email future suggestions to rjstevens@dmgs.com.
Latest News
This week’s legislative developments across the U.S. feature efforts addressing key policy areas in response to state-specific challenges. Pennsylvania passed a bipartisan bill clarifying digital asset regulations, while North Carolina allocated substantial relief funds for [...]
In this week's "State of the States,” we highlight critical legislative developments and policy decisions from across the U.S. From Alaska's legal battle over a gas pipeline to California's new law addressing fuel price volatility, [...]
In this week's "State of the States" update for October 4, 2024, we take a closer look at key policy decisions and legislative developments across the country. Alabama's Governor Kay Ivey is considering a transformative [...]
As states continue to address pressing issues, legislatures have made significant strides this week on a variety of topics. From Alabama’s renewed efforts to regulate library content to California’s push for undocumented immigrant homeownership, state [...]
Stay In Touch