Potpourri - February 6 2017

Virginia Approves SB 1400

The VIRGINIA Senate approves SB 1400, which would classify poker as a game of skill rather than chance. The bill moves to the House (POKER NEWS DAILY).

Virginia Approves HB 1432

Also in VIRGINIA, the House approves HB 1432, which would legalize the possession of switchblade knives in the Old Dominion. It opens up next in the Senate (RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH).

 

-- Compiled by RICH EHISEN

Social Policy - February 6 2017

Arkansas Approves HB 1035

The ARKANSAS House approves HB 1035, which would bar the use of food stamps to buy junk food. Under the measure, food stamp recipients would be allowed to purchase only foods contained on a list of approved items developed by the state Department of Health. The measure moves to the Senate (ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE).

Social Policy In Texas

A federal judge blocks a TEXAS law that requires fetal remains after an abortion to be buried or cremated. U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks said the rule placed burdens on access to abortion that “substantially outweigh the benefits.” Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) said he would appeal the ruling (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN).

Immigration - February 6 2017

Virginia Approves HB 1468

The VIRGINIA House approves HB 1468, which would prohibit Old Dominion law enforcement from releasing an incarcerated undocumented immigrant until the individual has been received by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement service. It moves to the Senate (WTVR.COM [RICHMOND]).

Health & Science - February 6 2017

Virginia Approves SB 1298

The VIRGINIA Senate approves SB 1298, which would add cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Alz­heimer’s disease, nail-patella syndrome, cachexia or wasting syndrome, multiple sclerosis and complex regional pain syndrome to the list of diseases which can legally be treated with cannabis oil. It moves to the House (WASHINGTON POST, LEXISNEXIS STATE NET).

Indiana Approves HB 1438

The INDIANA House approves HB 1438, a bill that would allow counties to create needle exchange programs without the permission of the state. It moves to the Senate (FT. WAYNE JOURNAL-GAZETTE).

Crime & Punishment - February 6 2017

Mississippi Approves SB 2469

The MISSISSIPPI Senate approves SB 2469, so-called “blue lives matter” legislation that makes it a hate crime to target someone for a crime solely because they are a law enforcement officer, firefighter or emergency medical technician. The measure moves to the House (JACKSON CLARION-LEDGER).