DeepSeek R-1 Sparks a Wave of State-Level Bans Across the U.S.
by FOCUS, a Leonine Business
In an AI landscape evolving at breakneck speed, it’s increasingly difficult to surprise, but the release of China’s DeepSeek R-1 foundational model on January 20 sent shockwaves through the financial markets and American holders of AI models. This follows the heightened security concerns over TikTok, which led to a national ban by the U.S. federal government, a decision that was later paused under the current administration. Similarly, on February 7, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced HR 1121, which seeks to ban DeepSeek on devices used by agency employees – though it stops short of implementing a nationwide ban like that of TikTok.
Georgia Supreme Court chief justice to step down at end of March
The Associated Predd
The chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court announced on Tuesday that he will be stepping down from the bench at the end of March. Chief Justice Michael Boggs delivered a letter to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp informing him he will leave at the end of the court term. He plans to return to private practice, according to a news release from the Supreme Court.
Ohio Senate passes bill making major changes to the state’s marijuana law
WTOL Toledo
Legislation aiming to make major changes to Ohio’s recreational marijuana law was passed in the state Senate Wednesday afternoon. If SB 56 ultimately becomes law, it will enact tighter restrictions than what are in place now. Republicans supporting the bill say it provides better oversight of testing, packaging and advertising of marijuana and protects Ohio’s kids from exposure to the drug.
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming are in regular session. The District of Columbia Council and U.S. Congress are also in session.
Virginia adjourned its 2025 legislative session on February 22.
The following states are expected to convene for the 2025 legislative session on the dates provided: Florida (March 4) and Louisiana (April 14).
The following states are scheduled to adjourn their 2025 legislative sessions on the dates provided: Wyoming (March 6) and Utah (March 7).
Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin has until March 24 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.
Interim Committees/Prefiles
Louisiana is currently holding interim committee hearings.
Florida and Louisiana are currently posting prefiles and interim studies.
Special Elections
Connecticut held special elections for House District 40 and Senate District 21 on February 25. According to the CT Mirror, in Senate District 21, Republican Jason Perillo defeated Democrat Tony Afriyie with 53 percent of the vote. In House District 40, Democrat Dan Gaiewski defeated Republican Robert Boris with 69 percent of the vote.
Maine held a special election for House District 24 on February 25. The Maine Morning Star reports, Democrat Sean Faircloth, who is the former mayor of Bangor, won the seat with over 71 percent of the vote, defeating Republican Carolyn Fish.
The following seats are scheduled to be filled by special election on March 11: Iowa House District 100 and Minnesota House District 40B.
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