Business in WV The WEST VIRGINIA Senate approves SB 1, so-called “right-to-work” legislation that would allow employees in unionized workplaces to opt out of paying union dues while still requiring a union to represent all workers. The measure moves to the House (CHARLESTON GAZETTE-MAIL...

Business In CA The CALIFORNIA Senate gives final approval to SB 7b, which would raise the legal smoking age in the Golden State to 21. It moves to Gov. Jerry Brown (D) for consideration (SACRAMENTO BEE). Also in CALIFORNIA , the Senate endorses SB 5b, which would require that electronic cigarette...

Social Policy In VA The VIRGINIA Supreme Court rules that a gay couple can be legally considered to have “a relationship analogous to marriage,” and if they’ve been together for a year, a person paying spousal support to one of those partners no longer has to do so (WASHINGTON POST...

MA Lawmakers Give Final Approval to HB 140 MASSACHUSETTS lawmakers give final approval to HB 140 , which would ban conversion therapy, which seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation, on minors. It moves to Gov. Charlie Baker (R), who has indicated he will sign it (MASSLIVE.COM). NM Governor...

TX House Approves HB 3703 The TEXAS House approves HB 3703 , which would add multiple sclerosis, autism, cancer and many other diseases and medical conditions to those eligible to be treated with cannabis oil. The bill, which would also allow for the state’s three legal medical cannabis dispensaries...