Voters Decide on Abortion, Marijuana and More
FOCUS, A Leonine Business
On election day, voters across the U.S. weighed in on 150 ballot measures across 41 states, making decisions on key issues like abortion, drug laws and campaign finance reform. A major trend emerged on abortion rights, with seven out of 10 abortion protection measures passing. Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada and New York approved measures protecting or expanding abortion rights. However, abortion protection measures failed in Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota.
Wisconsin Supreme Court to Decide on 1849 Abortion Ban
Newsweek
The Wisconsin Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments on Monday regarding the enforceability of an abortion law enacted over a decade before the Civil War. The case will determine whether this historic legislation, which effectively bans abortion, remains applicable in modern times.
Bill on school bathroom use by transgender students clears Ohio Legislature, heads to governor
Associated Press
The Ohio Senate, on Wednesday, approved a ban on transgender students using bathrooms that fit their gender identities and sent the measure to Republican Gov. Mike DeWine. It would require schools to designate separate bathrooms, locker rooms and overnight accommodations “for the exclusive use” of either males and females, based on one’s gender assigned at or near birth, in both school buildings and facilities used for a school-sponsored event.
Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania are in regular session. The District of Columbia Council and U.S. Congress are also in session.
North Carolina passed an adjournment resolution that calls for the regular session to reconvene periodically through December. The legislature reconvened for a one day session on October 24 and is scheduled to convene again on November 19.
Louisiana began a special session on November 6 that is focused on tax reform. According to the Associated Press, Republican Gov. Jeff Landry is encouraging lawmakers to pass a tax reform package and update the tax structure that he claims will allow the state to be more economically competitive.
California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom called a special session to begin December 2 to “safeguard California values and fundamental rights in the face of an incoming Trump administration.” According to the Associated Press, Governor Newsom’s office said the state is ready to “Trump-proof” its laws. The special session will focus on safeguarding the state’s progressive policies and approving funding for the Department of Justice in preparation for potential lawsuits against the Trump administration’s policies.
Delaware Democratic Gov. John Carney has 10 days from presentment, excluding Sundays, to act on legislation or it becomes law without signature. Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Maura Healey has 10 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.
Interim Committees/Prefiles
The following states are currently holding interim committee hearings: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California House and Senate, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois House and Senate, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi House and Senate, Missouri House and Senate, Montana, Nebraska, 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, Florida, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma House and Senate, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia.
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