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Citizen Portal News California

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1 day ago

CDCR projects modest 5-year population decline; LAO says another closure could be feasible CDCR's fall 2025 projections show a 5–year institutional population decline of about 6.5% and a 10.4% drop for parole; LAO said conservative assumptions indicate the state could close an additional prison and urged CDCR to report deactivations promptly to the Legislature.

California's prison population is projected to decline significantly by 2025, raising the possibility of another prison closure—what does this mean for the future of corrections in the state?

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#CA #PrisonReform #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability #PopulationDecline

Citizen Portal News Alaska

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1 day ago

Senate Finance hears plan to lower Permanent Fund draw rate to 4.5% At a first hearing, staff for the Senate Finance Committee introduced SB 274, which would phase the Permanent Fund’s POMV draw rate from 5% to 4.5% beginning FY2029 via 0.1 percentage-point annual steps; committee members asked for more modeling and the bill was set aside for further review.

Senate Bill 274 aims to gradually lower Alaska's Permanent Fund draw rate from 5% to 4.5% by 2029 to safeguard its long-term growth—what does this mean for Alaskans' futures?

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#AK #EconomicStability #CitizenPortal #FiscalPolicy #LegislativeAccountability #AlaskaFinance

Citizen Portal News Washington

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2 days ago

Governor warns budget remains fragile despite legislative wins The governor cautioned that the state budget is not stable, citing a prior $16 billion shortfall, one‑time transfers and an $800 million projected deficit in 2028, and said he will watch revenue forecasts before proposing new taxes.

The governor warns that despite recent legislative successes, Washington's budget is still teetering on the edge of a $800 million deficit by 2028.

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#WA #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability #RevenueForecasts #FiscalResponsibility

Citizen Portal News Arizona

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2 days ago

Committee sends measure to require two-thirds vote for state fee increases to the ballot The House Ways and Means Committee voted to return Senate Concurrent Resolution 10-28 with a due-pass recommendation. The referral would ask voters whether most future state fee increases must be approved by a two-thirds legislative vote; the panel voted 5–3 with one absent after public testimony for and against.

Arizona's House Ways and Means Committee is pushing a controversial measure to require a two-thirds vote for state fee increases, igniting a fierce debate on government accountability and taxpayer rights.

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#AZ #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability #FeeTransparency

Citizen Portal News Alaska

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4 days ago

Task force told state funding covers a fraction of recommended school capital needs DEED and the Legislative Finance Division told a joint task force that Alaska’s statutory funding streams and limited appropriations leave a multiyear shortfall: FY26 funding was roughly 7.7% of DEED’s recommended 3% capital-renewal benchmark for school facilities, and the REA fund and debt-reimbursement program provide inconsistent support.

Alaska's schools face a staggering funding shortfall, with only 7.7% of the recommended capital renewal budget allocated for FY26, leaving districts struggling for essential maintenance and construction.

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#AK #CitizenPortal #AlaskaEducation #LegislativeAccountability

Citizen Portal News Kentucky

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4 days ago

Panel finds Transportation Cabinet's online insurance-verification rule deficient Lawmakers voted to find the Transportation Cabinet's proposed real-time insurance verification regulation deficient, citing misalignment with statutory changes; the chair recorded that the motion to find the regulation deficient passed (6 ayes, 2 passes).

Kentucky lawmakers have declared the Transportation Cabinet's proposed online insurance verification rule deficient, raising concerns about its alignment with recent legislation.

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#KY #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability #InsuranceVerification #RegulatoryReform

Citizen Portal News Washington

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1 week ago

San Juan County, Rep. Greg Nance and lobbyists plot fixes to Mosquito Fleet Act after Senate amendments Representative Greg Nance joined the county to warn recent Senate amendments to House Bill 1923 could make the Mosquito Fleet Act too costly or restrictive for island communities; the council committed to coordinated letters and targeted floor amendments to salvage a workable bill.

Rep. Greg Nance warns that recent Senate amendments to the Mosquito Fleet Act could jeopardize ferry service for small island communities, making it more expensive and restrictive.

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#SanJuanCounty #WA #TransportationReform #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability

Citizen Portal News Washington

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1 week ago

House advances actuarial rate‑setting, four‑month reserve for paid family and medical leave The Washington House advanced and gave final passage to Second Substitute Senate Bill 5292, directing use of an actuarial model for program rate‑setting and establishing a four‑month reserve for the state'paid family and medical leave program; the measure passed with overwhelming support.

Washington's House just passed a groundbreaking bill to enhance paid family and medical leave with a new actuarial model and a four-month reserve, gaining overwhelming support from lawmakers!

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#WA #EconomicStability #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability #HealthcareReform

Citizen Portal News Virginia

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1 week ago

House Appropriations Committee: votes and tablings at a glance The committee reported multiple Senate companion bills and tabled several measures; this roundup lists each bill considered, outcome, and recorded vote tallies as recorded in committee.

The House Appropriations Committee made significant decisions on key Senate bills, including a new class 6 felony for impersonating law enforcement and measures to protect playgrounds from certain offenders.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #LegislativeAccountability

Citizen Portal News Georgia

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1 week ago

Representative Evans presses sponsor for data after proposed HOPE reserve increase A needs-based scholarship and HOPE-reserve change drew pushback in Rules when Representative Evans asked for data supporting a proposal to raise the shortfall reserve trigger from 50% to 100% when reserves exceed $2 billion; the sponsor said the change was requested by the governor's office and that supporting data exists but was not presented in Rules.

Representative Evans challenges a controversial proposal to increase HOPE lottery reserves, raising questions about its impact on student funding.

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#GA #DataTransparency #CitizenPortal #ScholarshipReform #GeorgiaEducation #LegislativeAccountability

Citizen Portal News Connecticut

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1 week ago

Committee advances bill letting comptroller withhold payments for prevailing-wage violations amid debate over discretion The Labor and Public Employees Committee voted to send SB 268 to the floor after debate over whether granting the labor commissioner and comptroller discretionary authority to halt payments could be politically abused. Members recorded votes and the committee said votes would be held open until 3:30 PM.

Connecticut's Labor Committee just advanced a controversial bill allowing the comptroller to withhold payments for prevailing-wage violations, igniting fierce debate over potential abuses of power.

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#CT #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability #PrevailingWage

Citizen Portal News Alabama

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1 week ago

House substitute for church-protection bill adopted and advanced after debate on scope and risk of overreach The committee adopted a substitute to HB 363, which adds civil remedies to a bill penalizing disruptive outside interference at houses of worship; supporters cited security concerns, while critics warned the measure risks overreach and could edge toward a theocratic posture; committee advanced the bill with a favorable report.

Alabama's new church-protection bill sparks heated debate over security versus potential overreach, as lawmakers clash on its implications for religious freedom.

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#AL #LegislativeAccountability #PublicSafety #ReligiousFreedom

Citizen Portal News Massachusetts

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1 week ago

Congresswoman Lori Trahan says she boycotted State of the Union, cites rising costs and donor influence Congresswoman Lori Trahan said she declined to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union, posting statements that accused his policies of raising costs for families and favoring wealthy donors while urging colleagues to focus on passing legislation.

Congresswoman Lori Trahan boycotted Trump’s State of the Union, slamming his policies for skyrocketing costs and prioritizing billionaire donors over struggling families.

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#MA #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability #PublicSafety #EconomicJustice

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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1 week ago

Senate amends and passes bill to certify residential recovery programs The Vermont Senate adopted a technical language amendment to S157 to align criminal‑statute phrasing and then passed the bill establishing a certification system for residential care for people with substance use disorders.

The Vermont Senate has just passed a pivotal bill to certify residential recovery programs, ensuring better support for those battling substance use disorders!

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#VT #CitizenPortal #VermontRecovery #SubstanceUseReform #LegislativeAccountability #HealthCareAccess

Citizen Portal News Mississippi

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2 weeks ago

PERS board hears legislative funding pitches, actuary warns of trade-offs for tier changes and return-to-work proposals Board members and actuaries reviewed competing legislative proposals — including a $1 billion lump sum and a $50 million recurring stream — and debated tier‑change and return‑to‑work bills that could raise liabilities by tens of millions of dollars depending on retroactivity and implementation details.

Mississippi's PERS board faces tough choices as they consider a $1 billion funding proposal and potential changes to retirement eligibility that could impact millions in liabilities.

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#MS #MississippiPension #RetirementReform #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability

Citizen Portal News Florida

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2 weeks ago

Panel approves tougher penalties for child‑sex offenses, updates language on sexual abuse material Lawmakers moved a sweeping revision tightening penalties and mandatory minimums for certain child sexual offenses and updating statute language to 'child sexual abuse material' (CSAM); members expressed mixed views on mandatory minimums but supported closing statutory gaps.

Florida lawmakers are tightening penalties for child sexual offenses and updating legal language, sparking a heated debate on mandatory minimums.

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#FL #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability #ChildProtection #CriminalJusticeReform

Citizen Portal News California

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2 weeks ago

Assembly members are demanding answers from EDD over alarming delays in paid family leave payments, with some constituents waiting weeks for their much-needed support.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability #PaymentDelays #ConstituentServices

Citizen Portal News US

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2 weeks ago

Wyden, Merkley push oversight to reclaim Congress’s 'power of the purse' and defend vote‑by‑mail Senators Ronald Wyden and Jeff Merkley used a town hall to outline plans to reclaim congressional budget authority, challenge executive 'pocket rescission' practices and oppose the SAVE Act, which they said would undermine vote‑by‑mail and voter access.

Senators Wyden and Merkley are rallying for grassroots action to reclaim congressional spending power and protect vote-by-mail from attacks aimed at rigging elections.

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#US #VotingAccess #DemocraticInstitutions #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability #OregonVoters

Citizen Portal News Oregon

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2 weeks ago

Subcommittee adopts A5 amendment to HB 4124, sends postsecondary study to full Ways and Means The joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education adopted an A5 amendment to House Bill 4124 directing the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to study Oregon’s postsecondary system; members stressed the commission will only make recommendations and the Legislature retains final authority.

Oregon's education landscape is set for a major overhaul as the Ways and Means Subcommittee greenlights a pivotal study on postsecondary institutions, ensuring a more sustainable and workforce-aligned future.

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#OR #LegislativeAccountability #HigherEducation

Citizen Portal News Iowa

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2 weeks ago

Senate approves bill to expand professional carry permits and create penalties for threats to judges and legislators SF 22‑80, amended to extend protections to state legislators, allows professional permits to carry for certain officials and creates criminal penalties for threats and malicious sharing of personal information of judicial officers and legislators; the amendment and the bill passed the Senate.

A new Iowa Senate bill aims to enhance safety for judges and legislators by allowing professional carry permits and imposing harsh penalties for threats and doxxing.

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#IA #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability #PublicSafety

Citizen Portal News Georgia

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2 weeks ago

Committee restores legislative oversight of state liabilities, limits meeting frequency The House Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee voted unanimously to endorse House Bill 1178, which restores prior code language giving the committee authority over state liabilities, changes a mandatory meeting requirement to 'may meet up to nine times per year,' and requires Speaker approval for audit funding.

The House Committee just voted unanimously to tighten oversight on state-funded entities, reshaping the future of fiscal responsibility in Georgia!

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#GA #GeorgiaStateOversight #CitizenPortal #AuditTransparency #LegislativeAccountability #FiscalResponsibility

Citizen Portal News Oregon

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2 weeks ago

County staff say AOC mistakenly placed county logo on opposition email for HB 4,007 dash 17; amendment appears stalled County staff reported AOC placed Deschutes County’s logo on an emailed opposition letter to HB 4,007 Dash 17 (a safe-routes-to-schools transportation amendment); staff said the logo was later removed and the amendment is dead, while broader transportation budget and ballot-timing issues continue in Salem.

Deschutes County's logo was mistakenly used in an opposition letter against a crucial transportation amendment that could impact funding for safe routes to schools, but the amendment now appears to be stalled.

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#DeschutesCounty #OR #SafeRoutesToSchools #LegislativeAccountability

Citizen Portal News Virginia

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2 weeks ago

Committee broadens data language, allowing 'CDC or equivalent' in school‑data provision The committee adopted a substitute for HB201 (conforming to SB109) and a line amendment adding 'or an equivalent nationally recognized entity' after a reference to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to account for inconsistent federal reporting; the substitute as amended was reported.

The Virginia Senate Education and Health Committee has taken a crucial step to ensure school data reporting remains achievable by allowing flexibility in the use of CDC statistics.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #PublicHealth #EducationReform #VirginiaSchools #LegislativeAccountability

Citizen Portal News Wyoming

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2 weeks ago

Sunset proposal to force school-finance recalibration defeated after extended floor debate A proposed sunset amendment to Senate File 81, designed to force periodic school-finance recalibrations, failed after senators argued over whether a sunset would create harmful fiscal 'cliffs' or ensure compliance with constitutional and court-ordered obligations.

A heated debate in the Senate over a failed sunset amendment could reshape the future of K-12 public-school finance in Wyoming.

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#WY #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability #EducationFinance #PublicPolicy

Citizen Portal News Vermont

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3 weeks ago

Senators hear experts on reconstituting a legislative oversight committee and oversight tools National Conference of State Legislatures experts and the deputy state auditor urged Vermont senators to create a bipartisan, legislator-led oversight committee and to rely on established audit and evaluation offices rather than building a separate auditing function inside a joint committee.

Vermont senators are urged to create a bipartisan oversight committee to ensure laws actually achieve their intended results, backed by expert recommendations and successful state models.

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#VT #VermontGovernment #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability #OversightTools

Citizen Portal News Utah

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3 weeks ago

Utah's House Revenue and Taxation Committee has taken a crucial step to protect Medicaid services for vulnerable populations by advancing a bill that prepares the state for upcoming federal changes.

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#UT #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability #SocialServices

Citizen Portal News Washington

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3 weeks ago

Child-welfare bills stall as lawmakers debate imminent-harm standard and claims process Lawmakers and leaders said several bills aimed at addressing child deaths and critical incidents did not move to final votes; debate centered on the "imminent harm" standard, stakeholder concerns, and proposals for expedited claims tracks.

Lawmakers in Washington are grappling with stalled child welfare bills amidst intense debates over how best to protect vulnerable children while supporting families.

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#WA #ChildSafetyReform #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability #JusticeAccess

Citizen Portal News Washington

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3 weeks ago

Republican leaders press for child-welfare bills after child deaths, say DCYF accountability lacking Republican lawmakers at the press availability faulted the Department of Children, Youth, and Families for failures they say have led to child deaths, urged hearings on child-welfare bills (including 'imminent harm' language), and noted bipartisan movement on a fentanyl-endangerment measure.

Republican lawmakers are sounding the alarm on child-welfare failures, citing tragic local cases and demanding urgent action from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

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#WA #FentanylEndangerment #CitizenPortal #ChildSafety #LegislativeAccountability

Citizen Portal News Arizona

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3 weeks ago

House advances amendments to HB2104 and HB2105 after assessor testimony; opponents caution on capacity and accuracy Representative Carter’s floor amendments to HB2104 and HB2105, adding taxable improvements to triggers for assessor inspections and changing a standardized report from 'shall' to 'may,' were adopted; county assessors warned the changes could hinder statutory duties and require resources.

House bills HB2104 and HB2105 are shaking up property tax assessments, but are they really the solution or a recipe for chaos?

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#AZ #TaxpayerCommunication #CitizenPortal #ArizonaAssessors #LegislativeAccountability #PropertyTaxReform

Citizen Portal News Virginia

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3 weeks ago

Subcommittee approves amendment requiring proof of extended reporting insurance for nursing-home buyers SB 535, aimed at closing an insurance gap when nursing homes change hands, was amended to allow sellers to provide a certificate evidencing an extended-reporting endorsement and was reported out by the subcommittee 10-0.

Virginia's new SB 535 aims to protect nursing home residents by ensuring buyers have insurance coverage for past claims before ownership changes.

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#VA #ResidentProtection #InsuranceReform #CitizenPortal #VirginiaNursingHomes #LegislativeAccountability