The CALIFORNIA Building Standards Commission finalizes new rules that make the Golden State the first in the nation to require new homes built in 2020 and beyond to be solar-powered (ASSOCIATED PRESS).
The MICHIGAN Legislature approves HB 4205, which would bar state agencies from adopting non-emergency rules more stringent than the applicable federal standard unless specifically authorized by state law or unless the agency director determines there is a clear and convincing need to exceed the applicable federal standard. The measure moves to Gov. Rick Snyder (R) for consideration (DETROIT FREE PRESS).
A MAINE court rejects a plea from the administration of Gov. Paul LePage (R) to delay the implementation of a voter-approved Medicaid expansion in the Pine Tree State. Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy set a new start date for enrolling residents into the program of Feb 1, 2019 (PORTLAND PRESS HERALD).
PENNSYLVANIA health officials announce they will make prescriptions of the anti-overdose drug naloxone available at 80 state and local health offices around the Keystone State on Dec. 13 (ASSOCIATED PRESS).
The Supreme Court of the United States declines to review whether states can block Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers from their Medicaid programs. The Court’s decision rejects a pair of petitions from KANSAS and LOUISIANA seeking the ban on abortion providers (POLITICO).
The OHIO Senate approves HB 258, which would ban doctors from performing abortion procedures as soon as a fetal heartbeat is detected, as early as six weeks into pregnancy. The measure returned to the House for concurrence (CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER).
The MICHIGAN House approves SB 1198, which would permanently prohibit doctors from using an Internet web camera to prescribe medication to induce an abortion. It moves to Gov. Rick Snyder (R) for consideration (DETROIT NEWS).
The DENVER City Council endorses a proposal to change where electric scooters are allowed to operate. Under the proposal, scooters will be required to stay in bike lanes or on the street if the posted speed limit is 30 miles per hour or less. If the posted limit is higher, scooters may be on a sidewalk but limited to no more than 6 miles per hour. It now heads to a full council vote (DENVER CHANNEL).
-- Compiled by RICH EHISEN