state lawmakers

According to a report by the Vote Mama Foundation, about 9% of Ohio’s state lawmakers are moms of children under 18, noting this gives them insight into family issues. Nationally, 8.3% of state legislators are mothers of minors, representing an increase from previous reports. To achieve proportional representation in Ohio, the report states that 13 total moms of minors would be needed.

New Mexico's attorney general, Raúl Torrez, is working with state lawmakers to draft two new bills aimed at bolstering consumer protections and child safety online. This effort builds on a landmark court case where a jury found Meta misled users about platform safety, leading to the company being fined nearly $1bn.

Hampton Roads’ groundwater supply is under threat according to a new analysis. State lawmakers are calling for a special session of the General Assembly to address issues raised by the report.

Charlotte's safety committee plans to work with state lawmakers to change state law, which currently prohibits audio-measuring cameras for monitoring revving engines and noisy mufflers. If approved, these cameras could be integrated with existing red light cameras.

Spokane wildfires highlight the need for Washington state to address wildfire risks exacerbated by climate change. Gov. Bob Ferguson and state lawmakers are urged to continue funding measures that enhance community safety from wind-driven wildfires.

Chicago school board approved a revised $10 billion budget to reverse hundreds of school staff layoffs, assuming an additional $150 million in state funding. The vote, influenced by the Chicago Teachers Union and principals union, created uncertainty about meeting payroll deadlines due to legal and financial risks.

California lawmakers rejected a proposed ban on PFAS chemicals, also known as forever chemicals, for agricultural use. Regulators and environmentalists remain divided over the widespread application of these chemicals in farming.

Pet dogs are being used to combat spotted lanternfly eggs as an alternative to stomping. The article also mentions a cheaper ride-hailing app, the end of side hustles for state lawmakers, and Sweetgreen robots.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors voted unanimously to advance a dedicated voting seat for an everyday transit rider, a change that requires state legislative approval before implementation. Previously, the board lacked a guaranteed seat for riders despite managing fares, schedules, and service for Pasadena and Altadena transit systems.

The 2026 NCSL Legislative Summit in Chicago will gather state lawmakers and staff to address political divisions and promote unity. The article highlights concerns about partisanship, distrust, and the erosion of collaborative governance, contrasting modern challenges with the nation's founding ideals of unity and compromise.

A record 38 Indiana school districts are requesting property tax increases in November for operating expenses, capital needs, or security projects due to state law changes. Recent reforms, including a property tax relief bill and restrictions on referendum timing, have intensified financial pressures, with districts citing the need to maintain existing services rather than fund new programs.

New York Governor Hochul has placed a hold on large data centers in the state. A similar measure was passed by state lawmakers last month, but the governor's representatives indicate the bill is complex and will require time to process.

Detroit voters are considering a proposed 18-mill operating millage on August 4 to fund the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) after state-provided revenue ends. The millage would generate $18 per $1,000 of taxable value for 20 years, affecting commercial, rental, and vacation properties but not primary homeowners. The shift follows DPS's 2016 restructuring, which transferred school operations to DPSCD while DPS remains to settle debt.

Over three dozen state legislators have sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom and state government leaders warning of a threat to the film and TV tax credit program due to a new cap. The lawmakers argue the cap could jeopardize the state's film industry incentives.

Sterling Heights residents accumulated over $22,000 in fines for illegal firework use during the Fourth of July weekend, with 38 violations issued for misuse. City leaders argue state law restricts local control over fireworks, prompting calls for stricter regulations and fewer approved days. A new online complaint tool was launched to report fireworks issues to state lawmakers.

Residents in Uptown Charlotte are frustrated with noisy cars, prompting Charlotte City Council and state lawmakers to implement noise cameras and increase police enforcement of noise ordinances.

Charlotte Mayor Rob Harrington discusses challenges including the I-77 toll project, potential repayment of funds to the state, addressing the city's affordability crisis, and improving public safety perceptions with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Two state lawmakers plan to introduce a bill aimed at improving access to water safety for people with disabilities. The proposed legislation focuses on expanding adaptive aquatic safety measures.

Illinois and Chicago face structural budget deficits due to insufficient tax revenue growth relative to rising service costs. The state's 2027 budget reduces public service spending by 1.1% after inflation, while Chicago projects a $700–$780 million shortfall next year with revenue growing slower than costs over 30 years. A task force recommends long-term reforms to address these fiscal challenges.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) will build a new dental school and acquire the Altria building with nearly $700 million in state funding.

State lawmakers in Virginia seek to cover the cost of demolishing the Richmond Coliseum. Additional headlines include updates on a firearm industry accountability law, rising measles cases, and funding challenges for a middle school technical workforce program.

California lawmakers propose a $356 billion budget to reject or delay social service cuts suggested by Gov. Gavin Newsom, focusing on healthcare, childcare, and education funding. The plan includes delaying healthcare premium increases for undocumented immigrants and preserving child care slots, while differing from Newsom on Medi-Cal asset tests and school funding.

President Donald Trump attempted to block state-level AI regulations through an executive order directing federal agencies to challenge burdensome state laws and restrict funding for states with AI legislation. Despite these efforts, states are advancing targeted AI regulations focusing on issues like AI interactions with children, employer use, and developer accountability, though initial broader measures were previously vetoed or abandoned.

An East Texas county judge is urging state lawmakers to assist locals in addressing the spread of data centers. A grassroots movement in Angelina County protested a proposed AI data center in Lufkin on June 9, 2026.

Philadelphia Councilmember Isaiah Thomas advocates for replacing the mayor-appointed school board with an elected one, requiring state legislation, voter approval, and power shifts. The proposal follows backlash against 17 school closures and highlights tensions over funding and governance.

Michigan State's president resigned, blaming trustees who in turn blamed each other, leading to calls from state lawmakers for a board overhaul due to the resulting conflict.

Pennsylvania faces rising energy demand due to data centers, leading to higher electricity bills as utilities struggle to build new capacity. Medium-sized solar installations are proposed as a potential solution to alleviate pressure on the energy grid.

California's Middle Class Tax Refund debit cards expire on Thursday, marking the final day to use remaining funds from a 2022 inflation relief program. The state issued 16.8 million payments, including 7.2 million direct deposits and 9.6 million debit cards, between October 2022 and January 2023.