legislature

Public health initiatives have long been divisive, but the pandemic turned up the volume to painful levels in Florida, Texas and other states amid a surge of growing mistrust of scientific institutions.

At least 20 states, including Florida, already have consent laws for this practice. Montana’s governor signed a bill in April, Missouri has legislation that needs the governor’s signature and Ohio lawmakers are also considering it.

An AP analysis has found that many of this year’s statehouse proposals to restrict gender-affirming care for youths are identical or very similar to some model legislation.

Montana's House speaker is refusing to allow Rep. Zooey Zephyr to speak on bills for the rest of the session until she apologizes for saying lawmakers would have “blood on their hands” if they supported a bill to ban gender-affirming medical care for youth.

The PIPELINE funding for nursing schools was allocated last year by the Legislature to retain students and as well as instructors, who’ve been lured by lucrative nursing jobs in other states.

Proponents say prosecutors and police need more tools to help with the fight because fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are so deadly. Others worry harsher penalties will result in even more dangerous drug supplies and punish people who really need help.

Bills to regulate social media, including its use in schools, are already moving through the Florida Legislature with bipartisan support.

The U.S. abortion debate is shifting to funding as states take control of policymaking. Liberal cities and states are funding efforts to provide access to abortion, while Republican-led states are seeking new ways to financially support anti-abortion centers.

Deputy Executive Director Bob Asztalos of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs told a state Senate committee that its wages are finally competitive, thanks to a $5.6 million boost in funding last year.

The Democrat sponsors say even if the proposals do not get hearings in the Legislature, they can start conversations with Republicans that abortion is health care.