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States Sue to Block H-1B Visa Fee The attorneys general of 20 states, led by California and Massachusetts, filed a federal lawsuit aimed at blocking the Trump administration’s new $100,000 fee...
Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez (R) unveiled a two-bill healthcare package aimed at aligning the state with President Trump’s new federal framework. HB 693 would tighten eligibility for Medicaid...
President Donald Trump has waded into one of the most pressing and prevalent issues in state capitols these days: regulating artificial intelligence. In early December, the president said on his Truth...
Federal Government’s Penny Pinching Could Spur States to Set New Rounding Rules for Cash Sales Retailers are pushing for national rules to allow businesses to round cash sales to the nearest nickel...
OH Gov Vetoes Bill to Expand Youth Work Hours Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) vetoed a bill ( SB 50 ) that would have allowed 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. year-round. DeWine said in his veto message...
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LOUISIANA Gov. John Bel Edwards signs SB 147, which creates a framework for self-driving delivery robots to carry packages, food and other items on Pelican State streets. Under the new law, delivery devices must yield to pedestrians, cannot obstruct traffic or transport hazardous materials.
TEXAS Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signs SB 1385, a bill that allows college athletes to profit from the use of their name, image or likeness. Similar new laws take effect this year in ALABAMA, ARIZONA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, MISSISSIPPI, and NEW MEXICO. At least 12 more states have passed laws that will go into effect by 2024.
The OHIO Senate approves SB 187, which would allow college athletes to profit from the use of their name, image or likeness. It moves to the House.
The WISCONSIN Assembly approves a pair of bills (AB 195 and AB 196) that together will bar transgender athletes from competing in girls’ or women’s sports. They move to the Senate.
The CONNECTICUT Senate approves SB 1202, a comprehensive budget bill that includes a provision that will bar schools from receiving state money if they use Native American mascot names without the written consent of those groups. It moves to Gov. Ned Lamont (D) for consideration.
The MAINE House and Senate approve HB 65, a bill that would require the Maine Public Employees Retirement System to divest from fossil fuel companies. The measure moves to Gov. Janet Mills (D), who has not indicated whether she will sign it into law.
TEXAS Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signs HB 1280, which would outlaw abortion in the Lone Star State in the event that the Supreme Court of the United States “wholly or partly” overturns the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized the procedure.
OREGON Gov. Kate Brown (D) sigs HB 2574, which legalizes what’s known as natural organic reduction, or human composting. It goes into effect on July 1, 2022.
LOUISIANA Gov. John Bel Edwards signs HB 652, which decriminalizes possession of marijuana. The law still imposes a fine on those who have up to 14 ounces in their possession, but does away with mandatory jail time.
— By RICH EHISEN