This week’s legislative developments across the U.S. feature efforts addressing key policy areas in response to state-specific challenges. Pennsylvania passed a bipartisan bill clarifying digital asset regulations, while North Carolina allocated substantial relief funds for Hurricane Helene recovery. In New York, new safety laws were enacted expanding red light camera programs, along with school bus and seat belt safety measures. Meanwhile, Oklahoma legislators are pushing for limits on cell phone use in classrooms to enhance student focus, and Michigan passed child labor law reforms. Each of these state actions reflects ongoing local and national priorities as legislative sessions continue.
Alaska
The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority has approved up to $20 million to prepare and submit bids for an oil lease sale in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. A successful bid could allow AIDEA to conduct surveys that would reveal the area’s oil potential, encouraging economic development in the region, despite the ongoing environmental concerns that come with the harvesting of these resources.
Learn more here
Arkansas
The Arkansas Supreme Court recently rejected a ballot measure that would have expanded the state’s medical marijuana program. The proposed measure aimed to allow new dispensaries and growers to operate within Arkansas, but the court ruled against its inclusion on the ballot.
Learn more here
Arizona
Governor Katie Hobbs (D) and the Arizona Department of Water Resources are working to regulate groundwater usage in certain regions as the supply is rapidly being drawn for agricultural use. The state agency said Wednesday it will hold a public hearing Nov. 22 to present data and hear comments about the possibility of designating what is known as an “active management area” for the Willcox Groundwater Basin in Arizona’s Cochise and Graham counties. The aim is to secure long-term water sustainability that would ensure that Arizona’s water supply remains viable.
Learn more here
California
California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) recently vetoed the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act (SB 1047), a bill intended to regulate generative AI. While Newsom acknowledged the importance of protecting the public from AI risks, he argued that the bill could stifle innovation rather than support technological progress. California, home to Silicon Valley and 32 of the world’s top 50 AI companies, plays a pivotal role in setting standards for AI safety, making this decision especially impactful as it balances innovation with regulation.
Learn more here
Connecticut
Governor Ned Lamont (D) announced $30 million in funding for infrastructure improvements at Connecticut state parks. The funding will be used for a variety of projects to enhance visitor experiences and address critical repairs.
Learn more here
Colorado
Beginning in 2025, Colorado drivers will be ticketed for holding and using a phone while driving, following the signing of Senate Bill 24-065 by Governor Jared Polis. This new law expands the previous restriction, which applied only to drivers under 18, to include all drivers, allowing phone use only with hands-free accessories.
Learn more here
Delaware
Governor John Carney (D) has signed two new laws in Delaware to expand insurance coverage for mammograms and ovarian cancer screenings to women over the age of 40, improving access to essential health services for women. The legislation is designed to promote early detection and treatment, and the author of one of the bills noted that this type of legislation changes the narrative around previously taboo subjects, ultimately saving lives.
Learn more here
Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis (R) announced a new investment in marine infrastructure through the Florida Disaster Fund to support recovery efforts following recent storms. The initiative aims to repair and strengthen marine facilities crucial for both economic activities and disaster resilience.
Learn more here
Georgia
Governor Brian Kemp (R) announced a plan for a one-time tax rebate for Georgia citizens. The proposal would return $250 for single Georgians, $375 for single heads of households, and $500 for married couples filing jointly. Kemp emphasized that this move comes as a result of the hurricanes that have recently impacted the state, and are an effort to provide relief and support to affected citizens.
Learn more here
Illinois
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced that 19 Certified Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) are now providing mental health and substance use treatment services through a federal Medicaid Demonstration Program. This new model aims to expand access to behavioral health care, including crisis services, for individuals facing challenges in accessing these essential treatments.
Learn more here
Iowa
A new legal challenge aims to block Iowa’s parental rights law, Senate File (SF) 496, signed by Governor Kim Reynolds (R) in May 2023. Known as the “book ban law,” SF 496 has led to book bans statewide and prohibits teaching about gender identity and sexual orientation for K-6 students. While the law was temporarily blocked last year, the Court of Appeals lifted the injunction after a state appeal, returning the case to the lower court for further proceedings.
Learn more here
Kansas
Kansas legislative leaders approved the creation of a 23-member special committee to develop a state budget plan ahead of the 2025 session, marking a notable shift in state budgeting practices. Comprising 16 Republicans and seven Democrats, the committee will meet five times between the November election and January session, aiming to finalize a budget draft before Democratic Governor Laura Kelly presents her priorities in her State of the State address.
Learn more here
Kentucky
A state lawmaker in Kentucky plans to reintroduce a bill in the 2025 session that would make water fluoridation optional for utilities serving more than 3,000 people. Under current Kentucky law, these systems are required to fluoridate water supplies. Hart’s previous attempt at similar legislation advanced out of committee but did not receive a floor vote. At a recent legislative committee meeting, Hart argued that local water systems should not be mandated to add fluoride if their customers oppose it.
Learn more here
Louisiana
Governor Jeff Landry’s (R) cabinet is actively promoting his tax reform plan to legislators, aiming for passage in a potential special session next month. Key elements of the plan include reducing the flat income tax rate, broadening the sales tax base, and decreasing the number of tax credits. However, local governments are increasingly concerned about potential impacts on their budgets, especially from changes to the sales tax expansion, inventory tax, and adjustments to the manufacturing sales tax exemption, which could affect parish and municipal revenue.
Learn more here
Maine
Maine has secured $6.5 million to enhance its electrical grid as part of a broader effort to improve flexibility and resilience. Funded by the bipartisan infrastructure bill, the project aims to modernize the grid and strengthen the state’s energy infrastructure. Governor Janet Mills (D) emphasized the importance of this investment in boosting sustainability in Maine’s energy system, reducing reliability on fossil fuels.
Learn more here
Maryland
Governor Wes Moore (D) announced the launch of a new digital capital grants management system by the Maryland Department of General Services. Developed by Submittable, the platform replaces an outdated, manual process and will handle all grants authorized since 2017. The new system is expected to improve efficiency and accessibility for managing future capital grants.
Learn more here
Massachusetts
Massachusetts lawmakers introduced a 139-page compromise bill (S 2967) that, if passed, would allow the state to purchase nuclear power from a New England facility to help meet clean energy mandates. The bill, emerging after lengthy negotiations, also promotes electric vehicle adoption, expands eligibility for discounted utility rates, and explores fusion as a potential renewable energy source.
Learn more here
Michigan
The Michigan Senate Labor Committee passed a set of bills (Senate Bills 963–965) to strengthen child labor laws. The legislation increases penalties for businesses that illegally employ minors or expose them to unsafe conditions. It also transfers the authority to issue work permits for minors from the Michigan Department of Education to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), emphasizing child safety in the workplace.
Learn more here
Mississippi
Mississippi Senate leadership is pushing for legislation in 2025 to create a committee that will plan the reorganization of state government. The goal is to consolidate various state agencies, boards, and commissions for greater efficiency. Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Senate Government Structures Committee Chairman Chris Johnson have identified this reorganization as a top priority for the next legislative session.
Learn more here
New Jersey
New Jersey lawmakers have advanced a bill to combat the spread of deepfake campaign materials during election periods. The legislation makes it a disorderly persons offense to knowingly distribute misleading audio or visual media, such as deepfakes, within 90 days of an election with the intent to deceive voters. Deepfakes, digital forgeries that manipulate images or videos, are a growing concern due to their potential to mislead the public, especially in the context of elections. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate’s state government committee.
Learn more here
New York
Governor Kathy Hochul (D) signed legislation to enhance road safety by expanding red light camera programs statewide, including a historic expansion in New York City and a new program in the Hudson Valley. This legislation continues Hochul’s efforts to authorize traffic camera technology for public safety. Additionally, she signed measures to protect children on school buses and increase accountability for reckless drivers, aiming to safeguard students and improve overall traffic safety in New York.
Learn more here
North Carolina
The General Assembly passed a $604 million Hurricane Helene relief package, marking the second relief bill aimed at recovery efforts in western North Carolina. The package includes $65 million for the Department of Public Instruction, $16.75 million for the N.C. Community College System, and $10 million for disaster relief for child care centers. This brings the total relief commitment to nearly $900 million, with additional support expected as the region continues to recover.
Learn more here
Ohio
Ohio’s “heartbeat bill,” which banned abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, has been permanently blocked after a state court judge declared it unconstitutional. The decision follows the passage of Amendment 1, approved by nearly 57% of voters last November, which enshrines abortion rights in the Ohio Constitution. Judge Christian Jenkins of Hamilton County Common Pleas Court ruled that the amendment invalidates SB 23, rendering the restrictive abortion law unenforceable.
Learn more here
Oklahoma
Oklahoma lawmakers are considering legislation to limit cell phone use in classrooms, aiming to improve student focus and reduce distractions. The proposal would restrict when and how students can use their devices during school hours, with exceptions for emergencies and educational purposes. Supporters argue that minimizing cellphone use can enhance learning environments, while critics raise concerns about enforcement and student safety.
Learn more here
Pennsylvania
The House of Representatives passed House Bill 2481, known as the Bitcoin Rights bill, which provides regulatory clarity around digital assets. The bill, passed with bipartisan support in a 176-26 vote, establishes residents’ rights to self-custody digital assets, permits the use of bitcoin for payments, and sets guidelines for taxing bitcoin transactions. This move follows ongoing federal uncertainty over crypto regulation, as Pennsylvania joins other states in crafting rules to address the growing $2 trillion digital asset market.
Learn more here
Latest News
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, [...]
In this week's "State of the States" update for October 4, 2024, we take a closer look at key policy decisions and legislative developments across the country. Alabama's Governor Kay Ivey is considering a transformative [...]
As states continue to address pressing issues, legislatures have made significant strides this week on a variety of topics. From Alabama’s renewed efforts to regulate library content to California’s push for undocumented immigrant homeownership, state [...]
Welcome to the latest edition of the DMGS Weekly State of the States. This week, state lawmakers cultivated plans to address medical debt, funding shortages, voter initiatives, and other relevant topics. Join us as we [...]
Stay In Touch