May 20, 2021 •
Iowa Adjourns Sine Die
![Iowa Adjourns Sine Die](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Iowa-Capitol-2-1000x563.jpg)
Iowa Capitol Building - Ashton B Crew
The Iowa Legislature adjourned sine die May 19 after being in session for 129 days. Lawmakers remained in session past their original adjournment date of April 30 to reach a consensus on a tax cut package. Other legislation passed during […]
The Iowa Legislature adjourned sine die May 19 after being in session for 129 days.
Lawmakers remained in session past their original adjournment date of April 30 to reach a consensus on a tax cut package.
Other legislation passed during the session included a bill banning cities, counties, and school districts from implementing mask mandates, which Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law less than an hour after the session adjourned at 11:45 PM.
Lawmakers also passed a bill reducing the state’s early voting period and closing the polls an hour earlier on election day for all future elections.
May 20, 2021 •
New Contribution Limits Starting July 1
![New Contribution Limits Starting July 1](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/1024px-Ron_DeSantis_46482385681-1000x563.jpg)
Gov. Ron DeSantis - by Gage Skidmore
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1890, establishing a contribution limit of $3,000 to PACs sponsoring or opposing constitutional amendments proposed by initiative. The new law also establishes a preemption of contribution limits established by local government entities. The […]
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1890, establishing a contribution limit of $3,000 to PACs sponsoring or opposing constitutional amendments proposed by initiative.
The new law also establishes a preemption of contribution limits established by local government entities.
The bill is effective July 1.
May 20, 2021 •
Governor Sets July 27 as Special Runoff Date for U.S. House District 6
![Governor Sets July 27 as Special Runoff Date for U.S. House District 6](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Texas-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
Texas Capitol Building
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has selected July 27 as the date of the special election runoff to replace the late Rep. Ron Wright in Texas’ 6th Congressional District. Ron Wright, a second-term congressman, died in February after being diagnosed with COVID-19. The race for […]
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has selected July 27 as the date of the special election runoff to replace the late Rep. Ron Wright in Texas’ 6th Congressional District.
Ron Wright, a second-term congressman, died in February after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
The race for Wright’s unfinished term pits Wright’s widow, Susan Wright, against state Rep. Jake Ellzey of Waxahachie.
Wright, a member of the State Republican Executive Committee, finished first in the May 1 special election, which had 23 candidates. She got 19% of the vote.
Ellzey came in second with 14%.
May 20, 2021 •
Minnesota Adjourns Sine Die
![Minnesota Adjourns Sine Die](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Minnesota-Capitol-Hi-Res.jpg)
Minnesota Capitol Building
The Minnesota Legislature adjourned sine die on May 17, although work is not finished. Lawmakers reached a bipartisan budget agreement on numbers only, with details to be worked out at a special session in June. Both chambers expect to be […]
The Minnesota Legislature adjourned sine die on May 17, although work is not finished.
Lawmakers reached a bipartisan budget agreement on numbers only, with details to be worked out at a special session in June.
Both chambers expect to be back in a special session on June 14 when Gov. Walz’s current declaration of a Peacetime Emergency ends.
If Walz wants to extend the emergency declaration again, he is obligated by law to call a special session to give both chambers the right to rescind his declaration by a majority vote.
If the budget bills are not passed and signed into law by July 1, there will be a government shutdown, which has happened twice before.
May 20, 2021 •
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers Calls for Special Session
![Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers Calls for Special Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Wisconsin-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
Wisconsin State Capitol Building
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #116 today calling for a special session of the Legislature to begin at noon on Tuesday, May 25 to consider the expansion of BadgerCare, the Wisconsin Medicaid system, and invest the $1 billion […]
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #116 today calling for a special session of the Legislature to begin at noon on Tuesday, May 25 to consider the expansion of BadgerCare, the Wisconsin Medicaid system, and invest the $1 billion in cost savings realized under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into Wisconsin’s economic recovery and more than 50 projects and economic development initiatives across the state.
Wisconsin would be the 37th state to approve Medicaid expansion and become eligible for the additional federal funding.
May 19, 2021 •
Utah Governor Sets May 19 for Special Legislative Session
![Utah Governor Sets May 19 for Special Legislative Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Utah-Capitol-Building-1-1000x563.jpg)
Utah Capitol Building - Jkinsocal
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has called for state legislators to meet in a special session May 19 to discuss issues including accepting and appropriating funds from the American Rescue Plan. The Legislature will also discuss prohibiting face mask requirements in […]
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has called for state legislators to meet in a special session May 19 to discuss issues including accepting and appropriating funds from the American Rescue Plan.
The Legislature will also discuss prohibiting face mask requirements in K-12 schools, amending provisions related to the sale of electronic cigarettes, and extending the state of emergency for drought conditions.
However, lawmakers will not discuss critical race theory and Second Amendment sanctuary legislation during the special session.
Cox said Second Amendment sanctuary legislation should wait for a future general session.
The length of the special session has not been announced. This does not affect lobbying dates.
Individuals, political committees, lobbyists, or their principals may not make a campaign contribution to the governor, the governor’s personal campaign committee, or a PAC controlled by the governor when the Legislature is convened in a special session.
May 19, 2021 •
Tennessee Lawmaker Dies from Cancer
![Tennessee Lawmaker Dies from Cancer](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Tennessee-capitol-blog-1000x563.jpg)
Tennessee State Capitol Building
Tennessee State Rep. Mike Carter died from pancreatic cancer on May 15. Carter first won election to the 29th District on November 6, 2012. He was subsequently re-elected four times, most recently in 2020. Gov. Bill Lee is expected to […]
Tennessee State Rep. Mike Carter died from pancreatic cancer on May 15.
Carter first won election to the 29th District on November 6, 2012.
He was subsequently re-elected four times, most recently in 2020.
Gov. Bill Lee is expected to announce a special election to fill the vacancy.
May 19, 2021 •
Gov. Little Appoints Lori McCann to Sixth District Seat
![Gov. Little Appoints Lori McCann to Sixth District Seat](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Idaho-Capitol-Building-1000x563.jpg)
Idaho Capitol Building - JSquish
Idaho Gov. Brad Little appointed Lori McCann to fill the vacant seat in state House District 6. McCann’s term began May 17 and will continue until the next general election when the term of office expires. The seat was vacated […]
Idaho Gov. Brad Little appointed Lori McCann to fill the vacant seat in state House District 6.
McCann’s term began May 17 and will continue until the next general election when the term of office expires.
The seat was vacated by Aaron von Ehlinger, who resigned amid sexual misconduct and rape allegations.
May 19, 2021 •
Alabama’s 2021 Legislative Session Comes to End
![Alabama’s 2021 Legislative Session Comes to End](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Alabama_State_Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
Alabama State Capitol Building
The Alabama Legislature adjourned sine die on May 17. Among the measures passed were the $2.4 billion spending plan for the next fiscal year, legalization of medical marijuana, and a ban on curbside voting. Additionally, a bill requiring all campaign […]
The Alabama Legislature adjourned sine die on May 17.
Among the measures passed were the $2.4 billion spending plan for the next fiscal year, legalization of medical marijuana, and a ban on curbside voting.
Additionally, a bill requiring all campaign finance reports to be filed electronically was passed earlier in the session.
This requirement goes into effect in August 2023.
May 14, 2021 •
Alaska Gov. Intends to Call Two Special Sessions This Summer
![Alaska Gov. Intends to Call Two Special Sessions This Summer](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/1024px-Governor_Mike_Dunleavy._Juneau_Alaska-1000x563.jpg)
Governor Mike Dunleavy - by The Alaska Landmine
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy intends to call two special sessions during the summer on May 20 and August 2. Dunleavy will task lawmakers with addressing the state budget and the Permanent Fund dividend. The Legislature’s regular session is scheduled to […]
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy intends to call two special sessions during the summer on May 20 and August 2.
Dunleavy will task lawmakers with addressing the state budget and the Permanent Fund dividend.
The Legislature’s regular session is scheduled to end May 19 and lawmakers are not on track to finish the state’s budget before then.
During the August session, the Legislature will consider a constitutional amendment to reduce the Permanent Fund and permanently cap the Legislature’s ability to spend from the fund.
May 14, 2021 •
Ohio Bills Seek More Transparency on Political Spending
![Ohio Bills Seek More Transparency on Political Spending](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Ohio-Statehouse-1000x563.jpg)
Ohio Statehouse
Following the indictment of former House Speaker Larry Householder on federal racketeering charges in the biggest bribery case in Ohio history, lawmakers are seeking to shed more light on dark money groups through legislation. House Bill 13, entitled the Light […]
Following the indictment of former House Speaker Larry Householder on federal racketeering charges in the biggest bribery case in Ohio history, lawmakers are seeking to shed more light on dark money groups through legislation.
House Bill 13, entitled the Light of Day Bill, is currently in committee and requires nonprofit 501(c)(4) organizations to disclose contributions and expenditures.
These organizations currently do not have to disclose contributions and disclose limited information on expenditures on forms filed annually with the IRS.
House Bill 306, entitled the Ohio Anti-Corruption Act, was introduced this week, and requires 501(c)(4) organizations to disclose contributions and more information about the ownership of the organization.
The bill also prohibits foreign companies from making political contributions directly or indirectly through nonprofit organizations.
May 13, 2021 •
South Carolina General Assembly Recesses, Extending Session
![South Carolina General Assembly Recesses, Extending Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/South-Carolina-Capitol-Building-1000x563.jpg)
South Carolina Capitol Building
The South Carolina General Assembly has recessed the 2021 session on May 13, after adopting an adjournment resolution extending the 2021 session. The General Assembly has scheduled several dates throughout the month of June to reconvene for a couple of […]
The South Carolina General Assembly has recessed the 2021 session on May 13, after adopting an adjournment resolution extending the 2021 session.
The General Assembly has scheduled several dates throughout the month of June to reconvene for a couple of days to address issues like the state budget, COVID-19 funding matters, and vetoes by Gov. Henry McMaster.
The resolution does not set a specific date for the end of the 2021 legislative session.
However, the resolution requires the session to conclude on or before January 11, 2022.
May 13, 2021 •
Idaho Senate Adjourns, House to Recess
![Idaho Senate Adjourns, House to Recess](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Idaho-Capitol-Building-1000x563.jpg)
Idaho Capitol Building - JSquish
On May 12, the Idaho Senate adjourned and the House of Representatives voted to recess ending the longest legislative session in Idaho’s history. Passed legislation included campaign finance bills to prohibit foreign political contributions, enable candidate contribution transfers from one […]
On May 12, the Idaho Senate adjourned and the House of Representatives voted to recess ending the longest legislative session in Idaho’s history.
Passed legislation included campaign finance bills to prohibit foreign political contributions, enable candidate contribution transfers from one seat to another, and require statement of expenditures to include the identity of the candidate or measure passed.
Lawmakers also passed a bill allowing the Legislature to convene in special session.
May 12, 2021 •
Cincinnati City Council Votes Down Proposed Campaign Finance Reform
![Cincinnati City Council Votes Down Proposed Campaign Finance Reform](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Cincinnati-skyline-generic-img-1000x563.jpg)
Cincinnati Skyline - by Mr. RNGAndreson
Cincinnati City Council failed to adopt an ordinance proposing additional campaign finance disclosure. Ordinance 2021-01549 would have required the mayor and City Council members to report contributions above $200 within 48 hours. Only Council Member Greg Landsman, who introduced the […]
Cincinnati City Council failed to adopt an ordinance proposing additional campaign finance disclosure.
Ordinance 2021-01549 would have required the mayor and City Council members to report contributions above $200 within 48 hours.
Only Council Member Greg Landsman, who introduced the proposal, voted to adopt the ordinance.
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