Energy - September 23 2019

New Hampshire House Fails to Override Governor's Veto of HB 365

The NEW HAMPSHIRE House fails to override Gov. Chris Sununu’s (R) veto of HB 365, which would have raised from 1 megawatt to 5 the limit on how much solar and hydropower towns and businesses can generate and sell back to the regional electric grid (NEW HAMPSHIRE PUBLIC RADIO).

New Hampshire House Upholds the Governor's Veto of HB 183

Also in NEW HAMPSHIRE, the House upholds the governor’s veto of HB 183, which would have required utilities to charge ratepayers extra to subsidize six wood-fired power plants (NEW HAMPSHIRE PUBLIC RADIO).

Environment - September 23 2019

Trump Administration Announces Plans to Revoke Longstanding Federal Rule

The Trump administration announces plans to revoke a longstanding federal rule that allows CALIFORNIA to establish stricter emissions standards than required by federal law. State officials said they will file suit to block the move (LEXISNEXIS STATE NET).

Federal Judge Blocks Newly-Adopted Laws in South Dakota

A federal judge blocks newly-adopted laws in SOUTH DAKOTA that make it a felony to encourage participation in a riot or violent protest. U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol said the laws, aimed at barring protests against the Keystone Pipeline, are too broad and could compromise constitutionally-guaranteed free speech. State officials are weighing an appeal (LAW 360).

Health & Science - September 23 2019

Utah Legislature Unanimously Endorses SB 1002

The UTAH Legislature unanimously endorses SB 1002, which would scrap a proposed state-centralized system for delivering cannabis to patients in favor of leaving distribution in the hands of private businesses. It goes to Gov. Gary Herbert (R), who has indicated he will sign it into law (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE).

Social Policy - September 23 2019

New Hampshire House Sustains Veto of HB 109

The NEW HAMPSHIRE House sustains the veto by Gov. Chris Sununu (R) of HB 109, a bill that would have required a criminal background check for commercial firearms sales (NEW HAMPSHIRE PUBLIC RADIO).

Virginia Attorney Issues a Memo to County Clerks

VIRGINIA Attorney General Mark Herring (D) issues a memo informing county clerks that while they are required by state law to ask couples to list their race on a wedding license application, those couples are not required to do so in order to obtain that license. The ruling does not end a federal lawsuit filed by three Old Dominion couples over the state law that requires clerks to ask the question (RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH).

Local Front - September 23 2019

Arizona Supreme Court Rules in Phoenix Ordinance

The ARIZONA Supreme Court rules that a PHOENIX ordinance that protects lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from discrimination cannot be used to force artists to create custom wedding invitations for same-sex couples. The city said the ruling doesn’t strike down the law, just allows that “one company” to refuse to make “one type of product” for LGBTQ couples (ARIZONA REPUBLIC [PHOENIX]).

-- Compiled by RICH EHISEN