This week’s State of the States highlights the broad scope of legislative action taking shape across the country. From education initiatives in Alabama, Michigan, and Texas to pressing public safety measures in Arizona, Georgia, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, state lawmakers are advancing policies that reflect both local challenges and national priorities. Additional developments span health care access, labor rights, firearms regulation, and even psychedelics reform—illustrating the diverse policy landscape shaping statehouses nationwide.

Alabama

An Alabama lawmaker has prefiled HB 8 for the 2026 session to let local school boards decide whether to allow chaplains in public schools. The measure previously passed the House 91–4 but stalled in the Senate, and critics argue it raises church–state separation concerns.

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Arkansas

Arkansas has implemented a new law allowing diagnostic breast imaging to be read through teleradiology, expanding access to timely care. Bradley County Medical Center became the first facility to use the change, enabling more frequent mammograms and ultrasounds for patients who previously faced travel and scheduling barriers.

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California

The California Legislature approved two bills that would require law enforcement officers to be identifiable and ban the use of face coverings, following public concern over masked federal agents detaining immigrants in Los Angeles. Both measures passed along party lines and now await Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision, alongside other high-profile proposals ranging from AI chatbot regulations and abortion pill protections to a plastic glitter ban and bee health grants.

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Connecticut

​​Connecticut legislative leaders are negotiating with Gov. Ned Lamont on compromise housing legislation after his veto of a controversial bill earlier this year. Talks have intensified in recent weeks, with a potential special session in October to address proposals for more than 100,000 new housing units while balancing local control and parking requirements.

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Delaware

Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer signed HB 171 into law, expanding support for the state’s volunteer fire service. The measure lets high school students earn elective credit for volunteering with local fire companies, while also enhancing benefits for members and their families. 

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Florida

A Florida appeals court ruled that the state’s ban on openly carrying firearms is unconstitutional, citing U.S. Supreme Court precedent on the Second Amendment. Gov. Ron DeSantis welcomed the decision, reiterating his support for making Florida an open-carry state. 

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Hawaii

Hawaii’s new Act 259, which took effect Monday, creates civil penalties of at least $1,000 plus legal fees for individuals who call law enforcement on someone based on race, religion, gender, or other protected classes. The law, aimed at curbing discriminatory “Karen” incidents, also requires state agencies to inform the public about the new protections. 

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 Illinois

With Illinois’ October veto session approaching, lawmakers have little veto business to address after Gov. J.B. Pritzker rejected just two bills, neither drawing major focus. Instead, legislators are expected to use the session to turn their attention to advancing new legislation. 

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Maryland

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) announced he will seek reelection in 2026, launching his campaign with a YouTube video on Sept. 9. He will again run alongside Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller.

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Massachusetts

Massachusetts lawmakers advanced a bill to create a pilot program for the regulated therapeutic use of psychedelics. The proposal, sponsored by Sen. Cindy Friedman (D), cleared a key committee and will be reviewed further ahead of additional hearings in November. 

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Michigan

With Michigan’s Sept. 30 deadline approaching, lawmakers remain deadlocked on the 2026 state budget. The GOP-led House and Democratic-led Senate are struggling to reach compromise on key issues including school aid, road funding, and law enforcement support. 

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Minnesota

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) and legislative leaders held initial talks on a special session to respond to a recent mass shooting in Minneapolis. Both parties expressed optimism about reaching a public safety deal soon, with Walz emphasizing the need to act for victims’ families.

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Missouri

Missouri lawmakers approved a new congressional map designed to boost Republican chances in the midterms, flipping a Democratic-held seat in response to President Trump’s call for more GOP-friendly districts. The state Senate passed the plan 21–11, part of a broader nationwide push to redraw maps ahead of 2026 elections. 

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Nebraska

Nebraska lawmakers held a hearing to review the rising costs of applied behavioral analysis (ABA) services, which support children with autism and developmental challenges. State officials reported Medicaid spending on ABA jumped from $4.6 million in 2020 to over $85 million in 2024, one of the fastest growth rates nationwide. 

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Nevada

Nevada faces major new costs under the federal H.R. 1, which raises states’ share of SNAP administrative expenses from 50% to 75% starting October 2026. The change will require Nevada to provide $19 million in the current biennium and $25 million annually thereafter, even as stricter eligibility rules could cut benefits for up to 130,000 residents.

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New Jersey

New Jersey Assemblymember Dan Hutchison introduced legislation to ban live, in-game proposition bets, citing concerns about problem gambling and sports integrity. The proposal reflects a broader national debate as states weigh tighter regulations on prop bets, which have surged in popularity among sports fans. 

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New Mexico

After two Democratic members resigned, New Mexico’s Redistricting Task Force has shifted from drafting recommendations to serving as an educational panel. Now chaired by two retired judges, the group will host webinars on redistricting reform, with its final session scheduled for Sept. 17.

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New York

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed a package of five bills to expand worker and labor protections, including new rights for public employees, renewable energy job opportunities, and authority for the state labor board to intervene in certain disputes if the federal board fails to act. Hochul signed the measures at the New York City Labor Day Parade, framing them as a response to federal rollbacks on union rights. 

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North Carolina

North Carolina legislative leaders plan to introduce a package of bills tightening pretrial release rules when the General Assembly reconvenes Sept. 22. The move follows the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, with proposals expected to limit magistrates’ discretion in release decisions.

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Ohio

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine directed the state Pharmacy Board to classify kratom as illegal but paused the move, saying legislative action may be needed instead. DeWine signaled he still wants the herb banned or tightly regulated, aligning with federal efforts to schedule one of its active compounds. 

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania lawmakers remain without a state budget for the third month, though leaders from both parties say a deal could be finalized soon. Negotiators acknowledge progress but cite unresolved fiscal and policy issues.

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South Carolina

A South Carolina Senate subcommittee will hear SB 323, the “Unborn Child Protection Act,” on Oct. 1, a proposal that would replace the state’s six-week abortion ban with a near-total ban carrying severe penalties. The bill removes exceptions for rape, incest, and fatal fetal anomaly, criminalizes abortion-related information and medication, and raises concerns over restrictions on contraception and IVF.

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Tennessee

Tennessee Rep. Esther Helton-Haynes announced plans to introduce legislation in 2026 to ban all forms of kratom, following concerns over synthetic kratom’s availability despite being illegal in the state. The push comes after local testimony from a mother whose son died from a kratom-related interaction, building on a House resolution urging stricter regulation that passed earlier this year. 

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Texas

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order requiring all consumable THC hemp products, such as gummies and beverages, be sold only to those 21 and older. The move follows failed legislative attempts to regulate THC, leaving enforcement to state health and alcohol agencies. 

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Washington

Nearly 60 Democratic lawmakers in Washington signed an open letter urging state leaders to restore funding for a program that helps clinics and patients cover abortion services, after its budget was cut by 55% this year. The lawmakers warn that without restored investment, providers like Planned Parenthood—already facing a 33% budget reduction—will be unable to meet patient needs. 

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Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s Assembly Committee on Local Government heard testimony on AB 306, a bill to cap local emergency proclamations at 60 days unless extended by the governing body. Supporters, including sponsor Rep. Brent Jacobson (R), say the measure mirrors state-level limits and prevents executive overreach like that seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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