Category: State
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Louisiana passes REINS Act-inspired legislative oversight
What’s the story The Louisiana Senate passed SB 59, a bill that increases legislative oversight on rules through requirements similar to a REINS-style law, on June 3 by a vote of 37-0. The bill was sent to Gov. Jeff Landry (R) for signature on June 8. Gov. Jeff Landry (R) expressed support for SB 59.…
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Voters recall two Maine school board members
Voters approved recall elections against two members of the Maine School Administrative District 46 school board on June 10, 2025. In the recall election against Alisha Ames, 75% of voters cast ballots in favor of the recall, according to unofficial election night results. In the recall election against Judy Saunders, 67% of voters approved the…
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New Yorkers to decide on constitutional amendment regarding the forest preserve land at Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex in November 2025
New York voters will decide on a constitutional amendment to authorize a land exchange related to the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex on Nov. 4, 2025. The amendment was referred to the ballot by the New York State Legislature. In New York, a constitutional amendment is referred to the ballot by passing both chambers…
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Michigan voters have decided 319 ballot measures since 1880
Ballotpedia completed an inventory of all Michigan ballot measures since 1880. Between 1880 and 2024, Michigan voters decided on 319 ballot measures. Of these, 165 measures (51.7%) were approved and 154 (48.3%) were defeated. In Michigan, measures can be placed on the ballot through the state legislature, as well as through the citizen-initiated process. The…
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Rhode Island Senate approves environmental rights amendment; three states have similar constitutional provisions
The Rhode Island State Senate passed a constitutional amendment to establish a right to clean air, clean water, healthy soil, a life-supporting climate, and preservation of the environment. Senate Resolution 327 (S. 327), introduced by State Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-37), passed the Senate in a vote of 32-4 on June 3. The constitutional amendment…
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A look at the elections for Georgia’s Public Service Commission
Georgia is holding a special election for two of five seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission on November 4, 2025. The primary is June 17, 2025, and a primary runoff (if necessary) will be held on July 15, 2025. A general runoff is on December 2, 2025. The Georgia Public Service Commission is in…
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Nevada becomes 21st state to adopt cellphone ban or limit
What’s the story? Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) signed Senate Bill (SB) 444 on May 28, 2025, requiring school boards in Nevada to adopt policies limiting the use of electronic communication devices, including cellphones, during instruction in schools. The law required school boards to prohibit students from accessing their cellphones during class. Both the Nevada State Senate…
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State supreme court vacancy count for May 2025
In this month’s state supreme court vacancy update, Ballotpedia tracked announced retirements, nominations, appointments, confirmations, and the swearing-in of justices from May 1, 2025, to May 31, 2025. Ballotpedia tracks court vacancies in all 52 state supreme courts. Justice retirements: Two justices were sworn out of office in May 2025. Candidates nominated, appointed, and confirmed:…
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Iowa Gov. Reynolds signs bill banning RCV
On June 2, 2025, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed HF 954, making Iowa the sixth state to ban ranked-choice voting (RCV) this year. The new law says: “An election in this state shall not be conducted using ranked choice voting or instant runoff voting.” The bill also makes other changes to election laws in the…
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Oklahoma passes REINS Act, legislative and executive oversight, and judicial nondeference bills
Governor Kevin Stitt (R) signed House Bill 2728, titled Oklahoma’s Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025, on May 21. HB 2728 directs the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) to independently review and verify economic impact statements for rules with implementation and compliance costs exceeding $1 million over five…