Category: State
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In November, Virginians will vote on constitutional amendment related to vehicle property taxes paid by disabled veterans
On March 3, 2020, the Virginia State Senate passed a constitutional amendment, which electors will vote on at the general election. The constitutional amendment would exempt one automobile or pickup truck from state and local property taxes for veterans who have a 100 percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability. In Virginia, local governments can assess…
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Medical marijuana legal for two-thirds of Americans, recreational marijuana legal for one quarter
Though the cultivation, distribution, and use of marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, a majority of states have passed laws over the past 25 years legalizing marijuana usage for either medical or recreational purposes. Americans in 33 states and the District of Columbia have access to medical marijuana. This represents 67.5 percent of the…
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Democratic primary for North Carolina lieutenant governor may head to runoff
Six candidates ran in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor of North Carolina on March 3, 2020. A primary runoff was set to occur if no candidate won more than 30% of the vote and the second-place finisher called for a runoff. With all precincts reporting, Yvonne Lewis Holley received 26.6% of the vote and…
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Robinson wins Republican primary for North Carolina lieutenant governor
Mark Robinson won the Republican primary for lieutenant governor of North Carolina on March 3, 2020. Robinson received 32.6% of the vote with 99.7% of precincts reporting. Andy Wells was in second place with 14.6%. A primary runoff was set to occur if no candidate won more than 30% of the vote. Term-limited incumbent Lt.…
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Henderson appointed to New Mexico Court of Appeals
Shammara Henderson (D), the first Black judge appointed to the New Mexico Court of Appeals, reportedly started hearing cases at the beginning of March. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) appointed Henderson to the court on February 14, 2020, following the retirement of former judge M. Monica Zamora (D) in January. Henderson’s appointment to the intermediate…
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Indiana Supreme Court denies transfer of administrative law case
On February 24, 2020 the Indiana Supreme Court denied to take up the case of Indiana Department of Natural Resources v. Kevin Prosser. The case has spanned five years and three courts. The Indiana Supreme Court denied transfer of the case because “… (U)nder Indiana’s Administrative Orders and Procedures Act, if there is sufficient evidence…
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Notable local measures on the ballot in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego on Tuesday
California voters will be deciding 289 local ballot measures and one statewide measure on March 3. Here is a preview of four notable measures in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego: Los Angeles County, Measure R, Civilian Police Oversight Commission and Jail Plan Initiative was put on the ballot through a successful initiative petition…
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One Democrat, one Republican win Kentucky House special elections
Two special general elections were held February 25 for Districts 67 and 99 of the Kentucky House of Representatives. Party county executive committees chose the nominees and had until January 7, 2020, to file candidate nominating papers. In the District 67 race, Rachel Roberts (D) defeated Mary Jo Wedding (R), receiving 64.2% of the 4,604…
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New York plastic bag ban takes effect on Sunday
New York state residents must prepare to shop with reusable bags or pay a five-cent paper bag fee when the state’s ban on single-use plastic bags takes effect on March 1. Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) signed the ban into law in August 2019. The ban broadly aims to reduce litter and protect wildlife in the…
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Granger and Putnam competing for Republican nomination in Texas’ 12th Congressional District
Incumbent Kay Granger and Chris Putnam are running in the Republican Party primary for Texas’ 12th Congressional District on March 3, 2020. Both candidates have campaigned on supporting President Donald Trump and launched campaign ads attacking each other. Granger highlighted the president’s endorsement of her campaign and said she would support him in “rebuilding our…