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, states are tackling a range of issues. This week’s edition delves into education reforms, environmental regulations, healthcare access, and more, reflecting the diverse policy landscape shaping the nation’s future.

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Alaska

Alaska officials are seeking to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a proposed Trans-Alaska gas pipeline. The lawsuit, filed by environmental groups, argues the project violates state and federal laws. State attorneys contend that the pipeline is crucial for economic development and energy needs. The outcome could significantly impact the state’s energy future and ongoing debates over environmental regulations and resource management in Alaska.

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Alabama

Representative Ed Oliver (R) has introduced two bills aimed at improving healthcare access in the state. The first bill mandates Medicaid coverage for non-invasive colorectal cancer screenings, which can lead to cost savings through early detection. The second bill proposes doubling the tax credit for doctors practicing in rural areas to encourage more physicians to serve underserved communities. 

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California

California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) signed a law aimed at preventing sudden gas price spikes by requiring refineries to maintain fuel reserves, following findings that price surges are linked to global oil prices and refinery outages. Supporters argue the law will save Californians billions, while opponents, including Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher, warn it could raise prices and endanger workers

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Delaware

A new law signed by Governor John Carney (D) on Monday introduces penalties for those found guilty of using manipulated media to damage a candidate’s reputation. This essentially makes it a crime to distribute altered audio or video, commonly known as deepfakes, intended to harm a political candidate during a campaign. 

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Florida

In response to a ballot initiative that could enshrine abortion access in Florida’s constitution, lawmakers may attempt to tighten the rules for citizen-driven constitutional amendments. Governor Ron DeSantis’ (R) election security office has called for changes to the citizen petition process, citing claims of widespread fraud by signature collectors, though the report offers little supporting data. The office plans to introduce legislative proposals in the coming session, urging major reforms to prevent similar initiatives from succeeding in the future.

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Georgia

The Senate Committees on Education and Youth and Higher Education held a joint meeting to address the nationwide teacher shortage. The meeting focused on improving recruitment and retention of educators, with data on the educator workforce and successful practices from districts and colleges discussed. 

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Illinois

A new Illinois bill aims to regulate employers’ use of artificial intelligence by January 2026. The legislation would require businesses to meet specific standards for transparency, fairness, and accountability when using AI in hiring, firing, and other employment decisions. 

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Iowa 

A proposed bil in Iowal aims to reduce radon exposure in homes, contributing to cancer prevention efforts. If passed, the bill would require radon testing and mitigation in residential buildings, with a focus on reducing lung cancer cases linked to radon exposure. The initiative reflects growing awareness of environmental health risks and a commitment to proactive cancer prevention.

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Kansas

Governor Laura Kelly (D) announced $17 million of funding aimed at enhancing the state’s energy grid resiliency. This funding will be directed towards modernizing infrastructure and improving the reliability of power supplies, particularly in response to extreme weather events. Kelly highlighted the importance of a robust energy system for economic growth and community safety, specifically in rural communities.

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Louisiana

Louisiana’s high auto insurance rates, among the highest in the nation, are a major concern for residents and lawmakers. Key factors driving these costs include a high rate of uninsured drivers, frequent natural disasters, and a legal environment favorable to plaintiffs in personal injury cases. Insured drivers often bear the financial burden when uninsured drivers cause accidents, contributing to rising premiums statewide.

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Maine

Maine’s Government Oversight Committee has directed the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability (OPEGA) to gather data on staff vacancies, ratios, and injuries at the state’s psychiatric hospitals, Riverview and Dorothea Dix. This decision follows concerns raised in a letter by Representatives Raegan LaRochelle and Bill Bridgeo, who met with Riverview staff to discuss issues such as staff injuries. Lawmakers are seeking more information to address these challenges at the facilities.

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Maryland

Governor Wes Moore (D), alongside U.S. Senators and Congressmen, announced $13.9 million in federal funding to boost workforce development and education for individuals with disabilities in Maryland. Managed by the Maryland Department of Disabilities, this funding will improve resource access, encourage data sharing, and enhance employment outcomes. 

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Massachusetts

With Election Day approaching, Massachusetts lawmakers are nearing agreements on two of Governor Maura Healey’s (D) major 2024 legislative priorities. Negotiators announced progress on a climate bill reforming siting and permitting rules, while work continues on Healey’s economic development proposal, which includes billions in bond authorizations and tax credits for the state’s life sciences and climate tech sectors. Both bills can still be passed in informal sessions, though any single lawmaker’s objection could delay them.

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Michigan

Michigan lawmakers are preparing to introduce legislation that would strengthen privacy protections for women’s reproductive health data. Democratic State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky plans to introduce the bill when the legislative session begins on January 8. Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) has expressed full support for the initiative, which aims to enhance the privacy of reproductive care data for women in the state.

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Mississippi

Governor Tate Reeves (R) announced the deployment of additional Mississippi assets to assist North Carolina’s response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks are sending 47 personnel to aid in search and rescue and traffic control. This deployment is part of a broader effort, with Mississippi having previously sent support to five states affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

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Nevada 

The Nevada Legislature is considering a bill for the 2025 session to establish a new date for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, recognizing and celebrating Indigenous communities in the state. This proposal reflects efforts to honor Indigenous heritage and history, aligning Nevada with other states that have adopted similar observances.

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New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy (D) announced the elimination of medical debt for 77,000 families in the state. This initiative is part of a broader effort to alleviate financial burdens caused by healthcare expenses, and adds on to the 50,000 residents who had already seen medical debt relief. The program aims to provide relief to vulnerable households, especially middle and lower class families in the state.

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New Mexico

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s (D) controversial public safety executive order, which included temporary firearm bans in public parks and playgrounds in Bernalillo County, expired on Saturday and will not be renewed. However, certain aspects, such as expanded firearm sales oversight and public school wastewater testing for fentanyl, will continue through memorandums of understanding.

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New York

New York lawmakers announced plans to introduce proposals aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) in the state, drawing insights from other states like California, where AI legislation faced opposition from tech companies. Following a recent hearing in Albany, lawmakers are exploring the best ways to protect consumers as AI technology continues to evolve.

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North Carolina

Governor Roy Cooper (D) signed an executive order to enhance unemployment benefits for workers affected by Hurricane Helene. The order extends eligibility and provides additional financial support to those struggling to find work. Most importantly, this bill raises the low cap on weekly financial support and enables workers to receive more in financial support, raising the payments from $350 to $600 per week.

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Ohio

New legislation in Ohio aimed at curbing dangerous street takeovers goes into effect on October 24th. Signed by Governor Mike DeWine (R), the law expands the definition of street racing and increases penalties for both drivers and spectators involved in these events. The need for the law is underscored by a recent incident in Cleveland, where dashcam footage captured cars performing dangerous stunts as onlookers crowded the streets and even jumped on police vehicles.

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Pennsylvania

Governor Josh Shapiro (D)  signed HB 1700 into law in Pennsylvania, which criminalizes the public release of personal information of federal judges with the intent to cause harm or impede their duties. The bill passed unanimously by the General Assembly and is designed to protect judges and their families from threats and ensure their safety.

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South Carolina 

Governor Henry McMaster (R) and nine other Republican governors filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in United States v. Skrmetti supporting Tennessee’s Help Not Harm Law. This law prohibits physicians from providing gender-transition surgeries, puberty blockers, and cross-sex hormones to minors. The brief argues that the law aims to protect children from making irreversible medical decisions at a young age, emphasizing states’ rights to regulate decisions that significantly impact minors.

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South Dakota

The measure on South Dakota’s November 5 ballot, Referred Law 21, addresses carbon dioxide pipelines and has sparked debate. A “yes” vote supports Senate Bill 201, which was passed by state lawmakers and signed by Governor Kristi Noem (R), providing protections and incentives for landowners and counties affected by pipeline construction. Supporters describe it as a “bill of rights” for landowners. However, opponents argue that the law shifts authority away from local governments by requiring them to prove their pipeline restrictions are reasonable, instead of the pipeline company proving them unreasonable.

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Tennessee

Governor Bill Lee (R) hinted at the possibility of a special legislative session to address flood relief but noted that no formal plans have been made yet. His remarks came during the Governor’s Conference, where he mentioned discussions on creating an emergency plan for flood-affected counties. 

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Utah

Governor Spencer Cox (R) announced the formation of a new state fentanyl task force to combat drug trafficking and address the fentanyl crisis. The task force will involve law enforcement, health officials, and community organizations to enhance prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts. 

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Washington

Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, a progressive climate policy requiring companies to reduce carbon emissions by purchasing allowances, is at risk of being repealed by voters this fall. The law, which took effect less than two years ago, aims to reduce emissions to nearly half of 1990 levels by 2030. However, conservatives argue that it has contributed to rising energy and gas costs in a state already known for high fuel prices. The law mandates that businesses emitting over 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually must buy allowances, with the number available decreasing each year to incentivize emission reductions.

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