The TENNESSEE Senate gives final approval to SB 1556, which would allow therapists to reject patients based on the counselors’ own religious beliefs. The measure moves to Gov. Bill Haslam (R) for consideration (JURIST.COM).
The LOUISIANA Senate approves SB 468, which would require all exotic dancers in the Pelican State to be at least 21. The bill moves to the House (TIMES-PICAYUNE [NEW ORLEANS]).
NEW YORK Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) signs SB 5949, which lifts a ban on mixed martial arts in the Empire State first implemented by former Gov. George Pataki (R) in 1997. The New York State Athletic Commission now has 120 days to ratify rules governing the sport before promoters can begin booking MMA shows (FOXSPORTS.COM).
TENNESSEE Gov. Bill Haslam (R) vetoes HB 615, which would have made the Holy Bible the official state book. Haslam said the bill was unconstitutional (TENNESSEAN [NASHVILLE]).
-- Compiled by RICH EHISEN
It’s old news that in his early years California Gov. Jerry Brown was always looking for another job, most notably at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. What is less clear to the masses but something those of us who cover him regularly know well is that Brown has a wicked sense of humor. Rare is the gubernatorial presser in which the man once derided as Moonbeam doesn’t break up everyone in the room at least once. Much of his humor is self-deprecating, but not all. Case in point came last week when he was asked to weigh in on the presidential election, particularly what he thought of GOP candidate Ted Cruz. Brown said he really hadn’t thought much of the Texas senator – who is best known for being loathed by just about everyone, including most members of his own party - but did note that “I marvel that he got out of Harvard and still has so many lame ideas.” Ba da boom! I’m here until 2018, folks – please don’t forget to tip your wait staff.
By all accounts, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker is a nice guy and certainly among the most moderate members of his state’s GOP. But that didn’t stop him from recently feeling the wrath of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, which un-invited him from being honored at its annual gala. The reason? As the Boston Globe reports, the organization was miffed that Baker hasn’t voiced public support for an anti-LGBT discrimination bill currently stalled in the statehouse. When he refused to back out of attending a GOP meeting in Las Vegas alongside gay rights opponents like the aforementioned Ted Cruz, the group pulled the plug. Baker defended his attendance, saying he used the meeting as a chance to spread his mantra of “bipartisan, collaborative, and open” governance, something he noted is sorely lacking in today’s world. Baker called the move “petty and unfortunate.” Days later, the governor was booed off stage when addressing another LGBT event...which pretty much proved his point.
Rejoice, Minnesotans are one step closer to a whole new wave of serious burn injuries and unplanned fires. Whaaaaa? Yes, as Minnesota Public Radio reports, the Gopher State House passed legislation last week to legalize firecrackers, bottle rockets and other “aerial and audible” devices. Or as New York Giants defensive end and fireworks safety poster boy Jason Pierre Paul might call them, “hand removers.” The bill’s chances are iffy. Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed similar legislation in 2012, and nothing appears to have changed his mind. His view might be best summed up by state Rep. Joe Atkins, who said of the bill last week, “while I’m pro-fun and pro-freedom, I’m also pro-fingers and pro-eyes.”
-- By RICH EHISEN