Three More States Put Abortion on the 2024 Ballot
FOCUS, A Leonine Business
After the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, abortion rights shot to the top to become one of the most salient issues in the country, with the most significant developments emerging at the state level. Earlier this month, abortion rights groups in Arizona, Arkansas and Nebraska have successfully gathered enough signatures to place measures on the November ballot that would enshrine some level of abortion access in their state constitutions.
Why Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is opening a state office in Taiwan
Austin American Statesman
Texas will open a state office in Taiwan to enhance trade and cultural relations, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott announced Sunday during an economic development trip to Asia. “Texas and Taiwan are critical economic partners that seek to drive the future of innovation,” Governor Abbott said in a news release from Taipei.
Pa. legislative leaders say state budget negotiations are productive but ongoing
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Negotiations on Pennsylvania’s next budget continued without a resolution or public progress on Wednesday despite optimism from the state House budget chief that key bills would go to votes. The House and Senate both adjourned until Thursday morning without votes. The budget, which was supposed to be signed into law before the end of the fiscal year June 30, is now 10 days overdue.
California, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are in regular session. The District of Columbia Council and the U.S. Congress are also in session.
Ohio is in recess until November 13.
North Carolina passed an adjournment resolution that calls for the regular session to reconvene monthly through December. The legislature completed a one-day session on July 10. The next session is scheduled for July 29.
Delaware adjourned its legislative session on June 30.
New Mexico Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has called for a special session starting July 18. According to her press release, the special session will take up additional public safety protections. Some issues that will likely be addressed include pedestrian safety on roads and in public spaces, laws allowing courts to intervene for those who need substance abuse or mental health help and enhanced penalties for felons in possession of guns, according to KRQE. The session is expected to last several days.
Nebraska Republican Gov. Jim Pillen announced his plans to call a special session on July 25 to address property tax relief. According to the Nebraska Examiner, Governor Pillen announced his intentions to bring the legislature together for a special session over the summer to reduce property tax obligations for residents after a previous plan to reduce property taxes failed to pass during the regular session.
Connecticut adjourned its special session on June 27 after passing an omnibus bill. According to WSHU, the bill primarily addressed “last-minute fixes” that had not been completed before the end of the regular session, including lowering car taxes and altering school construction contracts. Despite the objections of some lawmakers who disagreed with the large number of provisions in the bill, it passed the legislature and now heads to the desk of Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont.
Missouri Republican Gov. Mike Parson had until July 1 to act on legislation or it became law without signature. Hawaii Democratic Gov. Josh Green had until July 10 to act on legislation or it became law without signature.
Alaska Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy has 20 days from presentment, excluding Sundays, to act on legislation or it becomes law without signature. Connecticut Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont has 15 days from presentment to act on legislation or it becomes law without signature. Delaware Democratic Gov. John Carney has 10 days from presentment, excluding Sundays, to act on legislation or it becomes law without signature. Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has 15 days from presentment to act on legislation or it becomes law without signature. Illinois Democratic Gov J.B. Pritzker has 60 days from presentment to act on legislation or it becomes law without signature. New Hampshire Republican Gov. Chris Sununu has five days from presentment, excluding Sundays, to act on legislation or it is pocket vetoed. New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul has 10 days from presentment, excluding Sundays, to act on legislation or it becomes law without signature. Rhode Island Democratic Gov. Daniel McKee has six days from presentment, excluding Sundays, to act on legislation or it becomes law without signature. Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee has 10 days from presentment, excluding Sundays, to act on legislation or it becomes law without signature.
Interim Committees/Prefiles
The following states are currently holding interim committee hearings: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois House and Senate, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri House and Senate, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire House and Senate, New Mexico, New York Assembly, North Dakota, Oklahoma House and Senate, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas House, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.
The following states are currently posting bill drafts, prefiles and interim studies: Alabama, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma House and Senate and Utah.
Special Elections
The following seats are expected to be filled by special election on the dates provided: Alabama House District 27 (July 16) and Wisconsin Senate District 4 (July 30).
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