Environment - May 2 2016

WI Gov Signs SB 459

WISCONSIN Gov. Scott Walker (R) signs SB 459, a bill that designates privately-held riverfront lands as specialized wetlands, allowing property owners to conduct more building activity in those areas. The law also requires disputes over piers to be handled by circuit courts, instead of through administrative hearings, and curbs the ability of the Department of Natural Resources to block municipalities from constructing storm-water management ponds (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL). 

Health & Science - May 2 2016

CT Approves HB 5053

The CONNECTICUT House approves HB 5053, which would limit most initial prescriptions for opioids to a seven-day supply and require first-responders to carry the anti-overdose drug naloxone. The bill, which would also require the state’s Alcohol and Drug Policy Council to develop a plan to reduce the number of opioid-induced deaths, moves to the Senate (CONNECTICUT MIRROR [HARTFORD]).

MO Approves HB 1679

The MISSOURI House approves HB 1679, a bill that would allow women to receive birth control prescriptions in one-year increments after their first three-month prescription. The measure, which would require women to visit a doctor within three years of their pharmacists’ first prescription in order to continue receiving contraception, moves to the Senate (FOX2NOW.COM [ST. LOUIS]).

Health In AL

The ALABAMA Legislature gives final approval to a bill that would allow the use of cannabidiol, a derivative of marijuana, to treat people with certain seizure disorders. It moves to Gov. Robert Bentley (R), who is expected to sign it into law (AL.COM). 

Immigration - May 2 2016

WI Gov Signs SB 533

WISCONSIN Gov. Scott Walker (R) signs SB 533, which bars local governments from issuing their own photo IDs to the homeless, unauthorized immigrants or others struggling to obtain other forms of identification (WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO).

 

Social Policy - May 2 2016

Social Policy In FL

The FLORIDA Supreme Court temporarily blocks implementation of a Sunshine State law imposing a 24-hour waiting period for women seeking an abortion. The court stayed the law while it determines if it will hear a case challenging the law’s constitutionality (GOVERNING).

TN Gov Signs SB 1556

TENNESSEE Gov. Bill Haslam (R) signs SB 1556, which allows therapists and counselors to cite their own religious beliefs as reason to refuse treatment for LGBT and other patients. Under the law, counselors must refer the patient to another therapist, and they could not reject treating someone considered in danger of harming themselves (CHATTANOOGA TIMES/FREE PRESS).  

Potpourri - May 2 2016

LA Approves HB 539

The LOUISIANA House unanimously approves HB 539, which would allow coroners to donate tissue or biological samples from abandoned or unclaimed bodies to people who train dogs for search and rescue missions. It moves to the Senate (TIMES-PICAYUNE [NEW ORLEANS]).

 

 

-- Compiled by RICH EHISEN