This Week in FOCUS – September 12, 2024

The Money Transmission Modernization Model Act Gains Steam

FOCUS, A Leonine Business

The Money Transmission Modernization Act (MTMA) is a piece of model legislation spearheaded by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS). Its purpose is to establish a uniform set of standards and regulations for money transmitters across the United States to modernize the supervision and regulation of these entities. Currently, 49 states and the District of Columbia require money transmitters to hold licenses, creating a patchwork of regulatory requirements. The MTMA aims to reduce the regulatory burden on companies by standardizing these rules.

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this week in focus

California Governor Unveils Emergency Ban on Hemp Products With THC

Forbes

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom last week proposed an emergency ban on intoxicating hemp products, saying the new regulations are needed to protect the safety of children. The governor issued the proposed emergency regulations, which prohibit sales of consumable hemp products that contain intoxicating cannabinoids including THC after they were drafted by the California Department of Public Health.

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Justice: “Absolutely” willing to cut state spending to get to 5 percent personal income tax cut

The Weirton Daily Times

Republican Gov. Jim Justice said Wednesday that he would be willing to discuss cuts to current state spending levels in order to pay for an additional five percent personal income tax cut, though only if lawmakers present him a proposal to do that during the upcoming special session.

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This Week in FOCUS

Michigan and New Jersey are in regular session. The U.S. Congress is also in session.

 The following states are in recess until the dates provided: the Pennsylvania Senate (September 16) and House (September 23) and Ohio (November 13). The District of Columbia Council is in recess until September 16.

 North Carolina passed an adjournment resolution that calls for the regular session to reconvene periodically through December. The legislature adjourned a session on September 11 and plan to reconvene on October 9.

 California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom called the legislature into a special session immediately following its adjournment on August 31. According to the Associated Press, Governor Newsom called the session to debate measures that would reduce gas prices. Californians pay the highest gas prices in the country and Newsom said the special session is necessary to “prevent price spikes next year and beyond.”

 West Virginia Republican Gov. Jim Justice announced a special session that will start on September 30. According to WBOY-12, the special session will focus on tax cuts, childcare support and supplemental fund appropriation. Governor Justice said, “I promised you that I would stand up and fight like crazy for you in trying to get another 5 percent tax cut for you. I promised you I would try to help out with childcare, and, absolutely, try to get our tax break across the finish line with childcare.” Lawmakers plan to provide a five percent income tax cut and create subsidies for childcare costs.

 California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has until September 30 to act on legislation or it becomes 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. Delaware Democratic Gov. John Carney has 10 days from presentment, excluding Sundays, 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. 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. 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: AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCalifornia House and SenateColoradoConnecticutGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinois House and SenateIndianaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMinnesotaMississippi House and SenateMissouri House and SenateMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew Hampshire House and SenateNew MexicoNew York AssemblyNorth DakotaOklahoma House and SenateOregonRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexas HouseUtahVermontVirginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.

 The following states are currently posting bill drafts, prefiles and interim studies: AlabamaFloridaIowaNebraska, NevadaNew HampshireNorth DakotaOklahoma House and Senate and Utah.

 Special Elections

Pennsylvania House districts 195 and 201 are scheduled to be filled by special election on September 17.


This Week in FOCUS

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