MI: Michigan Supreme Court: Law bans discrimination based on sexual orientation
Michigan law bans businesses, landlords and others from discriminating based on whether a person is gay, transgender or otherwise identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community, according to a landmark ruling from the Michigan Supreme Court. The 5-2 decision will have a sweeping impact in the state, where for decades, landlords could evict someone or business owners could fire someone solely because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
PA: Pennsylvania governor sues to stop GOP abortion amendments
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, sued the state legislature over a package of proposed constitutional amendments that Republican lawmakers are pursuing, including one that would say the state constitution does not guarantee any rights relating to abortion or public funding of abortions. Wolf wants the state Supreme Court to throw out the amendments, declaring that they are not constitutionally valid.
CT: Connecticut anti-abortion advocates press for parental notification legislation
Anti-abortion advocates, emboldened by the recent reversal of Roe v. Wade, are setting their sights on what they say is a first step in placing restrictions on Connecticut’s abortion rights: requiring minors to notify their parents when seeking an abortion.
WI: Judge: Wisconsin probe found ‘absolutely no’ election fraud
A Wisconsin judge said a Republican-ordered, taxpayer-funded investigation into the 2020 election found “absolutely no evidence of election fraud,” but did reveal contempt for the state’s open records law by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and a former state Supreme Court justice Vos hired.
WA, OR: Washington brewers sue Oregon over beer distribution
Three Washington breweries have filed a lawsuit seeking to allow easier, more affordable distribution of Washington beer into Oregon. The suit also challenges Oregon’s restrictions that don’t allow Washington brewers to ship beer directly to Oregon residents.
MA: Massachusetts governor says taxpayers could get ‘north’ of .5B in credits
With state coffers overflowing, Massachusetts taxpayers could receive nearly $3 billion in tax credits under an obscure 36-year-old law, according to Republican Gov. Charlie Baker‘s administration, in a mid-summer surprise that could give residents an unexpected boost and scramble State House talks over tax relief.
MN: Minnesota AG won’t appeal ruling overturning abortion restrictions
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said his office won’t challenge a recent ruling that struck down many state abortion restrictions, including a 24-hour waiting period and informed consent and parental notification requirements. Ellison’s move will indefinitely ensure expanded access to abortion in Minnesota.
OR: At least 4 deaths in Oregon tied to heat wave
State officials believe at least four people in Oregon have died from heat-related issues, and dozens of people have sought medical attention, as the region continues to struggle with prolonged triple-digit temperatures.
OH: Ohio grabs lead position in class action lawsuit against Facebook
Ohio’s largest public pension system will take the lead in a class action lawsuit filed against social media giant Facebook. A judge in the U.S. District Court of Northern California named Ohio as the lead plaintiff in the investors’ case that seeks to recover millions of dollars in losses and force CEO Mark Zuckerberg to make changes to the company’s internal practices.
LA: State board to Louisiana doctors on abortion: Talk to a lawyer
The Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners, which is in charge of licensing doctors, sent guidance to its members who are confused about when abortion is legal and advised them to consult with their attorneys.
NY: New York AG sues CVS
New York Attorney General Letitia James has sued CVS Health Corporation for allegedly violating antitrust laws and financially harming hospitals and clinics that provide care for underserved communities. CVS required New York safety net providers to exclusively use a CVS-owned company to process and obtain federal subsidies on prescriptions. The attorney general’s office contends that CVS’ scheme forced providers to incur millions in added costs, while CVS benefitted.
MO: With recession looming, group says Missouri should wait on tax cuts
With the nation teetering on the cusp of a recession, a group that tracks Missouri’s budget says Republican Gov. Mike Parson should ditch his plans to slash the state’s income tax rate. The Missouri Budget Project said it could hamper the state’s ability to provide basic services.
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