States around the nation were busy this week, working on their respective state budgets and a myriad of legislative issues including climate policy, prison reform, and free meals in school.
Alabama
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) has signed House Bill 210 into law, which provides for Mandatory Liability Insurance for Alabamians in the military.
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Alaska
The Alaska State Legislature approved several picks for the state boards and commissions, excluding one nominee.
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Arizona
Arizona lawmakers have approved a new multi-billion dollar state spending plan.
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California
The California Legislature passed a bill that makes phone calls from prison facilities free.
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Colorado
Colorado lawmakers made amendments to a previous ozone pollution bill during the last hours of the legislative session.
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Connecticut
Senate Republicans proposed $1.5 billion in tax cuts for the state’s budget.
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Florida
Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis (R) is receiving backlash from Senate Democrats after signing into law a bill that puts restrictions on unions in the state.
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Hawaii
The Hawaii Legislature has passed a bill that will increase the penalty for chicken fighting.
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Illinois
Illinois lawmakers have proposed legislation which would allow incarcerated people to obtain state IDs after being released from prison.
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Kentucky
The Kansas Legislature has passed House Bill 594 enforcing a state ban on skill-based gaming machines and a variety of new lawsuits are being filed claiming the bill is unconstitutional.
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Louisiana
Louisiana’s Legislature has passed House Bill 361, allowing the state’s colleges to expel the app usage of TikTok on campus WiFi.
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Michigan
The Michigan Senate advanced a piece of legislation to ban usage of cell phones while operating vehicles, limiting drivers to hands-free settings.
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Minnesota
The Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate have approved a new affordable housing bill aiding first time buyers.
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Montana
Montana’s Legislature added an additional $135 million into tax rebate programs that were already approved earlier in the year.
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North Dakota
North Dakota’s Governor Doug Burgum (R) has signed 45 of 590 bills sent to his desk after the Legislature adjourned their session .
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New York
The New York Senate passed a series of bills, such as Senate Bill 1951, Senate Bill 3340 and Senate Bill 214-A which aim to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Learn more here.
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt (R) has signed Senate Bill 481 into law, which makes threats to election officials a misdemeanor publishable by time in jail.
Learn more here.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s Senate has passed two pieces of legislation to remove income requirements for free lunch for students.
Learn more here.
Tennessee
Governor Bill Lee (R) has announced new measures to combat gun violence in schools.
Learn more here.
Vermont
The Vermont Legislature approved House Bill 165 which will provide universal school meals.
Learn more here.
Virginia
Several Republicans are proposing legislation to reduce spending costs of public education in the state.
Learn more here.
Washington
Washington Governor Jay Inslee (D) signed a series of housing bills into law which will allow for multifamily housing.
Learn more here.
Capital and Capitol Happenings: New Positions, Promotions, and More
- Margaret Hardin: new Manager, Government Relations, NACS
- Ken Hiscoe: new Head of Patient Advocacy and Government Affairs, Rhytm Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Charles Hinderliter: new Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, St. Louis REALTORS
- Kernard Jones: new SVP of Government Relations, Waterford.org
Happy Birthdays This Week
- Phil Innamorato: Public Affairs Coordinator, Independence Blue Cross
- Michael Lawrence: Senior Associate Director, State Government Affairs, American College of Cardiology
- Collan Rosier: Vice President of Government Relations, Pyramid Healthcare, Inc.
- Joshua Alvarez: Officer, Government Relations, the Pew Charitable Trusts
- Lesley Beltran Brizuela: Policy Analyst, California State Senate
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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