California governor signs laws to crack down on election deepfakes created by AI
The Associated Press
California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed three bills Tuesday to crack down on the use of artificial intelligence to create false images or videos in political ads ahead of the 2024 election. A new law, set to take effect immediately, makes it illegal to create and publish deepfakes related to elections 120 days before Election Day and 60 days thereafter. It also allows courts to stop distribution of the materials and impose civil penalties.
Minnesota officials change review process for automatic voter registration after some applications have issues
CBS News
The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office said it updated its review process for applicants automatically registering to vote when they get their state-issued ID in order to prevent errors. November’s election is the state’s largest since the automatic voter registration law passed last year and more than 65,000 people have done so since the new system took effect at the end of April. Now Minnesotans applying for or renewing their IDs who provide documentation can get registered without opting in.
Texas Supreme Court decision could kill hemp, delta-8 industry due to confusion with pot
Houston Chronicle
The Texas Supreme Court will soon decide whether a state agency can wipe out a multibillion-dollar industry with a pen stroke. The problem is that police can’t tell the difference between hemp and marijuana, and only careful and expensive tests can determine what’s legal. Some big-city district attorneys and police departments stopped prosecuting low-level cases because it was too expensive and time-consuming.
Michigan, New Jersey and the Pennsylvania Senate are in regular session. The District of Columbia Council and U.S. Congress are also in session.
The following states are in recess until the dates provided: the Pennsylvania House (September 23) and Ohio (November 13).
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 plans 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. 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: 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, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Montana, Oklahoma House and Senate and Utah.
Special Elections
Pennsylvania held a special election for House district 195 and 201 on September 17. According to Spotlight PA, Democrat Keith Harris won the seat in District 195 and Democrat Andre Carrol won the seat in District 201, with both candidates running unopposed. The victories will ensure that Democrats hold onto their narrow majority in the House.
Alabama
House District 52 is scheduled to be filled by special election on October 1.
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