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OK: Oklahoma Senate approves nitrogen gas for execution
Oklahoma is poised to become the first state to allow the use of nitrogen gas in executions. The Senate sent Republican Gov. Mary Fallin a bill to allow it in carrying out the death penalty if lethal injection is ruled unconstitutional or if deadly drugs for injection are no longer available.
NY: Wall Street fees wipe out $2.5 billion in New York City pension gains
Over the past 10 years, New York City’s five pension funds have paid more than $2 billion in fees to money managers and have received virtually nothing in return, a new analysis by the city comptroller’s office finds.
RI: Support builds to end R.I. business sales taxes on electricity
With Rhode Island having some of the highest electricity rates in the country, support is building for Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo’s proposed five-year phase out of the sales taxes that businesses pay on their electricity, natural gas and heating bills.
MO: Missouri Legislature reluctant to require police body cameras
Missouri lawmakers filed at least nine body camera bills this session, but only one has made substantial progress, receiving about an hour of debate on the Senate floor last month.
ME: Maine Senate sustains veto of ‘fair pint’ beer bill
The bill would have mandated that when bars and restaurants advertise that a beer is a pint, they sell it in a glass that’s at least 16 ounces.
CA: California may shield immigrants charged with drug crimes from deportation
In a state that has both liberalized immigration laws and eased punishments for drug crimes, California legislators soon will consider a measure that could shield immigrants from such consequences.
KS: Kansas sues to void Wichita’s new pot ordinance
Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt asked the state’s top court to nullify a new voter-approved ordinance in the state’s largest city that lessens criminal penalties for marijuana possession, saying it conflicts with state law.
MN: Dayton challenges Minnesota lawmakers to act on transportation, education
Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton used his fifth State of the State message to urge lawmakers to take bold action on proposals dealing with jobs, education, transportation and the environment.
FL: Emergency guns bill heads to Florida governor’s desk
The bill would allow people to carry guns without concealed-weapons licenses for 48 hours during mandatory emergency evacuations.
AR: Governor: No urgent need for Arkansas anti-discrimination order
Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he doesn’t see an urgent need for an executive order extending anti-discrimination workplace protections to Arkansas’ gay state employees after lawmakers approved a reworked religious objections bill.
NV: Nevada Senate to vote on 2nd Amendment license plates
A Nevada Senate committee has sent to the floor a bill that would authorize special license plates showing support for the Second Amendment’s right to bear arms.
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