Vital Records: Gender Markers and Name Amendments
by FOCUS, a Leonine Business
Debates over gender identity and vital records continue in 2025, with over 60 state-level bills introduced so far. Most of the pending measures are aimed at restricting changes to gender markers or removal of nonbinary designations on birth certificates, driver’s licenses, state IDs and death certificates. Proponents of these measures argue that official records should reflect biological sex at birth, while opponents, including LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, warn about the potential impact on legal recognition, safety and access to services for transgender and nonbinary individuals.
State Senate approves $7.3B budget for Washington projects
NBC NonStop Local
The Washington State Senate has unanimously passed a $7.3 billion capital budget for 2025-27, focusing on projects across the state. The budget allocates $1 billion for K-12 education, with $563 million dedicated to the School Construction Assistance Program. Additionally, $201 million is set for Small District and Tribal School Modernization grants, aiding 40 small-school projects.
Property taxes, Browns stadium, marijuana money: What to know about Ohio House budget
The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio would change how it pays for schools and help the Cleveland Browns build a new stadium under a budget plan approved Wednesday by the Ohio House. The House voted 60-39 to pass its two-year budget proposal, which outlines how the state would spend money on services and to what extent taxpayers cover the cost. The House budget isn’t the final version; the Senate will make changes, then lawmakers will hash out differences among each other and Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.
Thirty-eight states are currently in regular session. The District of Columbia Council and U.S. Congress are also in session.
Louisiana is expected to convene for its 2025 legislative session on April 14.
The following states adjourned their 2025 legislative sessions on the dates provided: Mississippi (April 3), Georgia and Idaho (April 4) and Maryland (April 7).
The following states are scheduled to adjourn their 2025 legislative sessions on the dates provided: West Virginia (April 12) and Arkansas (April 16).
Maine began a special session on March 25 to finish up work on legislation following its adjournment on March 21. According to Yahoo News, Democrats moved to adjourn the regular session to speed up the timeline for the budget to take effect. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills then called the special session to allow legislators the ability to pass bills that have been carried over from the regular session.
New Mexico Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has until April 11 to act on legislation or it is pocket vetoed. South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden has until April 15 to act on legislation or it becomes law without signature. Idaho Republican Gov. Brad Little has until April 16 to act on legislation or it becomes law without signature. Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has until May 14 to act on legislation or it becomes law without signature. Maine Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has 10 days from presentment, Sundays excluded, to act on legislation or it becomes law without signature. Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore has 30 days from presentment to act on legislation or it becomes law without signature. Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has 14 days from presentment to act on legislation or it is pocket vetoed. Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has 15 days from presentment, Sunday excluded, to act on legislation or it becomes law without signature.
Interim Committees/Prefiles
Louisiana is currently holding interim committee hearings and posting prefiles.
Special Elections
The following seats are scheduled to be filled by special election on the dates provided: Mississippi Senate District 18 (April 15) and Connecticut House District 113 (April 22).
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