Session Updates
Missouri | May 20, 2013 Regular Session Adjourns Lawmakers ended floor sessions for the 2013 regular session Friday after approving a $700 million tax cut, including decreases in the income tax and increased education spending, as well as a measure to inhibit dues collection from public-sector employees. Legislators also revitalized the Second Injury Fund (for disabled workers), and passed measures to render federal gun laws unenforceable, intervene in failing school districts sooner, and change the prevailing wage formula. As the session ended, lawmakers were unable to reach agreement on a measure to curtail business tax credits, accepting $900 million in funding for Medicaid expansion, increased scrutiny for school teachers, and a sales tax increase to fund infrastructure improvements. The legislature will meet Wednesday for a technical session and is expected to adjourn sine die accordingly. Find out more: |
Vermont | May 15, 2013 Regular Session Adjourns Lawmakers adjourned the 2013 regular session yesterday after approving a $1.4 billion general fund budget without raising taxes, including a more progressive income tax. Legislators also approved measures to decriminalize certain amounts of marijuana and hashish, allow physicians to provide lethal medications to terminally ill patients, and allow illegal immigrants to obtain special drivers licenses. The legislature also increased license fees for barbers and cosmetologists. As the session ended, lawmakers were unable to reach agreement on campaign contribution limits and a measure to provide more transparency in campaign finances. Governor Peter Shumlin (D) -- who possesses a pocket veto -- has three days upon transmittal to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
Colorado | May 09, 2013 Regular Session Adjourns Lawmakers wrapped up the 2013 regular session Wednesday, after approving recreational marijuana, same-sex marriage, stricter gun control measures (such as limited magazine capacity and universal background checks), and drivers licenses for illegal immigrants. Legislators also approved $20 million in funding to overhaul the response to mental health crises, same-day voter registration, as well as income and child tax credits for lower-income families. As the session adjourned, lawmakers were unable to reach agreement on increased penalties for violations of the state oil and gas laws. Governor John Hickenlooper (D) -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has until June 8 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
| North Dakota  | May 06, 2013 Regular Session Ends The 2013 regular session ended late Friday after lawmakers completed consideration of a $1.1 billion tax cut package, and a new state budget that closes an estimated $1.3 billion deficit. Legislators also approved Medicaid expansion, infrastructure improvements, enhanced DUI penalties, and an education spending bill that includes a performance-based formula. As the session ended, lawmakers could not reach agreement on a measure to decrease the oil extraction tax. Governor Jack Dalrymple (R) -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has 15 days upon transmittal (excluding Saturdays and Sundays) to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
Florida | May 06, 2013 2013 Session Adjourns Lawmakers adjourned the 2013 regular session Friday after approving measures to limit law enforcement's use of drones, enhance tort reform in medical malpractice cases, ban texting while driving (as a secondary offense), and increase ethics scrutiny. Legislators also approved a $74.5 billion budget and a bill to require health care providers to assist infants who survive failed abortions. As the session ended, lawmakers could not reach agreement on prohibiting foreign law in family court cases, repealing the death penalty, expanding Medicaid, and providing in-state tuition rates for children of illegal immigrants. Governor Rick Scott (R) -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has 15 days upon transmittal to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
Hawaii | May 03, 2013 Regular Session Adjourns Lawmakers concluded the 2013 regular session late yesterday, after approving a new $23.8 billion state budget, $217 million in funding for state employee health benefits, a measure to require back-seat passengers to wear seat belts, and increased campaign finance reporting thresholds. Legislators also approved Governor Neil Abercrombie's (D) education and energy proposals, as well as mandatory offering of emergency contraception for sexual assault victims. As the session ended, lawmakers could not reach agreement on extending a journalist shield law, mandatory labels for genetically modified food, and a measure to prohibit disruptive reclining in bus stops. Governor Neil Abercrombie (D) -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has until July 8 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
Washington | April 29, 2013 Session Adjourns; Special Session Pending The 2013 regular session ended late Sunday without an agreement on the budget and other issues, prompting lawmakers to schedule a special session May 13 to finalize a spending plan. Governor Jay Inslee (D) has indicated that he wants fewer spending cuts and tax increases, but the GOP-controlled majority has stressed its opposition. Governor Inslee has also indicated that he wants to see additional funding for abortions and education, expanded firearm background checks, and immigration reform on the special session agenda. As the session ended, legislators did agree on an $8.8 billion transportation projects plan for infrastructure improvements, a revised economic forecast schedule to grant extra time to consider the budget, and enhanced DUI penalties, and a measure to study climate change. The governor -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has 20 days upon transmittal (excluding Sundays) to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
Indiana | April 29, 2013 Session Ends Lawmakers adjourned the 2013 regular session early Saturday after approving a $30 billion two-year state budget; which includes over $1 billion in tax cuts and increases funding for infrastructure improvements and education. Legislators also approved private school vouchers, a $100 million aid package for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, tax decreases for gaming interests, and increased scrutiny of the Rockport coal-gassification plant. As the session ended, lawmakers could not reach agreement on testing welfare recipients for drug abuse and a measure to prohibit photography, video recording, or texting on private property merely to harm a company's reputation (the so-called "ag-gag" bill). Governor Mike Pence (R) -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has seven days upon transmittal to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
Mississippi | April 26, 2013 Special Session Update Governor Phil Bryant (R) called lawmakers into a one-day special session April 26 to consider an incentive package for an automotive supplier to establish a plant in West Point. The governor did not include Medicaid expansion in the agenda, expecting to issue a call for a later, separate special session to consider the matter. After lawmakers approved the legislation, the governor is expected to sign the measure.
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Montana | April 25, 2013 Regular Session Adjourns The 2013 regular session ended a few days early, after lawmakers approved a new state budget that utilized a projected $500 million surplus to raise salaries for state workers, increase their pensions, and increase funding for public schools. Legislators also approved infrastructure improvements in the oil and gas regions of the eastern part of the state, funding for veterans' programs, and decreased taxes on income and business equipment. As the session ended, lawmakers could not reach agreement on Medicaid expansion and a measure to increase scrutiny on certain political action organizations. Governor Steve Bullock -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has 10 days upon transmittal to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
Arkansas | April 24, 2013 Floor Sessions End Lawmakers concluded floor sessions for the 2013 regular session Tuesday after approving a $4.9 billion state budget which allocates approximately $170 million for capital projects. Legislators also approved measures to ban most abortions at the 12-week mark, prohibit disclosure of concealed firearm permit holders, and require voters to produce valid photo identification at the polls. A "private option" for health care expansion, tax incentives to establish a steel plant in Mississippi County, and a conditional reduction in the grocery sales tax were also sent to the governor. As the session concluded, lawmakers were unable to reach agreement on tort reform, a spending cap, and drug testing for welfare recipients. UPDATE (05/20/13): Lawmakers returned to the capitol May 17 -- without considering vetoes from Governor Mike Beebe (D) -- and formally adjourned sine die. Find out more: |
Tennessee | April 22, 2013 Regular Session Adjourns Lawmakers adjourned the 2013 regular session Friday, after approving a $32.8 billion state budget which includes a salary increase for state workers, a reduced sales tax rate, and funding to continue the elimination of the inheritance tax. Legislators also approved measures to overhaul the workers compensation system, allow certain teachers to be armed, and permit other firearms owners to store their guns in their vehicles at work. As the session ended, lawmakers were unable to reach agreement on a new redistricting plan for judicial districts and school vouchers. Also left for next year were measures to allow wine sales in grocery stores and authorize the State Board of Education to establish charter schools. Governor Bill Haslam (R) -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has 10 days upon transmittal (excluding Sundays) to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
| West Virginia  | April 18, 2013 Extended Budget and Special Session Update Lawmakers concluded the extended budget session yesterday after reaching agreement on an $11.17 billion state budget for next fiscal year. After concluding the extended session, lawmakers also convened a one-day special session Thursday to approve a Monongalia County tax increment finance plan for economic development and a salary increase for certain magistrate judges. Also approved were workers compensation funding for volunteer fire departments, and funding for natural disaster relief and the attorney general's office.
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| West Virginia | April 15, 2013 2013 Session Ends; Extended Budget Session Begins The 2013 regular session ended late Saturday after lawmakers approved Governor Earl Ray Tomblin's (D) suggested overhaul of the public education system in the state, a measure to reduce prison overcrowding, a ban on "sexting," and enhanced penalties for drugged driving. Legislators also immediately convened the extended budget session, which normally lasts one week, to finalize a new spending plan. As the regular session ended, lawmakers could not reach agreement on lowered table game license fees for casinos, drug testing for welfare recipients, and a measure to allow Monongalia County to establish a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) project for infrastructure improvements. Governor Tomblin -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has until May 4 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
Alaska | April 15, 2013 Regular Session Adjourns Lawmakers adjourned the 2013 regular session late Sunday after approving a $9.9 billion state budget, and a $2.2 billion capital budget. The capital budget includes $22 million for school safety improvements. Legislators also approved an oil tax overhaul. Governor Sean Parnell (R) -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has 20 days upon transmittal (excluding Sundays) to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk.
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Maryland | April 09, 2013 Session Adjourns The 2013 regular session adjourned late yesterday. During the session, legislators approved measures to legalize marijuana, repeal the death penalty, and prohibit certain types of firearms. Also approved were gas tax increases and Governor Martin O’Malley's (D) wind energy proposal. As the session adjourned, lawmakers were unable to reach agreement on delaying a storm-water fee for two years and reversing a ruling that deemed pit bulls as an inherently dangerous animal. The governor -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has until May 28 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk.
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Louisiana | April 08, 2013 Regular Session Convenes Lawmakers convene today to begin the 2013 regular session. After receiving Governor Bobby Jindal's (R) state-of-the-state address (including his plan to revamp the tax code), legislators are expected to consider a $24.7 billion state budget, infrastructure improvements, education reforms, and school safety. Also on the agenda are juvenile criminal justice issues, Medicaid expansion, and resistance to gun control. The session is scheduled to conclude June 6.
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| Mississippi | April 05, 2013 Regular Session Ends; Special Session on Medicaid Pending The 2013 regular session ended yesterday after lawmakers reauthorized several state agencies, approved a measure to require the presence of a physician when abortion drugs are taken, and allowed school teachers to carry firearms (if permitted by certain agencies). Also approved was a charter schools measure, a "Literacy Based Promotion Act" to prevent students from reaching the fourth grade if their reading skills are insufficient, and a pilot merit-pay system for teachers. As the session ended, lawmakers were unable to reach an agreement on Medicaid funding, which legislative leaders indicate will lead to a special session before July 1 to consider a remedy. Governor Phil Bryant (R) -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has 15 days upon transmittal to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
Idaho | April 05, 2013 Regular Session Adjourns Lawmakers adjourned the 2013 regular session Thursday after approving a $2.78 billion budget, with $1.3 billion dedicated to education funding, increased hurdles for placing referenda on the ballot, and an allowance for extra-heavy trucks to use certain non-freeway routes. Legislators also reached agreement on measures to cut personal property taxes on business equipment and allow school districts to reduce teacher salaries, as well as a proposal by Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter (R) to establish a state-based health insurance exchange. As the session concluded, lawmakers were unable to agree on certain infrastructure improvements and Medicaid expansion. Governor Otter -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has until April 16 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
Virginia | April 04, 2013 Reconvened Session Update Lawmakers reconvened in Richmond yesterday to reconsider legislation that was either vetoed or amended by Governor Robert McDonnell (R), while reaching final agreement on an estimated $6 million transportation-funding plan over the next five years. Legislators also approved the governor's suggestions on reduced fees for hybrid automobiles and prohibiting insurers from covering most abortions under the federal Affordable Care Act.
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