Stateline’s annual Legislative Review looks at policy and politics in the states since legislatures began their work in January.
Day One: Reproductive Health
As Washington moved to reduce federal funding for women’s health, the battle over affordable birth control and other women’s health services shifted to state capitals.
Day Two: Marijuana Regulation
The Vermont Legislature came close to becoming the first to legalize recreational marijuana, while other states battled over regulations to implement voter-approved pot sales.
Day Three: Gas Tax
With roads and bridges falling into disrepair, seven states raised their gas taxes this year.
Day Four: Prisoner Re-entry
Hoping to make it easier for people leaving prison to re-enter society — and avoid going back — several states enacted laws aimed at helping ex-offenders to get work, pay off court debt, and access food stamps.
Day Five: Ballot Initiatives
After a big year for ballot initiatives in 2016, lawmakers fought back in 2017, modifying or scrapping voter-approved laws and passing new laws to make it harder to get issues on the ballot in the first place.
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