California leads lawsuit over federal conditions on public-safety grants
California is leading a multistate lawsuit over federal election and immigration conditions tied to grants that fund emergency communications, training and preparedness.
State News
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Arkansas library funding could hinge on proposed minors’ access rules
Proposed Arkansas library rules could restrict minors’ access to some materials and put state aid for internet, databases, delivery and youth programs at stake.
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Arizona Supreme Court ruling may lower values for orchards, vineyards
A July 24 Arizona Supreme Court ruling limits separate crop valuations for qualifying agricultural property, which could lower taxable values for some owners.
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Alaska LNG tax talks return to Juneau without a new bill
Alaska lawmakers returned for a third LNG special session, but no replacement tax bill was ready after HB 381 failed in a 19-19 House vote.
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Gov. Ivey creates Alabama commission to study K-12 screen use
Gov. Kay Ivey’s July 22 order creates a commission on K-12 screen use. Its report is due Dec. 1, 2026, before possible 2027 legislation.
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West Virginia seeks expedited disaster declaration as cleanup continues
West Virginia is seeking an expedited federal disaster declaration after July flooding as crews remove debris and damage assessments continue in seven counties.
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Washington millionaire-tax repeal heads to ballot as lawsuits challenge wording
Washington Initiative 645 is certified for the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot, while two separate lawsuits challenge how its tax and fiscal effects are described.
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Virginia groundwater study warns of added pressure from data-center growth
A delayed Virginia study says Eastern Virginia groundwater is constrained and could decline, raising questions about data-center permits and water planning.
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Brattleboro hospital deficit estimated at at least $30 million
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital administrators estimate at least $30 million in multiyear losses as Vermont regulators and town officials weigh next steps.
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Utah: SR-153 through Beaver Canyon closed indefinitely after flooding
Flooding and debris flows damaged SR-153 through Beaver Canyon, cutting off mountain access and leaving UDOT without a reopening timeline.
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Texas leaders set 3% lower baseline for 2028-29 agency budget requests
Texas leaders are requiring agencies, appellate courts and universities to build 2028-29 budget requests around a 3% lower baseline, with major exemptions.
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Tennessee’s 2026 back-to-school sales tax holiday starts July 31
Tennessee’s three-day 2026 sales tax holiday runs July 31-Aug. 2, with item limits for qualifying clothing, school supplies, art supplies and computers.
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South Dakota Schools Gain Federal Education Flexibility, With Limits
South Dakota can consolidate certain federal education funds through 2029 and approve selected district waivers through 2030-31, but core rules remain.
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South Carolina budget deal leaves raises and projects awaiting final votes
A July 22 compromise would fund teacher and state-worker raises and key services, but South Carolina still lacked an enacted 2026-27 budget on July 29.
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ICE detention plans end for warehouses in Berks and Schuylkill counties
DHS withdrew appeals tied to two proposed Pennsylvania ICE detention sites, but DEP orders, inspections and local infrastructure questions remain.
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Oregon wildfire response expands as Shingle Fire closes Highway 26
Oregon — A July 27 update says the Shingle Fire threatens about 170 homes near Dayville as evacuations, structural protection and a Highway 26 closure remain active.
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Oklahoma Medicaid fraud case widens as AG probes thousands of enrollments
Oklahoma’s Medicaid agency says thousands of residents may have been fraudulently enrolled as the attorney general examines oversight and fraud referrals.
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Ohio property-tax credit is temporary as bigger funding fight continues
Ohio’s new one-year property-tax credit may help eligible homestead recipients, but lawmakers still have to resolve how schools and local services are funded.
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North Dakota lawmakers weigh AI and data-center rules after crowded hearing
North Dakota lawmakers are studying AI and data-center rules after a crowded Bismarck hearing raised concerns about local control, water, power and land use.
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North Carolina Senate advances HB 958; final vote remains ahead
North Carolina HB 958 passed a Senate committee on July 28 after a substitute and amendment, but it is not law. A Senate floor vote remains ahead.
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New York Pauses State Permits for Large Data Centers
New York paused certain state permits for large data centers while officials review grid, water, environmental and ratepayer risks statewide.
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PNM-Blackstone acquisition pushed to 2027 after $400M stock sale voided
New Mexico regulators voided a $400 million stock sale tied to the proposed PNM-Blackstone acquisition, which now has a May 31, 2027 timeline.