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KY: Kentucky House votes to let people carry concealed guns without a permit
The Kentucky House approved legislation that lets people carry a concealed gun without first getting a permit — or completing a background check and safety training — and sent it to Republican Gov. Matt Bevin for consideration. The House approved the measure despite opposition from the Louisville Metro Police Department and the Kentucky State Fraternal Order of Police.
HI: Liberal Hawaii decides again not to legalize marijuana
A legalization bill that made it farther in the legislative process than previous efforts died when Hawaii lawmakers failed to consider it in time for a deadline. Half the Democrats in the state Senate co-sponsored the measure, but it fizzled as other leaders worried about contradicting federal law and jeopardizing Hawaii’s existing medical marijuana program.
SD: Thousands of South Dakota voters don’t live where they register
Thousands of people who don’t live in South Dakota have become state residents, registered to vote and cast ballots in elections, which some lawmakers and election officials fear could unfairly alter elections.
US: Nursing homes are closing across rural America, scattering residents
More than 440 rural nursing homes have closed or merged over the last decade. Instead of finding new care in their homes and communities, many residents end up at different nursing homes far from their families.
CO: Colorado House endorses public health insurance option
Colorado’s Democratic House has tentatively endorsed developing a proposal for a public health insurance option. Gov. Jared Polis, also a Democrat, insists such an option will introduce competition and make insurance affordable for thousands of Colorado families.
GA: Effort to put casino question to voters sails through Georgia House panel
A measure that would ask voters to decide if they want to allow casino gambling could be headed for floor debate as soon as this week, after it was unanimously approved by a Georgia House committee. It’s believed to be the farthest an attempt to legalize gambling has moved through the legislature since lawmakers voted to allow the creation of the Georgia Lottery 27 years ago.
WA: State Senate passes bill to move Washington to 100 percent clean energy
The Washington state Senate passed a bill that would mandate that all electrical utilities in the state transition to 100 percent clean energy by 2030, and 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045.
OR: Amid measles outbreak, Oregon eyes vaccine requirements
A measles outbreak in southwest Washington has added urgency for Oregon lawmakers as they consider tightening the state’s school vaccination requirements, which are considered some of the most relaxed in the country.
NM: Sweeping tax overhaul proposal passes New Mexico House
It’s billed by Democrats as New Mexico’s best chance to save thousands of children from a life of poverty by investing more money than ever before in public education and other government programs. For Republicans, it’s a cover for taking money from the pockets of hardworking New Mexicans and placing unsustainable demands on the state’s coffers.
UT: Utah bill would create regulations for amusement rides
A bill sponsored by a Republican Utah state representative would create rules for safety inspections at amusement parks and require parks to use nationally recognized standards and report injuries. The measure passed through the House Transportation Committee.
RI: Rhode Island abortion opponents press to block vote on House bill
The Roman Catholic bishop of Providence, the Rhode Island Right to Life Committee and the chairman of the state GOP mounted a strenuous campaign to head off a vote on the latest version of a bill to keep abortion legal in the state, no matter what a more conservative U.S. Supreme Court might do to the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling.
NV: Nevada Democrats push to join popular vote compact
Democrats in Nevada are for the third time pushing to join an interstate compact to let the national popular vote determine the winner of the presidency. The proposal has gained traction recently in other states, including Colorado.
CT: Battle over bear hunt comes to Connecticut
Advocates clashed over whether to allow bear hunting in parts of Connecticut to reduce an increasing number of bears roaming across the state and spilling into residential neighborhoods. Lawmakers have been split over the sometimes emotional issue.
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