TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) The Florida Legislature approved bills that will make it more difficult to vote, create tough penalties for violent protests, shield businesses from COVID-19 lawsuits, ban transgenders from girls' sports and make it more difficult for citizens to change the constitution. They also passed bills during the 60-day session that ended Friday that deal with bicycle seats, largemouth bass, bestiality, flying squirrels, the delivery of cocktails. They also approved a $101.5 billion state budget. It was strange session in several ways, not the least of which was the public wasn't allowed in the Capitol because of the coronavirus pandemic, even though Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis opened up the rest of the state to anyone and everyone. Overall, more than 270 bills were passed including just about all of the priorities of DeSantis and the Republican leadership.
Capital projects, sales tax holiday: $42.6B Tennessee budget
By JONATHAN MATTISEMay 1, 2021 GMT
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Tennessee’s upcoming state budget is one signature by the governor away from becoming law, including a one-week sales tax holiday on restaurants, bars and groceries, an infusion of cash into capital maintenance and improvements, and a big paydown into the state’s retirement system.
The Republican-dominated Legislature passed the budget Thursday, touting it as a conservative investment during a time of much-better-than-expected revenues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Democrats criticized the proposal over, among other things, funding for K-12 schools and teachers’ salaries, saying the state could do more given what’s achievable when the state is flush with cash.
Alaska Legislature agrees to COVID-19 response bill
April 29, 2021 GMT
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) Alaska lawmakers have agreed to retroactively extend the state’s COVID-19 disaster emergency declaration as part of an effort to maintain state eligibility for food assistance benefits and other federal aid dollars.
The measure, which would extend the declaration through 2021, was passed by the Senate and House Wednesday and was to be sent to Gov. Mike Dunleavy. Adam Crum, the state health commissioner, had told legislative leaders action on the bill was needed by Friday to ensure the state could access additional food assistance benefits for April.
There’s no guarantee a disaster declaration will remain in effect the rest of the year; under the bill, Dunleavy could declare a disaster emergency no longer exists. However, the bill also would give the health commissioner, Crum, the ability to declare a limited public health emergency for such things as vaccine distribution and to suppor
Six out of ten SA households say their household income is negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. That’s compared to 82% in the week of November 30, according to surveys conducted by TransUnion SA.
More data, mental health aid in NC Senate police reform bill
By GARY D. ROBERTSONApril 28, 2021 GMT
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) A retooled criminal justice reform package unveiled on Wednesday by North Carolina Senate Republicans contains new databases to discourage misbehaving law enforcement officers from remaining on the job and expanded mental health assistance for police and deputies.
The bill, developed during a time of national focus on racial inequity and police shootings of Black residents one in Elizabeth City last week doesn’t include the most dramatic changes proposed by Democrats and a task force commissioned by Gov. Roy Cooper. It also would create or raise penalties against rioters who cause physical injury or significant property damage.