This week, legislative trends included measures to cut taxes on grocery and food products, legalization of marijuana and some controlled substances, and the passage of bills banning gender-affirming care. Additionally, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation stripping Disney of its control over the Reedy Creek Improvement District, Pennsylvania has a new House Speaker, and Idaho lawmakers advanced legislation to allow firing squads as a viable method of execution when lethal injection is not available.
Alabama
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would use education savings accounts to allow parents to send children to private schools using up to $6,000 in state tax dollars each year.
Learn more here.
Alaska
Alaska’s Senate unanimously rejected a pay raise that had been recommended for the governor, lieutenant governor, and heads of state agencies.
Learn more here.
Arizona
State lawmakers have approved legislation that will promote research into the medical potential of psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”) for various conditions.
Learn more here.
Arkansas
The Arkansas House of Representatives has approved Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ (R) education package.
Learn more here.
California
This week, California lawmakers questioned the state’s senior air pollution official about the Air Resources Board’s (CARB) plan to address carbon neutrality by 2045.
Learn more here.
Colorado
A bill to lift Colorado’s preemption on rent control has been passed in the state House of Representatives.
Learn more here.
Connecticut
Governor Ned Lamont (D) has proposed legislation to support English-learning students and parents through an “English Learnings Bill of Rights.”
Learn more here.
Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has signed a bill that strips Disney of its control over the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
Learn more here.
Idaho
Idaho’s House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee has moved forward with a bill to allow firing squads as a viable method of execution when lethal injection is not available.
Learn more here.
Illinois
A measure being considered in Illinois’ House of Representatives would automatically deposit revenue in excess of the governor’s proposed general revenue estimate in the state’s rainy day fund and Pension Stabilization Fund.
Learn more here.
Indiana
Indiana’s House of Representatives has approved a measure that would require the state’s largest public pensions to divest from funds that invest in ESG (Environment, social, governance) matters.
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Iowa
A House Health and Human Services subcommittee has moved forward with an expansion on “right to try” legislation, which would permit some patients to use drugs for off-label purposes.
Learn more here.
Kansas
Kansas’ Senate has passed a bill that would remove state and local taxes on food products, reversing an earlier proposal to cut taxes on all foods but those deemed unhealthy by lawmakers.
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Kentucky
Gubernatorial candidate Ryan Quarles (R) has stated his support for legalizing medical marijuana in Kentucky.
Learn more here.
Louisiana
Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder (R) has stated that he is considering running for governor, provided that Congressman Garret Graves (R) opts out of the race.
Learn more here.
Maine
Maine legislators are seeking to increase the governor’s salary, which currently is $70,000, and has not changed in 36 years.
Learn more here.
Maryland
Governor Wes Moore (D) has proposed a bill that would increase the minimum wage $1.25 by October 1, speeding up the state’s move to a $15 an hour minimum wage. The bill would further tie future increases to inflation rates.
Learn more here.
Massachusetts
Governor Maura Healey (D) has released a budget proposal that would increase spending on child care, environmental, and higher education initiatives with a $55 billion plan.
Learn more here.
Michigan
Committees in both Michigan’s House and Senate approved measures that would repeal existing laws that bar abortion access, which were made irrelevant by a voter-approved initiative last year.
Learn more here.
Mississippi
Governor Tate Reeves (R) has signed a law that will ban gender-affirming care for trans minors.
Learn more here.
Missouri
Missouri’s Senate has advanced a bill that would exempt ammunition and firearm purchases from all taxes.
Learn more here.
Montana
Montana’s Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee have moved forward with a bill that would prohibit internet service providers from allowing anyone to access TikTok, with a $10,000 fine for each instance.
Learn more here.
Nebraska
A bill that would allow teachers to physically restrain disruptive students has been introduced in Nebraska’s Education Committee.
Learn more here.
Nevada
Tesla will receive over $330 million in tax breaks from Nevada in order to expand its vehicle battery facilities in Reno.
Learn more here.
New Jersey
Governor Phil Murphy (D) has released a $53.1 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Learn more here.
New Mexico
New Mexico’s Senate has passed a bill that would improve healthcare in rural parts of the state.
Learn more here.
New York
A state lawmaker has introduced legislation that would prohibit the distribution and sale of “any candy product containing THC, including, but not limited to chocolates and gummies,”
Learn more here.
North Carolina
The state House and Senate, after years of negotiations, have reached a deal to expand Medicaid coverage across North Carolina.
Learn more here.
Ohio
Ohio’s House Finance Committee has advanced a transportation budget of $3.7 billion.
Learn more here.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a new Speaker after electing Democrat Joanna McClinton, who becomes the first female speaker in the history of the Pennsylvania House.
Learn more here.
South Dakota
Governor Kristi Noem (R) vetoed a measure that would have increased hotel taxes in the state.
Learn more here.
Tennessee
Governor Bill Lee (R) signed legislation that will ban minors from receiving gender-affirming care, and will restrict drag shows from taking place in public or in front of minors.
Learn more here.
Texas
Texas’s Senate State Affairs Committee has begun considering a bill that would reestablish felony penalties for illegal voting of up to 20 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Learn more here.
Utah
Utah’s state legislature has passed a bill which would ban abortion clinics in the state.
Learn more here.
Virginia
Over a dozen legislators, including Senate Republican Leader Tommy Norment (R), Senate Democratic Leader Dick Saslaw (D) and Del. Ken Plum (D) have announced their retirements.
Learn more here.
Washington
Washington’s Senate approved a bill that would allow interstate marijuana commerce.
Learn more here.
West Virginia
Governor Jim Justice (R) has signed a bill that would permit concealed carry on public college and university campuses.
Learn more here.
Wisconsin
Governor Tony Envers (D) has proposed a building projects budget of $3.8 billion, including provisions for projects on University of Wisconsin campuses.
Learn more here.
Wyoming
Wyoming’s House of Representatives gave final approval to a bill that would ban the prescription, distribution, sales, or use of any abortion-inducing medication.
Learn more here.
Capital and Capitol Happenings: New Positions, Promotions, and More
- Thomas Collins: new Senior Policy Advisor, Michigan House of Representatives
- Harris Laufer: new State Director, Jewish Federations of New Jersey
- Melissa Bartlett: new Senior Vice President, Health Policy, the ERISA Industry Committee
- Stevi Sprenkle: new Analyst III, Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
- Eric Douglas: new State and Local Government Relations, The Home Depot
- Sean Hammond: new Deputy Chief of Staff, New York State Assembly
- Michael Dendas: new Senior Manager, Government Relations, Zillow
- Natalie Krak: new Manager of State Government Relations, The Hershey Company
- Michael Kiely: new President, Global Government Affairs, UPS
- Kevin Busher: new Managing Director, Pennsylvania School Boards Association
- Stephanie DeMarco: new Manager, U.S. Government Affairs, Spotify
Happy Birthdays This Week
- Catie Scott: Executive Director, Interior Finish Contractors Association of Delaware Valley
- John O’Brien: Executive Director, West Chester Business Improvement District
- Shannon Pahls: Government Affairs Director, yes. every kid.
- Kevin O’Keefe: Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. House of Representatives
- David John: Vice President of Government Affairs, Pennsylvania State Alliance of YMCAs
- Sean Holihan: State Legislative Director, Giffords
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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