The Montana Legislature passed housing policies that have eluded other jurisdictions, including increasing height limits, reducing parking requirements and permitting single-stair apartment buildings.
A bill passed by the state Senate would allow the state attorney general to freeze sales and property tax revenues if a city or county passes laws that don’t conform with state policies.
A pair of bills that would encourage construction are moving through the state Senate despite the opposition of key committee chairs.
A new law allows for removing elementary school children from a classroom, and then assessing the causes of the problematic behavior. Schools may need funding for more counselors to do so, however.
Its electoral system, bolstered by strong economic and social institutions, enables lawmakers to vote their consciences in bipartisan coalitions.
The proposal would create a state-appointed board to oversee the local school board on budgets, contracts, property and policy. It could also allow those board members and district officials to be replaced.
A new Virginia law will allow judges to require intelligent speed assistance devices for people with repeat reckless driving offenses. Advocates are pushing for similar policies in other states.
The state recently became the first since 1980 to vote to eliminate its income tax. This will boost economic growth while removing barriers to work — and could ignite a wave of similar state-led reforms.
Among other things, agencies would be barred from issuing no-bid contracts, which the secretary of state’s office has done repeatedly.
The New Hampshire legislature is considering dozens of policies aimed at making housing more affordable, a priority for first-year Gov. Kelly Ayotte. Some policies are gaining bipartisan support, but debates over local control still rage.
Legislators have made water a priority this session, with the state falling short of ever-increasing demand. Ideas for addressing the problem range from conservation to desalination.
Universal vouchers and other private school choice programs have had a lot of momentum in red states. Support from Trump and Congress could push them further.
Residents of mobile-home parks have seen costs rise as investors buy up properties. Lawmakers in several states are looking to add more guardrails.
Utah’s new legislation addresses parents’ concerns, doesn’t tax state or local resources for enforcement, and is popular with the public. Other states should see it as a model.
In a switch from its previous approach, the chamber has passed a series of bills that will reduce barriers to construction and limit localities’ ability to set limits.
The Maryland legislature is considering dozens of proposals to make energy cheaper, more reliable and more abundant. Meanwhile, residents’ utility costs are rising.
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