Lawmakers in various states around the country took action on a myriad of issues this week. Notably, two states addressed automated speed enforcement, a right-to-repair bill passed in California, Michigan enacted a hands-free driving law, and a Digital Bill of Rights was signed into law in Florida.
Alabama
State lawmakers passed House Bill 473 which would make amendments to the current Safe Haven laws.
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Arizona
The Arizona Senate has voted on a new recommendation to confirm a new head of the state prison system.
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California
California lawmakers have passed Senate Bill 244, a right to repair bill, which will change requirements for manufacturers’ production of tools and parts for repairs.
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Colorado
Governor Jared Polis (D) vetoed House Bill 23-1190 which would have given cities a right of first refusal to buy apartment buildings for affordable housing reasons.
Learn more here.
Connecticut
On Wednesday, the state Senate approved the so-called “Vision Zero” bill that allows Connecticut municipalities to use automated speed enforcement and red light cameras.
Learn more here.
Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis (R) this week signed Senate Bill 262, a “Digital Bill of Rights” bill, which has a goal of protecting user data on the Internet.
Learn more here.
Illinois
The Illinois legislature passed an omnibus election reform piece of legislation, Senate Bill 2123. The bill addresses various election issues, including allowing 16 and 17 year olds to pre-register to vote online, mandating public schools close for the 2024 General Election, and establishing a task force to study future election reforms such as ranked-choice voting.
Learn more here.
Louisiana
The Louisiana House has voted in favor of lifting the state’s spending cap by $1.65 billion.
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Michigan
Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed a series of “hands-free driving” bills into law this week, which prohibits holding or using a cell phone while driving.
Learn more here.
Minnesota
Included in the transportation policy and finance bill that lawmakers passed last month is the approval of a task force to assist in studying the possibility of legalizing speed cameras in Minnesota.
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New York
New York lawmakers failed to pass two worker protection bills, leaving them to stall for now.
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Nevada
The Nevada legislature approved a new budget for capital improvements during a special session.
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Ohio
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would lower the minimum hiring age for police officers from 21 to 18 years old in an attempt to address the workforce shortage issue.
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Oklahoma
The Oklahoma legislature, in a recent special session passed a budget bill that would repeal the franchise tax.
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Rhode Island
A bill this week advanced through a legislative committee to legalize the possession and cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms, otherwise known as “magic mushrooms.”
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South Carolina
A budget deal between the state House and Senate showed no signs of getting closer to an agreement this week as a conference committee held its first public meeting in 18 days.
Learn more here.
Tennessee
A federal judge declared Tennessee’s so-called “anti-drag” law as unconstitutional, but the ruling leaves questions over enforcement and next steps.
Learn more here.
Vermont
In a move that was widely predicted, Governor Phil Scott (R) vetoed legislation that would have added $120 million in annual funding for child care.
Learn more here.
Virginia
On Wednesday, the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board voted to withdraw the state from RGGI, an auction-based carbon emissions reduction program that other East Coast states belong to.
Learn more here.
West Virginia
Governor Jim Justice (R) has announced a new plastic conversion facility in a small community near Charleston.
Learn more here.
Capital and Capitol Happenings: New Positions, Promotions, and More
- Lindsey Dowling: new Director of Government Affairs – NC, Carolinas Credit Union League
- Katherine Thordahl: new Digital Director & Deputy Communications Director, U.S. House of Representatives
- Sarah Mysiewicz: new Senior Pensions Counsel, U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions
- Sara O’Neill: new Senior Vice President, Aera Energy LLC
- Trent Machamer: new Research Analyst, Senate of Pennsylvania
- Julie Carraghan: new Legislative Director, State Senator Nick Miller
- Jemille Duncan: new Director of Policy and Legislation, City of Philadelphia
- Charles Lawlor: new Press Secretary, California State Senate
Happy Birthdays This Week
- Matthew Welsh: Government Affairs Director, Indivior
- Jennifer Snyder: Field Coordinator and Policy Advocate, Alliance for American Manufacturing
- Patrick Millham: Chief of Staff, Swift Solar
- Joe Hoellerer: Director of Government Affairs, Information Technology Industry Council
- Hunter Tower: East Coast Director, Freedom Foundation
- Eric Blackwell: Director, Government and Political Affairs, NRG Energy
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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