Finance & Revenue

Imagine financing the careers of athletes. Finlete did and made it a reality. Regulators are questioning whether Finlete is sports betting wrapped with a more sophisticated bow.

ALTS Co | Invest in Athletes’ Potential with FINLETE

LA Times | Is Finlete offering a way to support ballplayers? Or another 

Microfactories may be the new it thing. They bring goods closer to consumers, use 90% less water and 80% less energy; are more sustainable; and can be more efficient and cost effective. @worldeconomicforum

$2.72 billion is the estimated legal wagering on March Madness across 28 states and D.C. according to the American Gaming Association.

AP | Every shot matters to someone.’ Basketball fans revel in, and bet on, March Madness tournament

Texas has pulled $8.5 billion in investments from BlackRock based on a Texas law requiring divestment from entities with policies that are deemed to boycott fossil fuels.

ESG Dive | Texas schools fund pulls $8.5B from BlackRock over ESG

North Dakota voters will vote whether people, who would turn 81 years of age or older during their term,  should be permitted to run for Congress or the US Senate. There’s a US Supreme Court case that calls this into constitutional question. But, since when has the US Constitution stopped state legislators?

NPR | A North Dakota ballot question could be a legal test case for political age limits

Kentucky wants to criminalize protesting at the Legislature with HB 626 (2024 | KY).   A Republican state representative says “The purpose of House Bill 626 is to ensure that the General Assembly has an opportunity to legislate without interference from people who wish to prevent us from doing our work on behalf of our constituents.”

AP | Kentucky GOP moves to criminalize interference with legislature after transgender protests

Connecticut Governor is proposing SB 15 (2024 | CT)  that would prohibit hidden fees also called junk fees, service fees, & convenience fees. These fees are placed on consumer transactions from event tickets, food and beverage, and airbnb stays. The Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are also working to limit junk fees.

Governor Lamont Urges Legislature To Pass Law Prohibiting Hidden Fees on Event Tickets, Lodging, and Food and Beverage Services

This year voters in Michigan will vote whether to eliminate local and state property taxes and require a super majority vote in the Legislature to raise taxes. Other states going down this path: North Dakota, Wyoming, and Florida is studying the issue.

Governing | Some States Are Looking to Abolish Property Taxes Entirely

The Florida Legislature is turning its anti-woke machine against lab grown meat. Should we tell them that European countries like Italy and France have also banned, or require clear labeling on, lab created proteins? Arizona, Alabama, and New Hampshire Legislatures are all considering similar legislation. Not all states are using the anti-woke messaging.

Fast Company | Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature turn their ‘anti-woke’ agenda on lab-grown meat

 Fantasy Sports legislation failed to pass the Florida Senate. SB 1568 (2024 | FL) would see fantasy sports regulated through the Florida Gaming Commission and allow for wagering over the age of 21. Fantasy Sports operators would have paid a $500,000 application fee. Currently the Florida Gaming Commission allows some operators to operate and others are not. That’s the crystal clear policy that businesses crave (sarcasm).

SBC Americas | Daily fantasy sports measure sinks in Florida legislature

What are people saying about AI use in site selection when a company is relocating or expanding? That’s going to be a NO on AI. An academic researcher pitted AI against humans for an industrial site selection and there was no overlap in the selected sites. It was suggested that AI’s appropriate use was to augment the site selection to reduce risks.

Route Fifty | AI tools lack ‘expertise’ for site selection

Oregon Legislature passed HB 4083 (2024 | OR) that calls on the state to divest from coal interests. Divestment is triggered when an entity derives 20% or more of their revenue from coal production. The state currently has nearly $1B in coal investments.

News from the States | Legislature passes bill to rid Oregon’s Public Employee Retirement System of coal investments

The Tax Foundation says that states should create de minimus exemptions for businesses that only have modest amounts of property, because the compliance costs for small businesses is too great. States that provide de minimus exemptions include MI, AZ, CO, FL, GA, IN, MT, RI, ID, UT. There are 26 states with no de minimus exemption for small businesses including TX, OK, KS, NV and CA.

This April voters in Missouri will decide whether to extend sales tax dedication to the Chiefs and the Royals so as  to maintain the three-eighths-cent dedicated tax and to permit building and maintenance of their stadiums. 

Governing | Public Officials Pressured to Spend Billions on Sports Venues

Utah Legislature is working to bring a new NHL stadium dream to reality by pushing SB 272 (2024 | UT) that would create a sports of entertainment district to utilize tax reinvestment funding to support the building of the $1B stadium complex. Supporters also say the stadium is a downtown revitalization opportunity.

Utah is also seeking a MLB team. HB 562 (2024 | UT) creates a similar reinvestment zone district to support the MLB stadium.

Fox13 | $1 billion NHL bill filed in Utah State Legislature

KSL | Utah Legislature approves ‘milestone’ bill creating Fairpark district, MLB stadium framework

Philadelphia is considering a new stadium for the 76ers. Turns out there’s a persuasive argument that there is no long term economic benefit to retaining an existing team by providing economic incentives. Local incentives aren’t even on the table in Philly.

Governing | Public Officials Pressured to Spend Billions on Sports Venues

Utah passed a State Sovereignty Act that states ““The Legislature may, by concurrent resolution, prohibit a government officer from enforcing or assisting in the enforcement of a federal directive within the state if the Legislature determines the federal directive violates the principles of state sovereignty.”  I wonder if odds makers have a line on how many other conservative states will do this? 

CNN | Utah’s new ‘Sovereignty Act’ sets up a process to overrule the federal government. But is it constitutional?

Wisconsin Legislature has joined 20 other states that have passed legislation to prevent the use of AI and deep fakes in campaign materials. AB 1068 (WI | 2024) AB 664 (WI | 2024)

FoxNews | Wisconsin legislature passes laws restricting AI-produced deepfake campaign materials

U.S. Senators John Tester and Mike Rounds introduced a bill to protect their respective state ranchers by prohibiting federal funded school lunch programs from spending funds on fake meat, like the kind made in labs. Meet the School Lunch Integrity Act.

Rolling back tax breaks for affordable housing is bubbling : Ft. Worth, TX eliminated developer’s ability to buy out their obligations for a $200 per unit fee; and Arizona Republicans have proposed cutting in half the tax breaks that developers receive.

Governing | Some Cities Sweeten Tax Breaks for Housing Developers

Comune di Misterbianco, Italy grants tax cuts of $200 Euros off local rubbish taxes for people who adopt pets from the local animal shelter. The town’s mayor calls it a mix of innovation and common sense as pet adoptions reduce the costs of local animal shelters.

MSN

Let’s give a warm welcome to Unlocking America’s Future, a campaign to protect the American economy, workers, families, businesses, and the environment.

In California, it is estimated that the state’s cost to process a bill from drafting to passage is $30,000. In 2002, the price tag was $18,000.

CalMatters | A bill for every problem? Why California lawmakers introduce longshots

A conservative think tank in Alabama, the Alabama Policy Institute, in its guide to the issues for 2024, argues against the legalization/decriminalization of cannabis because of the need to protect unborn children/fetuses from marijuana.

Alabama Policy Institute | Guide to the Issues 2024

Kentucky’s Speaker of the House is supporting HB 4 (2024 | KY) that is to be amended to allow the Legislature to call itself into session for an additional 12 days a year and extend regular sessions beyond constitutionally required end dates. Fun fact: In 2022, Kentucky voters rejected a similar constitutional proposition.

Kentucky Lantern | Kentucky legislature could call itself into session under amendment proposed by House speaker

This week Flutter, the parent of FanDuel, opened its offering on NYSE. Flutter joins Draft Kings on the NYSE. Flutter is the current market share leader for sports betting in the U.S. Who else is talking sports betting? Oh yes all those State Capitols that continue to debate sports betting. @cnbc

What kind of things could get a legislator kicked out in Arizona? Threatening to kill a lobbyist by tossing them over a balcony, disorderly behavior that damages the reputation of the chamber.

AZ Mirror | Facing expulsion for threatening to kill a lobbyist, Rep. Leezah Sun resigned from the legislature

Florida Governor is urging the Legislature to support Congressional term limits. The Florida House of Representatives has passed HCR 693 (2024 | FL) imploring Congress to call a constitutional convention to establish congressional term limits.

Orlando Sentinel

Florida Legislature is considering term limits for county commissioners. In 2023, the Florida legislature reduced term limits for school board members from 12 years to 8.  It’s like a legislative renaissance to rehash term limits. 

WLRN | Term limits for county commissioners are moving in the Florida Legislature

Boulder Colorado introduced a soda tax to create greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables for those who do not otherwise qualify for food benefits. @npr

15 states are not participating in a federally funded meal program for kids during the summer, the Summer Electronic Benefit Program. The program helps feed 22 million kids. Some states are rejecting the program because states cannot hire administrators for the program, and other states are rejecting the federal funds for political reasons. Nebraska’s Governor rejected the program which he described as, ” just another form of welfare.”

Governing | Why Some States Are Rejecting Federal Money for Hungry Kids

The year is young and we’re already talking about fake AI robocalls being used to direct elections. New Hampshire primary voters received a fake AI based robocall purporting to be President Biden and providing false voting information.

Route Fifty | Fake Biden robocall to New Hampshire voters highlights how easy it is to make deepfakes

New York Governor’s budget proposal includes the elimination of the state’s potency tax. This tax was included in the 2021 legalization legislation.  In addition to local and sales taxes, the tax potency  taxes distributors at the rate of half a cent per milligram of total THC for flower, eight-tenths of 1 cent per milligram for concentrates and 3 cents per milligram for edibles.

MJBIzDaily | New York governor proposes eliminating marijuana product potency taxes

Mississippi Governor is requesting $300 million in incentives for a proposed factory that would manufacture electric vehicle batteries and employ about 2,000 people with a median salary of $66,000.

AP | Mississippi lawmakers to weigh incentives for an EV battery plant that could employ 2,000

  New York’s Governor supports $400 Million in funding for the Empire A.I. Consortium to make New York a “national leader in AI research and innovation.” The Empire A.I. Consortium will include Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the State University of New York (SUNY), the City University of New York and the Simons Foundation research group.

Route Fifty | New York governor pledges to ‘shape the trajectory’ of AI development

Idaho is considering a bill that would limit the “use of artificial intelligence generated deep fakes in electioneering to manipulate a candidate’s recorded speech, photos or videos” when the AI use creates “a fundamentally different understanding” that did not occur in reality.”

Idaho Capital Sun | New bill in Idaho Legislature aims to fight use of AI to manipulate political electioneering 

Citigroup announced that it will be leaving the municipal bond market. For those in Texas, after targeting the financial and investment industry that utilizes ESG metrics, the number of bond writers shrunk and the cost of minimal bonds increased. Citbank follows UBS municipal bond market exit. A “Cost of Culture Wars.”

Route Fifty | Another large bank plans to exit the muni market

14 states amended laws to address organized retail theft. Alleged organized retail theft was thought to be 50%, that number has been retracted and replaced with LESS THAN 5%. Ummm…. yeah, that’s a big oopsie daisy in data.

Route Fifty | ‘Smash-and-grab’ robberies fuel new laws, but critics question the need

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has tracked economic impact of weather since the 1908s. In 2023, extreme weather cost more the US more than $92 billion for 25 major weather related incidents.

Route Fifty | Extreme weather cost $80 billion this year. The true price is far higher.

A December update to the Divestment Lists maintained by the Texas Comptroller includes new information concerning companies with ties to Iran and new policy considerations for entities with ties to the Sudan.

Texas Comptroller | DIVESTMENT STATUTE LISTS

A study by two university of Arkansas professors found that the more civil Legislatures are, the more productive the Legislature. “…our findings show that political incivility is having a real effect on our nation’s ability to govern — both in Congress and in our state capitols.”  

University of Arkansas | Study Links Political Civility to the Productivity of State Legislatures

 A Colorado legislator is not seeking re-election, and is citing reasons that have become commonplace. This Colorado legislator’s statement: ““While I’m proud of our legislative accomplishments, it has recently become clear that the sensationalistic and vitriolic nature of the current political environment is not healthy for me or my family.”

CPR | Colorado state lawmaker resigns, citing ‘sensationalistic and vitriolic’ atmosphere 

Shareholders were most likely to support ESG proposals that focused on freedom of association proposals, e.g. employees’ right to form trade unions, & DEI.

Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance | Which ESG proposals won the favor of investors?

How do cities bolster their downtowns? Would a tax break via an economic disaster zone help? The tax breaks could take the form best for the taxing jurisdiction. This could be breaks on property taxes, business taxes, or incentives for local banks to refinance commercial real estate loans to avoid foreclosures. Look to Detroit as a roadmap for these tax incentives.

Governing | Smarter, Targeted Tax Breaks That Could Help Resuscitate Central Cities

New Jersey has a new $2000 license fee to allow for alcohol delivery to residences. The permit prohibits alcohol delivery to college campuses, hotels and BYOB restaurants.

AP | New Jersey to allow beer, wine deliveries by third parties

In 2018, New Hampshire began its “Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative” that seeks to help return to work people recovering from substance abuse. New Hampshire has designated 350 businesses as “recovery friendly workplaces,” encompassing nearly 100,000 employees. Based on New Hampshire’s program the National Drug Control Policy released a new toolkit for employers and a ready-made state model law to assist in creating recovery-ready workplaces. 

Route Fifty | Sununu’s ‘Recovery Friendly Workplace’ serves as model for new national institute

Pennsylvania’s neighbors have legal cannabis. Pennsylvania’s legislators want the tax revenue. Supporters of legalization in PA say 50% of Pennsylvanians live in a county that borders a state that has legalized marijuana; and want to keep that revenue in the state. Supporters also favor a low tax structure that prevents black market sales.

FOX 43 | Recreational marijuana debate ramps up in Pennsylvania

Colorado voters this month opposed a ballot proposition to lower property taxes by pulling funds out of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights refund pool (TABOR). As a result of the proposition’s defeat, taxpayers retained their TABOR payments and the Governor called the Legislature into a special session to address property tax increases that could reach 40%. 

AP | Colorado legislature will convene to address skyrocketing property costs

The Texas Ethics Commission is asking the Texas Attorney General to give an opinion on whether sworn ethics complaints can be confidentially shared with members of the legislature. RQ-00519-KP

Maine voters approved a referendum to prohibit foreign companies from contributing to referendum campaigns in the state. It stems from HydroQuebec spending millions against a referendum to halt cross-border hydropower transmission.

PBS | Maine voters reject new utilities proposal, approve a stop to foreign spending in referendums

For the first time in 3 years, support for legalizing marijuana has increased to 7 in 10 Americans according to a new Gallup poll. Before this increase, support had been stagnate at 68% support.

On Tuesday, Ohio became the 24th state to legalize marijuana. Sales will be legal to adults, 21 and older, for up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana or 6 plants, and includes a 10% sales tax.

The Hill | Record 7 in 10 support legalized marijuana: Gallup

Remember how we talked about the Texas Attorney General providing this guidance letter on divestment due diligence? Well, the reactions are here. @TXEnergyBIZ says “Cynical, political “investigations” are only going to hurt Texas taxpayers and the Texas economy. #txlege #txenergy“. Investmentnews.com says 2 banks have dropped out of underwriting municipal bonds since the guidance letter.

Nevada has a state grant program for teacher’s to buy supplies. It is a $10 million grant program. “The just-launched DonorsChoose Grant Program follows a streamlined process: Teachers log in to the popular crowdfunding platform DonorsChoose, list what they want for their classrooms, and the platform leverages its existing relationships with vendors to fulfill their wish lists up to $500 each upon state Department of Education approval.”

Governing | Nevada Grant Program Gives $10M for Teacher Supplies

Santa Fe New Mexico voters will weigh in on whether a 3%excise tax will be placed upon the sale of homes over $1 million to fund affordable housing in the city. The new tax is projected to raise about $4.5 million a year for the Santa Fe Affordable Housing Trust Fund. 66% of Santa Fe voters support the tax measure.

Santa Fe Reporter | Poll: SF Voters Support Housing Tax

Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy | 2023’s State and Local Tax Ballot Measures: Voters to Weigh in on Property Taxes, Wealth Taxes, and More

Columbus Ohio has canceled $335 million in medical debt for 334,000 of its residents. The cost to the city will be $500,000. @goodgoodgoodco

The National Retail Federation says $12.2 BILLION will be spent on Halloween in the U.S. this year. That’s up from last year’s $10.6 billion. This translate to from between $854 million and $976 million in taxes.

Digital Commerce 360 | Halloween spending will surpass $12 billion: NRF

“Attorney General Tim Griffin said Northrup King Seed Co. has two years to divest the property in Craighead County under legislation passed by the majority-Republican Legislature and signed by GOP Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders earlier this year.” The Northrup Seed Company is a subsidiary of Syngenta Seeds, which is owned by China National Chemical Company, or ChemChina, a Chinese state-owned company. 

AP | Arkansas orders Chinese company’s subsidiary to divest itself of agricultural land

Texas Attorney General says that “Governmental Entities are advised that the lists of boycotters and discriminators maintained by the Attorney General and the Comptroller of Public Accounts are not exhaustive lists of companies that are in violation of state law.” What does this mean?  governmental entities cannot blindly rely on these verifications.

Bonjour, Keep our Republic, a bipartisan non-profit that operates in battleground states to build trust and confidence in elections. Polling shows that 21% of Republicans have confidence in elections while 71% of Democrats do.

AP | Bipartisan election integrity group launched in battleground Wisconsin

AP | Few Republicans have confidence in elections. It’s a long road for one group trying to change that

We’re use to seeing state Attorneys General suing companies, but welcome to 2023, when more cities are getting in on the action. 600+ school districts are suing social media companies. 12+ cities are suing car manufacturers for making their vehicles easy to steal. 100s of local governments have joined opioid suits. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform views this as ““monster that’s going to swallow all of courts.”

Governing | See You in Court: Cities Launch More Lawsuits Against Private Companies

The veto statement for SB 90 (2023 |CA), a bill that would have capped insulin costs by insurance carriers included an explanation that California is moving into manufacturing. 

CalMatters | Gavin Newsom rejected plan to lower insulin copays, saying a better deal is the works

Update to:

+1 state manufacturing pharmaceuticals

• September 28, 2023

Add California to the list of states that will begin/are manufacturing pharmaceuticals to bring down costs for their residents. Colorado was the first state to cap the cost of certain pharmaceuticals in 2019. In 2023, more than 20 states were taking action. California will be partnering with a drug manufacturer to produce pharmaceuticals with established controlled costs for Californians.

Route Fifty | California enters the ring of drug manufacturing. Could others follow?

The veto statement of SB 58 (2023 | CA), which would have decriminalized the use of some psychedelics, called for the Legislature to provide guidelines for therapeutic use. “California should immediately begin work to set up regulated treatment guidelines – replete with dosing information, therapeutic guidelines, rules to prevent against exploitation during guided treatments, and medical clearance of no underlying psychoses. Unfortunately, this bill would decriminalize possession prior to these guidelines going into place, and I cannot sign it.”

Ohio voters will be asked to regulate marijuana like alcohol. Proposition 2 is backed by the creatively named, Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. The policy goals are to create a revenue source and to lessen the impact of the black market. Opposition includes Protect Ohio Workers and Families, Ohio Children’s Hospital Association, and Ohio Business Roundtable. 23 states, alongside two territories and Washington, D.C., have legalized recreational marijuana.

SciotoValeyGuardian | Issue 2: What Ohioans need to know about November’s marijuana measure

The Bureau of Labor Statistics tell us that 78 percent of the new workers between 2020 and 2030 will be Latino. The UCLA’s Latino Policy and Politics Institute found that the Latino population increased at a greater rate than the entire state population in every state. The U.S. Latino GDP would be the fifth largest GDP in the world according to this report.

Governing | Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlights Growing Latino Population and Economic Impact

 CivicPlus National Community Survey  found that 41% of residents are content with the information coming from their local governmental agencies.  82% say local governments should be transparent and allow access to administrative decisions. 69% support local governmental app use for things like potholes, leaking fire hydrants, trash collection, etc…

Route Fifty | Survey: Residents want local governments to be more transparent

The Oklahoma Legislature is in special session for tax fairness. So what does that mean? It means that the Governor wants the Lege to pass “A trigger law mandating that if a state or federal court finds that some individuals, due to their race, heritage, or political classification, don’t have to pay a state tax, then no Oklahoman will have to pay the tax.”

KSWO | Oklahoma Legislature special session on ‘Tax Fairness’ begins

Add California to the list of states that will begin/are manufacturing pharmaceuticals to bring down costs for their residents. Colorado was the first state to cap the cost of certain pharmaceuticals in 2019. In 2023, more than 20 states were taking action. California will be partnering with a drug manufacturer to produce pharmaceuticals with established controlled costs for Californians.

Route Fifty | California enters the ring of drug manufacturing. Could others follow?

You know how we talked about a constitutional provision in Oregon that prevents Republicans, who busted quorum,  from appearing on the ballot because of the  unexcused absences from quorum busting to prevent certain legislation. Well, the Oregon SoS is keeping the candidates off the ballot. But, the Oregon Supreme Court is entering this game. A first amendment right in quorum busting? This is going to be fun to watch.

Fox 12 Oregon | Oregon Supreme Court asked to decide whether GOP senators who boycotted Legislature can be re-elected

The bipartisan, federal Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation Banking Act, was voted out of Senate Committee. Sounds exciting, right? Well, it is would allow cannabis businesses access to banking, including small business loans. Talk about unintended consequences, these legally operating businesses cannot use banks.

Schumer, Merkley, Daines, Sinema, Lummis Announce SAFER Banking Act

CNBC | Landmark marijuana financing bill clears big hurdle in the Senate

$218 million: the annual tax revenue if Ohio adopts a cannabis tax. According to a study by Ohio State, by year 5, the tax revenue is estimated to be $404 million. Voters are set to approve a cannabis tax this November. Ohio will place a 10% excise tax plus the state sales tax at 5.75% plus the local sales tax from 0.25% to 2.25% on sales of cannabis. 

We’ve talked about states luring workers with economic incentives as a method of economic development. We kicked off the conversation a few years ago with $10,000 relocation incentives in Oklahoma. Vermont has offered a $10,000 incentive too. Ascend WV offers $20,000 in incentives to move to West Virginia. State, local, and regional incentives have been successful, bring in new talent, and demand has been high.

Governing | Pay People to Move to Your State or Region? Maybe It’s Not Such a Bad Idea.

 Politics and the need for personal security is not just for Presidents any more. California is clarifying that elected officials can use campaign funds for personal security, including at their homes. AB 37 (2023 | CA)

California is taking on junk fees added to concert tickets, hotels, and online retails. SB 478 (2023 | CA) , The Consumers Legal Remedies Act, will define junk fees as unfair and deceptive.

I read a lot of Texas Attorney General Opinions. In Opinion AC-005, the interim Attorney General has recused themselves and the opinion is signed by Brent Webster. A name we all heard if we listened to the historic impeachment trial of suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The recusal is rare. There’s a statement about it in the link. The question the opinion answers is whether a Governor’s Executive Order under Chapter 418 Government Code, has the force of law under the Penal Code. The answer: yes, yes it does.

SB 58 (2023 | CA) is on Governor Newsom’s desk and will decriminalize psychedelics. As this bill works its way to a new taxable revenue source,  it also requires study of the use of psychedelics for mental health treatments.

The Department of Energy is offering $61 million for clean manufacturing investments. The projects selected “will drive innovation to advance the next generation materials and manufacturing and related energy technologies.” What projects are we talking about? Hydrogen, fuel cells, wind energy, conductivity metal-based material systems, AI/machine learning for aerostructures, domestic EV battery manufacturing, and circular supply chains.

New Mexico, Colorado, Minnesota, Vermont, Michigan, Massachusetts, California, and Maine have all fully funded breakfasts and lunch for all students. @good

Say this really fast to yourself- night mayor. The English language is weird. There’s an uptick in the number of night mayors in the U.S.   Denver is considering adding a night mayor. Supporters include entertainment, bars, and restaurants because a night mayor would be the go-to person inside City Hall for the hospitality industry. Seattle, Ft. Lauderdale, New Orleans, and Austin all have a night mayor.

Denver Post | Should Denver Have a Night Mayor?

Massachusetts’ State Auditor has asked the state Attorney General for permission to take the Legislature to court. Why? ” in an effort to get the two branches to open up their finances and divulge details on active and pending legislation, processes for appointing committees, adoption and suspension of rules, and policies and procedures of the Massachusetts General Court.”

Boston Herald | State auditor’s threat against Massachusetts legislature ‘rare,’ Andrea Campbell says

Minnesota’s first month of hemp derived THC revenue collection neared $600,000. The collections come from 571 licensed businesses selling gummies and beverages containing THC and the tax rate is 10%. Doing the math, this means $6 million in total sales in one month.

KSTP | Department of Revenue collected over half a million in cannabis tax revenue since July 1

Seattle’s Revenue Stabilization Workgroup was created to recommend progressive taxes. The workgroup offered the following tax proposals to increase Seattle’s local tax revenue: increase the rate of the existing Jumpstart payroll tax, create a city level capital gains tax, tax companies with wide gaps between CEO pay and the median worker pay, vacancy tax, an additional tax on the sale of high-value properties, estate tax, inheritance tax, congestion tax on local roads, and a local income tax.

Governing | 9 New Ways Seattle Could Raise Taxes to Balance Its Budget

The Oregon Secretary of State has interpreted Oregon’s  Measure 113 as disqualifying Oregon lawmakers who received 10 or more unexcused absences during the 2023 legislative session from running for reelection in 2024. This captured a group of Republican Senators who broke quorum. Quorum busting consequences in the land of the Ducks.

The Oregonian | Republican senators who boycotted work can’t run for reelection, secretary of state rules

Nebraska Legislature has appointed inspectors general to look into issues concerning child welfare and prisons. This week the the state Attorney General issued, Opinion 23-008, a 38 page opinion calling the Legislature created inspectors general an unconstitutional violation of separation of powers. The AG Opinion says “immediate access to the Departments’ and Division’s documents, information, and facilities” violates the  “constitutional responsibilities and interests.” of the executive and judiciary branches.

Nebraska Examiner | Attorney general’s opinion casts doubt on powers of Legislature’s inspectors general

California is selling state office buildings to developers who will convert the state office buildings into affordable housing. It started with an executive order,  Executive Order N-06-19  in 2019. The project is expected to produce more than 400 new affordable homes.

Office of the Governor | Conversion of Vacant Office Buildings to Affordable Housing Moves Forward

Courts are interpreting emojis. Money bags, a rocket ship, and a chart pointing up were interpreted by a court in New York as supporting investment returns. Hello, state laws and regulations are you up to date with communication methods?

@bloomberglaw

Colorado open records and open meetings laws require legislative caucuses to meet in the open. Now each party is suing the other alleging violations. Colorado’s law is unique. Some Colorado lawmakers want open records laws to apply to messaging apps, including messaging apps with disappearing messages.

Colorado Public Radio News | What really happens behind closed doors at the Colorado legislature?

Briefing time for the alcoholic beverage industry in Texas. The Texas Attorney General is considering Opinion Request RQ-0004-AC from Jacksonboro. The Jack County Attorney wants clarification of what the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code means when it prohibits an excessive discount. For example, if a package store advertises a bottle for $27 but rings it up as $11, is that an excessive discount?

Fresno, California is piloting new street vendor rules for Thursday through Sunday, 5pm to 8am. The new rules will require street vendors to be 100 ft from residential areas, 50 feet from the entrance or exit of a business and not within 10 feet of another street vendor.

ABC 30 | New rules to be enforced for street vendors in Tower District

Even if Legislatures aren’t passing divestment bills concerning China, pension systems are cutting investment exposure to China. CalSTRS is limiting its exposure to investments in China.

Deal Street Asia | CalSTRS becomes latest pension to cut its China exposure

 The Smart Surfaces Coalition  is a bipartisan coalition of mayors and 40 partners representing health, business, justice and more. So what options are there to cool cities? reflective, porous and green surfaces, along with trees and solar photovoltaic panels; can cool the air & reduce mold and flooding.

Governing | We Need Cooler Cities. Here’s How to Build Them.

To counter abortion restrictions 4 states are offering tax breaks for expectant parents. Georgia defined dependent to include a fetus to qualify for its dependent personal exemption. Utah passed a similar law. While Missouri and Louisiana incentivize donations to crisis pregnancy centers.

Route Fifty | After enacting strict abortion laws, many states are turning to tax breaks for expectant parents

The County of Miami Dade has hired the world’s first Chief Heat Officer. The CHO position was created in 2021 by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in partnership with the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center. Miami is said to be the largest city affected by the extreme heat belt. The CHO also works to achieve the county’s goal of “achieving net zero emissions by 2050, envisioning a green economy driven by innovation.” Since Mami-Dade’s CHO was created, Phoenix and Los Angeles have also created Chief Heat Officer positions.

Governing | World’s First Chief Heat Officer Has Tips for Managing Risks of Extreme Heat

Thank you Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance for breaking down the numbers on anti- esg legislation this year. 165 pieces of legislation in 37 states. 22 of these bills passed. That’s 13% for those keeping count.

Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance | Right-Wing Attacks on the Freedom to Invest Responsibly Falter in Legislatures

 On July 20th Ron DeSantis sent a letter to the director of the Florida State Board of Administration instructing them to “initiate a review to examine how AB InBev’s conduct has impacted and continues to impact the value of SBA’s AB InBev holdings.” AKA let’s divest from InBEv because “I no like.” Gov. DeSantis also added, “It appears to me that AB InBev may have breached legal duties owed to shareholders, and that shareholder action may be both appropriate and necessary.”

The Hill | DeSantis asks Florida officials to review AB InBev assets following Bud Light scandal 

California sought to tax short term rentals to fund affordable housing projects. SB 584(2023 | CA) went no where. It was backed by construction unions in California and authored by a Democrat, but ran into this issue in the California House: wage and labor standards for projects. A good reminder that obstacles can pop up from unexpected places. Adapt and pivot.

Cal Matters | Another bill going nowhere fast

California is considering a bill that would permit night markets, like are common in Asia, to thrive in the state. The goal is to cut red tape and ease the permitting process for regularly occurring outdoor markets. AB441 (2023 | CA) You may think, wow, you’re sending me to the wrong link, but in California legislators are limited to the number of bills they can file, so the author withdrew this bill and is gutting AB441 to become the night market bill.

CalMatters | California Legislature could boost night markets

A ballot measure in North Dakota will place an age limit on Congressional candidates from North Dakota. The magic age? 80. No candidate can be elected or appointed who could reach 81 by the end of their term.

AP | Proposed ballot measure seeks congressional age limit of 80 in North Dakota

Miami Dade forgot to renew its local gas tax this summer. The local gas tax cannot be renewed until January 1st, costing Miami Dade $18 million in local revenue. The takeaway: details matter.

Miami Herald via Governing | Miami-Dade Forgets to Renew Gas Tax, Loses Millions

19 states have created state retirement plans for private sector employees.  The plans are free for participating employers and self-funded through retirement account fees. They say these plans boost state bottom lines and increase retirement security for their residents. Win-win.

Route Fifty | State retirement plans close savings gap and pad bottom lines

 Illinois Governor has signed the state’s Drones as First Responders Act, HB 3902 (2023 | IL) . It will allow drones to be used at events that are outdoors, open to the public, and hosted by the state, a county, a municipality, a township, or a park district for real-time monitoring and threat detection during outdoor events. It also allows drones to be used for infrastructure inspections, public relations events such as taking a photo of a local organization, and to assist with public safety response, such as locating victims or fleeing suspects.

Route Fifty | Drones enlisted for real-time monitoring of public events