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MI’s Minimum Wage Rising Most Next Year Twenty-three states’ minimum wages are increasing in 2025, typically by about 3%. But Michigan’s minimum wage will rise 21% by the end of February...
A year ago, when we published our annual forecast of the top issues likely to come before state legislators in the new year, we wrote that the world was full of “ uncertainty and tension ”...
State Lawmakers Not Reluctant to Regulate Tech in 2024: All 46 states that held legislative sessions this year enacted measures regulating technology, 238 measures in all, a 163% increase from 2023, according...
Telemedicine Still ‘Critical Focus’ for State Lawmakers: This year states passed at least 176 bills that adjust existing laws to accommodate the higher demand for telehealth services since...
The financial services company Payactiv offers wage earners an enticing pitch. “Live the life you earned,” reads a headline on the company’s homepage. “With Payactiv, you can...
Concern about the impact of social media on children and their online privacy prompted a flurry of legislation in the states this year. In Republican-controlled ones like Arkansas, lawmakers generally sought to require age verification and parental permission for minors to access social media. Meanwhile, lawmakers in several Democrat-controlled states tried to import California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code Act (CAADCA). Those efforts were squelched by media and tech industry opposition in Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada and New Mexico. However, parts of the CAADCA, such as prohibitions against addictive features, were enacted in Connecticut, Florida and Utah.
Both the Arkansas and California laws are facing legal challenges brought by the tech industry trade association NetChoice. The outcome of those lawsuits could determine whether the children’s online privacy trend continues. (PLURIBUS NEWS)
In April Arkansas lawmakers passed legislation aimed at attracting more cryptocurrency mining to the state to generate more revenue. A key measure was HB 1799, barring local governments from enacting ordinances controlling crypto mines, which it refers to as “data centers.” Now state Sen. Bryan King (R) is pushing for a special session to reconsider the new laws due to noise and energy concerns about the mining facilities. Even if Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) calls a special session, however, a two-thirds majority in both houses would be required to repeal the laws. (KUAF [FAYETTEVILLE], STATE NET)
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) vetoed a bill (SB 76) that would have lifted a statewide ban on the construction of nuclear power plants. Pritzker said the bill lacked safety protections for workers and residents, although he said small modular rectors held promise for the future. (PLURIBUS NEWS)
—Compiled by SNCJ Managing Editor KOREY CLARK
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