As state legislative sessions reach their spring peak, lawmakers across the country are advancing major policy changes on issues ranging from education and taxes to healthcare, public safety, and climate resilience. With many states approaching key deadlines or wrapping up their regular sessions, this week’s roundup highlights the most significant developments and debates in every state house.
Alabama
Governor Kay Ivey (R) signed HB152 into law, exempting sales tax on baby, maternity, and hygiene items. The law, effective September 1, aims to provide relief to families and seniors on essential goods like diapers, formula, and feminine products. Lawmakers praised the measure as a significant step toward affordability for Alabama households.
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Arizona
Governor Katie Hobbs (D) signed a bill requiring age verification for anyone visiting websites with adult content. Arizona will soon join other states in mandating ID checks for access to pornography online.
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Arkansas
The Arkansas Legislature officially adjourned the 2025 regular session on May 5 and is not scheduled to convene again until the 2026 fiscal session. Lawmakers also changed primary dates and passed additional laws before adjourning.
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Connecticut
Connecticut lawmakers passed a flurry of bills as the June 4 adjournment approaches, with more than 800 pieces of legislation still active. Recent measures cover topics from speeding enforcement to property development. The House and Senate are working overtime to finalize key priorities before the deadline.
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Georgia
Governor Brian Kemp (R) signed legislation providing Hurricane Helene relief and support to Georgia’s agriculture and forestry industries. The new laws are designed to help communities recover from recent storms and strengthen the state’s vital farming sector. Lawmakers hailed the bills as crucial for rural resilience and economic stability.
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Hawaii
Hawaii’s legislature passed a bill to increase taxes for funding climate resiliency projects, a move Governor Josh Green (D) called crucial after the devastating Maui wildfire. The new funds will support wildfire prevention, emergency response, and long-term environmental restoration. Lawmakers say the measure is vital for protecting the islands against future disasters.
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Indiana
Governor Mike Braun (R) signed dozens of new education laws following the conclusion of Indiana’s 2025 legislative session. The changes will impact K-12 schools statewide, affecting curriculum and teacher support, as well as the implementation of partiscan school board races.
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Iowa
Sweeping restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts across Iowa governmental entities are closer to becoming law. The Iowa Senate passed House-backed limits on DEI in public higher education and government. The legislation now heads to Governor Kim Reynolds (R)’s desk.
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Kentucky
A major women’s health bill is being signed into law in Kentucky after the legislature overrode Governor Andy Beshear’s (D) veto. House Bill 90, which advances women’s health initiatives, was ceremonially signed after the veto was overturned.
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Maine
A voter ID initiative is likely heading to the ballots of Maine voters after lawmakers declined to advance a bill on the issue. Supporters say the measure would increase election security, while opponents warn of potential disenfranchisement. The debate is expected to intensify as the ballot question moves forward.
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Maryland
Governor Wes Moore (D) signed 170 bills into law, covering a wide range of issues including abortion access, reckless driving, and environmental responsibility.
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Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Legislature is preparing to finalize next year’s budget amid recession fears and uncertain federal funding. Lawmakers are weighing spending priorities and potential cuts as they work to close the budget gap. The outcome will have major implications for state programs and services.
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Michigan
A proposed law that would give the state, not local governments, final say over renewable energy projects is facing pushback. Over 79 Michigan municipalities are working to overturn the measure, citing concerns about local control. The legislation could significantly impact the state’s renewable energy landscape.
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Mississippi
Despite growing interest, efforts to legalize mobile sports betting in Mississippi have stalled again this session. Illegal online betting continues to thrive, with lawmakers divided over how to regulate the industry. Supporters vow to keep pushing for legalization in future sessions.
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Missouri
The Missouri Legislature has passed a roughly $52 billion state budget proposal that will take effect in July. Lawmakers worked until the last hours of the session to finalize the spending plan, which covers education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
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Montana
Montana lawmakers have approved $124 million to revamp the state’s behavioral health system. The funding aims to address gaps in care and improve services for those struggling with mental health and addiction.
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Nebraska
A legislative package advancing in Nebraska could allow students to be released from school for religious instruction. The bill had been previously discussed along with a bill that would provide teachers with three weeks to deal with significant life events.
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Nevada
Nevada lawmakers are moving forward with a proposal to grant $1.8 billion in tax breaks to the film industry over 15 years. The bill would also support the operation of a 31-acre film hub.
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New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Senate Finance Committee has moved to restore three health care programs that were cut from the state budget by the House. The decision comes as lawmakers work to finalize the budget and address concerns about access to essential services.
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New Jersey
Garden State lawmakers have introduced the bipartisan “Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program,” a $500 million tax credit initiative aimed at revitalizing the state’s manufacturing sector by fostering innovation, attracting new investments, and creating quality jobs, especially in advanced manufacturing fields like clean energy and pharmaceuticals.
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New York
The New York State Senate advanced a package of bills aimed at safeguarding and aiding survivors of domestic violence. The legislation is intended to enhance protections and support for domestic violence survivors across the state.
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North Dakota
North Dakota lawmakers have passed a new tax credit to encourage businesses to subsidize child care for employees. The measure is designed to support working families and address the state’s ongoing child care shortage.
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Ohio
Ohio lawmakers are facing a budget deadline, and rising property taxes have become a key point of contention.
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Oklahoma
Oklahoma lawmakers have entered the final two weeks of the regular legislative session, with hundreds of bills already sent to Governor Kevin Stitt (R). Key measures include cell phone bans in schools, criminal justice reform, and breast cancer screenings. The state budget remains a top priority as the session nears its end.
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Pennsylvania
A bill that would have legalized marijuana in Pennsylvania stalled in the state Senate. The Senate’s Law and Justice Committee voted down the proposal by a 7 to 3 margin.
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Rhode Island
The Rhode Island House of Representatives unanimously rejected a proposal from Governor Dan McKee (D) to raise salaries for 11 state agency cabinet members.
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South Carolina
The 2025 regular session of the South Carolina General Assembly ended with lawmakers racing to send bills to Governor Henry McMaster (R). New notable crime bills passed, addressing issues from fentanyl trafficking to organized retail theft. Lawmakers say the new laws will strengthen public safety across the state.
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South Dakota
With the 100th legislative session concluded, South Dakota’s economic development leaders are already planning for 2026. Lawmakers and stakeholders are reviewing recent policy changes and setting priorities for the next session.
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Tennessee
Governor Bill Lee (R) signed a bill allowing lawsuits against schools that use transgender students’ preferred names or pronouns. The law is intended to protect educators who misgender transgender students or staff.
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Texas
Legislation to legalize sports betting in Texas appears unlikely to pass this session. Despite bipartisan interest, the measure faces strong opposition in the Senate and from some conservative groups.
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Utah
Governor Spencer Cox (R) signed an executive order launching the GRIT initiative, Utah’s new government efficiency program modeled after the DOGE framework. The plan aims to streamline state operations and improve service delivery.
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Vermont
Governor Phil Scott (R) has postponed a rule that would have required 35% of all vehicles delivered to Vermont car dealers to be zero emission. The decision halts the state’s planned electric vehicle mandate.
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Virginia
Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) vetoed two bipartisan clean energy bills that would have expanded small-scale solar and battery storage. The governor cited concerns about costs to utility customers, despite strong legislative support.
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West Virginia
Governor Patrick Morrisey (R) signed a bill aimed at increasing safety for school children across West Virginia. The new law will require officers to complete certain training requirements on school grounds.
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Wisconsin
Wisconsin Republicans voted to kill most of Governor Tony Evers’ (D) top spending priorities, including marijuana legalization and tax increases for millionaires. The move sets the stage for continued budget battles between the GOP controlled legislature and the Democratic governor.
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