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Top State Stories 12/16
CA: California approves roadmap for carbon neutrality by 2045
California’s air quality regulators approved a much-disputed blueprint for meeting the state’s ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals. Critics called it thin on actionable detail and overly reliant on unrealistic carbon removal technology.
OR: Judge blocks Oregon’s voter-approved ban on large ammo magazines
In a victory for gun rights advocates, a state judge blocked Oregon from implementing a ban on the sale of magazines carrying more than 10 rounds, setting up what’s expected to be a lengthy battle in court.
OH: Ohio lawmakers pass photo ID, eliminate local tobacco bans in marathon session
Both hurried and seemingly endless, Ohio’s session culminated in a 16-hour legislative marathon. Republicans opted against pursuing a stricter abortion ban but may do so next year.
TX: City officials in Texas resist voter-approved marijuana decriminalization measures
The fight in several Texas cities to decriminalize marijuana has entered a new phase, as some city leaders have rebuffed voter-approved rules that largely end criminal enforcement against having small amounts of the substance.
NY: New York governor signs bill banning pet sales at stores
Dogs, cats and rabbits will no longer be sold at New York pet stores under a bill Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law that is intended to combat inhumane breeding operations.
CT: COVID hospitalizations on Connecticut up nearly 60% from a month ago
Connecticut’s COVID-19 hospitalizations have risen by 58% over the last four weeks, and with families and colleagues preparing to gather for the holidays, health officials are urging people to don masks indoors.
LA: Louisiana cleared to spend an extra .5B during 2023 legislative session
The Louisiana legislature will have an additional $1.5 billion to spend during the 2023 regular session under a new, brighter financial forecast endorsed by a key state panel. Roads and bridges, teacher pay raises and state aid for colleges and universities are among the leading candidates for the windfall.
VA: Virginia governor asks for tax cuts and more spending
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, is proposing another $1 billion in tax cuts. At the same time, Youngkin is proposing new spending for priorities such as wooing economic development.
WI: Many Wisconsin inmates return to jail, but not for committing a new crime
Last year, 2,819 Wisconsinites were sent back to prison for violating at least one of the 18 rules they must follow as part of their extended supervision. That’s more than the 2,423 people admitted to Wisconsin prisons on a new sentence.
MA: Outgoing Massachusetts Gov. Baker will head NCAA
Outgoing Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, will be the next president of the NCAA, the organization announced Thursday. Baker, who did not run for reelection, will conclude his second term as governor Jan. 5. He’ll assume the role vacated by outgoing president Mark Emmert March 1.
ID: Idaho ‘starting to have those discussions’ about crisis standards for ill children
If the surges in flu, RSV and COVID-19 worsen, Idaho could implement “crisis standards of care” — a way of prioritizing only the most serious cases to keep from overstretching the system.
MT: Montana judge to governor: Turn over records for review
A Montana district court ordered GOP Gov. Greg Gianforte to turn over internal office records for its review and possible release, dismissing his “executive privilege” argument. In 2021, plaintiff Jayson O’Neill sued the governor’s office after it denied his request to see “Agency Bill Monitoring Forms” used to track legislation.
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