2026 California lieutenant governor race begins to take shape
Los Angeles Times
The election for California’s top offices is more than two years away, but campaigning has begun in the race for lieutenant governor, a low-key post that lacks power but has nonetheless served as a successful launchpad for two Golden State governors. On Wednesday, former Stockton Democratic Mayor Michael Tubbs announced his bid for lieutenant governor, joining Democratic state Treasurer Fiona Ma and state Sen. Steven Bradford, D-Carson, in the race.
Upcoming Ohio Supreme Court decisions could make it even harder to develop solar power
Ohio Capital Journal
A pair of upcoming decisions by Ohio’s top court could further empower local opponents to block clean energy in what is already one of the hardest states to site new renewable projects. Two cases before the Ohio Supreme Court ask whether local opposition is enough for the Ohio Power Siting Board to conclude a project is not in the public interest when it otherwise meets all statutory criteria.
Pennsylvania Governor Pledges To Keep Up Marijuana Legalization Fight Despite Budget Setback
Marijuana Moment
Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro says the administration and lawmakers will “come back and continue to fight” for marijuana legalization and other policy priorities that were omitted from budget legislation he signed into law last week. However, key lawmakers have suggested that the state’s top official hasn’t been very engaged in efforts to enact the reform to date and that there is splintering among Democrats over the specific details of a legal cannabis market.
Massachusetts is in regular session. The U.S. Congress is also in session.
The following states are in recess until the dates provided: Michigan (July 30), California (August 5), Pennsylvania Senate (September 16) and House (September 23), Ohio (November 13) and New Jersey (TBD). The District of Columbia Council is also in recess until September 16.
New Jersey is in recess for the summer, but the Senate could reconvene in August to consider a nomination to the state Supreme Court.
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.
New Mexico lawmakers are scheduled to convene a special session on July 18. Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham called the special session and according to her press release, it will take up additional public safety protections. Other 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.
Oklahoma lawmakers held a special session on July 15. According to The Norman Transcript, legislators selected Sen. Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, as the new Senate President Pro Tem designate, which will be formalized with a vote in November. They also confirmed Jennifer Callahan to the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents.
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
Wisconsin Senate District 4 is scheduled to be filled by special election on July 30.
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