Ballotpedia’s Administrative State Legislation Tracker recorded 34 bills related to federalism as of Feb. 3. in the 2025 legislative sessions across 18 states and in Congress. These bills reflect ongoing debates about the balance of power between state and federal governments, addressing issues from unfunded mandates to federal regulatory authority.
Overall, the tracker covered nearly 400 bills in 2025 legislative sessions as of Feb. 3 related to other aspects of the administrative state, such as legislative oversight, judicial deference, regulatory reduction, agency authority, and licensing and permitting.
One federalism-related bill is in Congress, while the other 33 bills were introduced or carried over in state legislatures: Virginia (5), Montana (3), Washington (3), Connecticut (2), Florida (2), Hawaii (2), Missouri (2), New Jersey (2), Tennessee (2), Texas (2), Georgia (1), Illinois (1), Kentucky (1), New York (1), North Dakota (1), Oregon (1), Utah (1), and Wyoming (1).
Of the state-level bills, 15 were introduced or carried over in states with Republican trifectas, 12 in states with Democratic trifectas, and six in states with divided governments. Seventeen bills were introduced by Republican sponsors, 12 by Democrat sponsors, two with bipartisan sponsorship, and two without listed individual sponsors.
Ballotpedia classified 15 bills as increasing agency authority and nine as decreasing it.
Key Federalism-related Bill Categories and Summaries:
State Assertion of Authority/Nullification: These bills propose to assert state power against the federal government, often invoking the doctrine of nullification.
- Kentucky SJR19: Proposes to assert Kentucky’s sovereignty and right to nullify federal acts deemed unconstitutional.
- Missouri SB198: Proposes to establish a process for Missouri to nullify federal actions deemed unconstitutional.
- Tennessee SB0479 & HB0441: Propose to establish a process for Tennessee to nullify federal actions deemed unconstitutional.
- Texas SB707: Proposes to allow the Texas legislature to declare federal directives unconstitutional and prohibit enforcement.
Unfunded Mandates: These bills propose to address concerns about unfunded mandates imposed by higher levels of government. States are seeking to limit the financial burden on states and localities.
- Texas SB73: Proposes to create a working group to review unfunded mandates from the legislature.
- Connecticut HB5291: Proposes to require a 2/3 vote in the Connecticut General Assembly to create or expand unfunded mandates.
- Connecticut SB233: Proposes to establish a task force to review unfunded mandates on local governments.
- Illinois HB1410: Proposes to prevent the state from imposing unfunded mandates on local governments or school districts.
- Virginia HB1093: Proposes to allow localities to delay implementation of unfunded mandates from state agencies.
- Virginia HB1577: Proposes to create a task force to review unfunded mandates and allow for delayed implementation.
State Control over Local Affairs: These bills propose that state governments assert greater control over local decision-making, particularly in land use, housing, and infrastructure.
- Oregon HB2950: Proposes to require the Department of Land Conservation and Development to appoint an advisory committee focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice in land use planning. Mandates state agency and local government compliance.
- Washington HB1010: Proposes to authorize accessory dwelling units in rural Washington state, overriding county prohibitions.
- New Jersey S219 & A1469: Propose to establish limits on local zoning restrictions for electric battery storage equipment.
- Washington SB5148 & HB1235: Propose to require local governments to submit housing regulations to the state for review and compliance with state housing goals.
- Montana SB33: Proposes to subject all buildings owned or operated by state agencies or state governmental entities, including local government agencies, to the building codes set by state law.
State-Federal Cooperation/Consultation: These bills propose to highlight areas requiring state and federal cooperation.
- Georgia HB97: Proposes to expand Medicaid in Georgia.
- US HR10340: Proposes to create regional climate adaptation science centers to provide information to state and federal entities.
- Utah SCR003: Proposes to request federal agencies to consult states on energy-related regulations and policies.
- North Dakota SB2068: Proposes authorizing the Department of Transportation to pursue federal rail service assistance grants.
- Virginia HB2697: Proposes to amend permitting requirements for small renewable energy projects, incorporating federal defense considerations.
Other Notable Bills and Summaries:
- New York A628: Proposes to legalize and regulate certain natural hallucinogens, prohibiting state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal efforts to enforce conflicting laws.
- Virginia HB2534 & SB1304: Propose to seek federal approval for expanding crisis stabilization services.
- Florida HB1 & SB2: Propose to establish the Office of State Immigration Enforcement.
- Missouri SB116: Proposes to modify election provisions, requiring legislative approval for implementing federal election guidance or accepting federal funds.
- Wyoming HB134: Proposes to prohibit the use of state and federal funds for sexually explicit events.
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