Category: State
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West Virginia becomes 25th state with a Parents’ Bill of Rights
What’s the story? West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) signed House Bill (HB) 2129 on Apr. 12, 2025, establishing a Parents’ Bill of Rights in state law. The bill states that parents have a fundamental right to direct their minor children’s upbringing in the following specific areas: The bill also stated that it did not…
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Texas House rejects amendment to universal school choice bill that would have placed statutory measure on statewide ballot for first time
In Texas, House Republicans defeated an amendment to Senate Bill 2 on April 16 that would have required the proposed universal education savings account (ESA) program to be placed on the Nov. 4, 2025, ballot for voters to decide. Had it been placed on the ballot, Senate Bill 2 would have been the first statewide…
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Arkansas voters to decide on three constitutional amendments in 2026 addressing the right to bear arms, a citizenship requirement for voting, and the creation of economic development districts
Arkansas voters will decide on three constitutional amendments on Nov. 3, 2026, referred to the ballot by the state legislature. The amendments would expand the constitutional right to bear arms, require citizenship to vote, and allow the creation of economic development districts. Right to bear arms amendment Senate Joint Resolution 11 was sponsored by Sen.…
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New Jersey to see most contested primaries, fewest open seats since 2011
New Jersey has 29 contested state legislative primaries in 2025, more than in any year since 2011 and an increase of 38% from the preceding cycle. Twenty-two of the 29 contested primaries are for Democrats, 83% more than the 12 Democratic primaries in 2023. Seven primaries are for Republicans, 22% down from nine in 2023.…
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Protect Utah Workers submits signatures to the secretary of state for veto referendum
Protect Utah Workers submitted signatures to the secretary of state’s office on April 15 for a veto referendum that would go before voters on Nov. 3, 2026. The referendum would repeal House Bill 267 (HB 267), which is suspended until the election due to the referendum. HB 267, if enacted, would prohibit public employees, such…
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Washington voters to decide in November on amendment allowing Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Trust Fund to be invested in stocks and equities
Washington voters will decide on a constitutional amendment in November that would allow the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Trust Fund, also known as the WA Cares Fund, to be invested in stocks and equities. The WA Cares Fund was established in 2019 to provide a lifetime benefit of $36,500 to eligible beneficiaries. WA Cares…
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Idaho legislature adjourns, two referred constitutional amendments on the ballot in 2026
The Idaho State Legislature adjourned sine die on April 10, 2025, with the next legislative session scheduled to begin on January 12, 2026. Two constitutional amendments were referred by the legislature during the 2025 session and will appear on the ballot in November 2026: HJR 4 and HJR 6. HJR 4 would provide that “only…
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State legislators face second-most recall efforts in Q1 2025
State legislators were included in the second-highest number of recall efforts this year out of all office types as of April 11, 2025. Ballotpedia had tracked recall efforts against 30 state legislators, which was second only to city council members, who saw 75 officeholders included in recall efforts. All 30 state legislators included in recall…
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Utah lawmakers pass laws designed to assert state sovereignty and limit federal influence
Utah lawmakers passed eight bills and resolutions to assert state sovereignty and limit federal influence during the 2025 legislative session, which ended March 7. These measures address fiscal independence, regulatory oversight, and election authority. Utah has a Republican trifecta, with Republican control of the governor’s office, state senate, and state house. Below are the federalism-related…
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Hawaii voters to decide in 2026 on amendment extending Senate review period for judicial appointments
The Hawaii State Legislature approved a constitutional amendment increasing the timeline for the state Senate to act on judicial appointments. The amendment will appear on the ballot for voter approval on Nov. 3, 2026. Currently, the state constitution requires the Senate to act on judicial appointments within 30 days. If the Senate does not reject…