All articles tagged with #legislature
China's legislature approved the dismissal of 19 members, including nine military officers, in a disciplinary move affecting parts of the leadership and signaling ongoing governance cleanups.
Virginia Senate Democrats advanced a budget amendment that would boost legislators’ pay by about 278% (nearly 300%), as part of their budget package. Republicans criticized the move as unaffordable and potentially raising taxes, and the proposal would still need approval from the House and a governor’s signature to become law.
Gov. Laura Kelly declared a three-county state of emergency to prepare for the 2026 World Cup; the Kansas House approved a 15-day extension, but the Senate has not voted, raising questions about the breadth of executive authority. Without extension, the emergency expires soon, potentially complicating access to coordinated state resources for handling visitors and events.
A coalition of Wisconsin school districts and teachers filed a lawsuit against the state Legislature, seeking increased funding for K-12 education, arguing current allocations are insufficient to meet student needs and duties under state law.
Governor Laura Kelly vetoed a GOP-backed bill that would require sex-segregated restrooms and locker rooms in public buildings, ban changing gender markers on licenses and birth certificates, and impose fines or lawsuits for violations, with limited exceptions for young children and caregivers; supporters say it codifies norms, but Kelly calls it poorly drafted and costly for local governments, and lawmakers may override the veto amid a broader wave of anti-trans legislation in Kansas.
Virginia House Democrats approved a sweeping gun-control package that includes an assault-weapons ban, limits on large-capacity magazines, ghost-gun restrictions, safe-storage rules, and new civil-liability provisions for gun manufacturers and sellers; the bills advance to the Senate amid Republican accusations of infringed rights and likely litigation, while supporters argue they address gun violence in a state shaped by mass shootings.
State Sen. Dan McKeon resigned minutes before a floor vote on his expulsion over allegations of inappropriately touching a legislative staffer; an outside investigation said the conduct may violate the Legislature’s harassment policy but was not actionable sexual harassment, and McKeon faces misdemeanor charges (disturbing the peace) with a Jan. 26 court date, while Gov. Pillen will appoint his replacement.
Missouri's legislative session is expected to be tense as Democrats plan to oppose Republican tactics like the use of the previous question rule, amidst ongoing debates over budget, taxes, and controversial issues like solar power and pharmacy regulations, all against the backdrop of an upcoming election that could influence the state's political landscape.
Democrat Renee Hardman won a special election for the Iowa state Senate, preventing Republicans from regaining a supermajority in the Legislature. Her victory maintains Democratic influence in the chamber, marking a significant win in a year of Democratic successes across various states. Hardman becomes the first Black woman elected to the Iowa Senate, and her win helps keep the GOP from controlling two-thirds of the chamber, which would have allowed easier confirmation of appointments. The election results reflect broader Democratic gains in 2025, impacting legislative dynamics and future governance in Iowa.
Pennsylvania's legislative session is among the least productive in a decade, with only 65 bills passed due to partisanship, split government, and leadership issues, despite the full-time legislature and high salaries of lawmakers.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is consolidating his influence in Sacramento ahead of the 2028 elections, successfully uniting Democrats on key issues like redistricting, which enhances his national profile and political clout within the state, despite past setbacks in criminal justice reform efforts.
The Missouri House approved a gerrymandered congressional map and restrictions on citizen initiative petitions, with both measures heading to the Senate amid partisan tensions and legal challenges, aiming to favor Republicans and limit direct democracy.
Opponents of Missouri's redistricting plan may leverage the state's referendum process to block the new map, as the legislation lacks an emergency clause and could be challenged through a statewide vote if enough signatures are gathered within 90 days, potentially delaying or preventing the map's implementation.
Oregon Democrats in the House passed a transportation funding package that raises about $4.3 billion over ten years through increased taxes and fees, including a gas tax hike and vehicle fees, to fund road, bridge, and transit projects, with the plan now heading to the Senate amid bipartisan support and concerns over oversight and fiscal impact.
The Colorado House voted to condemn former Rep. Ryan Armagost for sharing a photo of Rep. Yara Zokaie without her consent, which led to harassment and threats. Armagost resigned before the debate, and the resolution, supported bipartisanly, emphasized respect and decorum in the legislature.