Ballots Bills and Laws News

Ballots, Bills and Laws News – including assembly bills, senate bills, initiatives, new laws, and related state and Federal news, as issued by the Send2Press Newswire service.


Senate Bill 729 to Increase Access to Fertility Care for Millions of Californians Postponed to 2024 by Assembly Appropriations Committee

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 6, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — State Senator Caroline Menjivar’s (D-San Fernando Valley) Senate Bill 729, sponsored by California State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, was converted to a two-year bill by the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee on Friday. The bill can be considered again as early as January 2024.

Opposition to AB-1147 Gains Momentum: Advocates Raise Concerns Over Consumer Voice

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Aug. 31, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Assembly Bill 1147 (AB-1147) is under scrutiny as concerns mount over its potential impact on the voice of consumers and the democratization of decision-making. Leading this charge is Dr. Henny Kupferstein, a vocal advocate and DDS consumer who has rallied opposition against the bill, and who is a candidate for Assembly #77 coastal San Diego 2024. AB-1147 is scheduled for a hearing, and its implications have ignited a wave of concern among consumers and advocates alike.

ViewTech’s Video Borescopes Utilized for Inspecting Balconies and Elevated Structures

SACRAMENTO, Calif. and TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., March 16, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In response to the 2015 deck collapse in Berkeley which caused six fatalities, California legislation signed into law SB 721 and SB 326 requiring periodic inspections of exterior elevated elements (EEE) that structurally rely on wood or wood-based materials, says ViewTech Borescopes.

Lincoln County Voters Triumph as Board of Elections Scraps Plans to Close 7 Polling Locations

LINCOLNTON, Ga., March 10, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — After several attempts by the Lincoln County Board of Elections to reduce the number of polling places in Lincoln County Georgia, the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda and other voting rights groups were elated that the voice of the voters was heard and their efforts to stop the board from closing seven locations to create one was successful.

A Ballot Initiative in Nevada Aimed at Closing the Great American Divide

CARSON CITY, Nev., March 3, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — What if we could resolve America’s bitter division with one simple fix, without anybody having to change their mind on the issues, or switch parties? Ready for pigs to sprout wings? The folks at Common Sense for Uniting America (CSUA) believe that the division in America is a direct result of our voting method, and they just filed a ballot initiative in Carson City to prove it.

California Ferret Owners Submit Ballot Initiative to Attorney General for Legal Opinion, But Attorney General Ignores Civil Code on Domestic Animals

SAN DIEGO, Calif., March 3, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Non-profit Legalize Ferrets (legalizeferrets.org) announced today that we are disappointed that California Attorney General ignores Civil Code in Domestic Ferret Ballot Initiative. The ferret legalization grassroots organization, has repeatedly asked the California Attorney General for a legal opinion.

ACNM Reaffirms Opposition to Legislative Threats to Abortion Care

SILVER SPRING, Md., Sept. 22, 2021 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is committed to people having unfettered access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services, including abortion care, that are readily available, affordable, and guided by objective evidence-based information. Given this position, ACNM is dismayed by the failure of the United States Supreme Court to block the implementation of Texas Senate Bill 8.

Individual with Down Syndrome Testifies for Phasing Out Subminimum Wages for Individuals with Disabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 23, 2021 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) applaud the testimony of John Anton at Wednesday’s Education & Labor Committee joint subcommittee hearing, “Phasing Out Subminimum Wages: Supporting the Transition to Competitive Integrated Employment for Workers with Disabilities.”

Virginia Passes Two Bills Increasing Access to Midwifery Care

SILVER SPRING, Md., April 5, 2021 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — It’s been a busy and productive legislative season for the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). The organization is anticipating several wins across the country, but right now is thrilled that two bills in the Commonwealth of Virginia were signed by Governor Ralph Northam this month.

Governor Abbot’s Disaster Declaration Recognizes Dire Relief Support but the Texas Department Licensing and Regulation’s (TDLR) Responsive Mold Regulation Changes Wrongly Backs Emergency Licensed Mold Remediation Efforts, a Threat to Public Health and Safety

AUSTIN, Texas, March 3, 2021 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In response to the announcement issued by Governor Abbot on February 12, 2021, in regard to the severe winter weather that caused statewide damage, the Texas Mold Assessors and Remediators Association (TMARA), the leading professional organization dedicated to protecting consumers throughout Texas, issued the following statement:

Senate Reintroduces Legislation to Federally Invest in Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) Program

SILVER SPRING, Md., Feb. 26, 2021 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Yesterday, the Senate reintroduced the Mothers and Offspring Mortality and Morbidity Awareness (MOMMA) Act, critical legislation that seeks to reduce the disparate maternal and infant morbidity and mortality rates, especially among Black and Brown birthing people and infants. The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) strongly supports the MOMMA Act.

Federal Bill to Address Unexpected Child, Infant Deaths is Now Law

ROSELAND, N.J., Jan. 5, 2021 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The SUDC Foundation applauds final passage of Scarlett’s Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act. This legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Doug Jones (D-AL) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04), Tom Cole (OK-04) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03).

The Team Shawnie Advocacy Group Unveils Bill To Protect Children With Disabilities

SEEKONK, Mass., Nov. 19, 2020 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Team Shawnie Advocacy Group, an over-watch children’s advocate agency based in Seekonk, MA, has been working vigorously alongside State Representative, Steven Howitt (R), Bristol County to implement Bill H. 132 (Shawnie Bill) that would close loopholes in our Mental Health Care system in Massachusetts. Because of these loopholes, abuse of incapacitated children and adolescents occur daily.

Mental Health Awareness License Plate Winning Design

LAFAYETTE, Calif., June 23, 2020 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — BeingwellCA, a California 501(c)(3), submitted the initial design for the Mental Health Awareness License Plate to California Department of Education for DMV review.

COVID-19 Response Shines Light on Need for Civil Liberty Protections: California Organization Drafts Bill to Fix Health and Safety Code

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 10, 2020 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In an effort to protect the right to body autonomy, California Health Coalition Advocacy (CHCA) has drafted legislation that would protect the right to refuse a long list of medical and non-medical interventions issued by the California Department of Public Health and Governor Newsom.

Keep Our Seniors Safe Act Signed by Governor Newsom

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Oct. 18, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Consumer Advocates for RCFE Reform (CARR) announces that California Governor Newsom signed the Keep Our Seniors Safe Act, a part of SB 172 (Portantino) which was signed into law on 12 October, 2019.

Florida Distillers Go to Capitol Hill to Urge Support for Spirits Tax Cut Bill

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., July 31, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The St. Augustine Distillery joined two Florida distillers along with more than 150 craft distillers from around the country who gathered in Washington, D.C. from July 22 through July 24 for the distilled spirits industry’s 10th Annual Public Policy Conference, co-hosted by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA).

Energy Jobs Will Be Easier to Find for Virginians After Enactment of HB2008/SB1348

RICHMOND, Va., May 16, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Energy sector jobs will be easier to find following Governor Northam’s approval of HB2008 / SB1348 earlier this year. The legislation creates a 17th Energy Career Cluster in the state’s education system, says the Virginia Energy Workforce Consortium. An Energy Career Cluster will introduce students to career opportunities in energy and focus their education on the jobs needed to meet the industry’s growing workforce needs.

The Florida Legislature Takes Ground-Breaking Steps Towards Solving the Opioid Crisis in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., May 14, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In an effort to combat the opioid epidemic, which just seems to be getting worse, the Florida legislature took proactive steps in fighting this deadly problem during this year’s 2019 legislative session, The Florida Society for Doctors of Oriental Medicine announced today.

New Bill Targets Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans

ATLANTA, Ga., April 18, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors (SBA) issued a statement today informing employers that bipartisan legislation currently pending could significantly revise the rules for employer-sponsored retirement plans.

SUDC Foundation Applauds Reintroduction of Federal Bill to Address Unexpected Child, Infant Deaths

ROSELAND, N.J., April 12, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The SUDC Foundation is pleased to support Scarlett’s Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act, legislation reintroduced by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Doug Jones (D-AL) and U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04), Tom Cole (OK-04) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) to combat sudden, unexpected infant and child deaths.

Keep Our Seniors Safe Act Passes Senate Committee – Portantino’s SB 172

SAN DIEGO, Calif., April 3, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Consumer Advocates for RCFE Reform (CARR) announces its collaboration and partnership with California State Senator Anthony Portantino (D, SD 25) in the drafting of Senate Bill 172 Firearms, enhancing safe storage protections for the two most vulnerable populations in our society: the elderly and children.

SUDC Foundation Applauds Introduction of Federal Bill to Address Unexpected Child, Infant Deaths

CEDAR GROVE, N.J., Oct. 1, 2018 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The SUDC Foundation is pleased to support Scarlett’s Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04), Tom Cole (OK-04) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) to combat Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).

The Punjabi American Heritage Society announces the passing of resolution ACR 267 to declare month of November as Sikh Appreciation and Awareness month in California

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 24, 2018 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — California Assembly members gave a standing ovation and warm welcome to Sikh American guests at the California State Assembly (August 21, 2018), says The Punjabi American Heritage Society. The Assembly unanimously passed resolution ACR 267 declaring the month of November as Sikh Appreciation and Awareness Month.

In Michigan, a Battle between Veteran Asbestos Cancer Victims and the Asbestos Industry

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 23, 2018 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Two weeks ago a bill HB 5456 titled Asbestos Claim Transparency, drafted by the National Chamber of Commerce and Asbestos companies was pushed into Michigan with promises of campaign donations, says Goldberg, Persky & White P.C. Today, Michigan’s Commanders Group (Congressionally Chartered Veterans Organizations) filed their resolution in opposition to the bill.

Michigan Veterans File Opposition to Asbestos Bill

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 8, 2018 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Michigan’s top Mesothelioma legal expert on behalf of hundreds of Michigan Veterans with asbestos disease, Goldberg, Persky & White P.C., today issued the following statement and alert in response to passage of HB 5456, the so-called “Asbestos Bankruptcy Transparency Act,” out of the Michigan House of Representatives Republican controlled “Competitiveness” committee on a straight party line vote.

City of La Mesa offers Official Proclamation in Support of Ferret Legalization for California

LA MESA, Calif., Nov. 15, 2017 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mayor Mark Arapostathis and all members of the La Mesa City Council issued a proclamation on November 9 urging the California State Legislature to pass ferret legalization legislation, non-profit Legalize Ferrets announced today.

Ferret Owners Hopeful as California Fish and Game Commission Consider Issuing Permits for Ferrets

LA MESA, Calif., April 4, 2017 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Legalize Ferrets, a California organization that continues to advocate for ferret legalization in the state, has a watchful eye on The California Fish and Game Commission this month. Why? The commission is set to consider issuing permits for ferrets during its April 26, 2017 meeting in Van Nuys, Calif.

Florida Justice Association Blocks Insurance Lobby Attacks On Consumer Rights

BRADENTON, Fla., April 15, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Bradenton personal injury lawyer, and Florida Justice Association board member, Bernard F. Walsh took note of the successful effort by Florida Justice Association members to block extreme reduction in personal injury claim awards.

CA SB277: Marin Chiropractor Dr. Harte Says Power Structure Bigoted Against Boy in Wheelchair, vs. Leukemia Boy

CORTE MADERA, Calif., July 16, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dr. Don Harte, Marin chiropractor, charges the media with ‘an evil bigotry.’ He says, ‘The mass media refuses to acknowledge the existence of vaccine-injured children. This is quite a trick, since we are talking millions of children.’

New Research Exposes Folly of Wisconsin’s Prevailing Wage Repeal Proposal

MADISON, Wis., June 2, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Just completed research by Colorado State University Economist Kevin Duncan and Smart Cities Prevail Researcher Alex Lantsberg reveals that Wisconsin’s proposed prevailing wage repeal (AB 32) will cost the state nearly 9,000 jobs, $1.2 billion in economic output, $77 million in tax revenue, and will export an estimated $500 million in construction investments out of state.

NCGA House of Representatives to Honor Hoogstra, Hendersonville Hospice Contributions with Resolution

RALEIGH, N.C., April 27, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — A resolution recognizing the importance of hospice care and honoring the memory of a western North Carolina visionary and Four Seasons Compassion for Life founder Jean Moulthrop Hoogstra is slated to be read this evening from the floor of the House of Representatives today.

North Dakota Passes First Acupuncture Law

BISMARCK, N.D., April 21, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As a result of the efforts of a small group of dedicated acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) practitioners from the North Dakota Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and proponents of AOM in North Dakota, Governor Jack Dalrymple signed SB 2191 into effect on March 23, 2015, the state’s first law regulating the practice of acupuncture, the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM(R)) announced today.

California Ferret Enthusiasts Launch Crowdfunding Campaign for Ballot Initiative on National Ferret Day

LA MESA, Calif., April 1, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Tired of working and waiting for ferret legalization, which never comes despite thirty years of efforts – LegalizeFerrets.org is planning a ballot initiative to free our domestic ferrets from unnecessary and unfair regulation. April 2 is National Ferret Day in the USA and California ferret lovers are using the occasion to launch a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo.

Consumer Advocates for RCFE Reform (CARR) Sponsors California Excluded Persons List Legislation AB 1122

SAN DIEGO, Calif., March 4, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Consumer Advocates for RCFE Reform announced today that Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D – San Bernardino) introduced the ‘Excluded Persons Administrative Action List,’ or ‘EPAAL’ legislation on Friday 27 February 2015. AB 1122 as it is now known, will require the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing (DSS/CCL) to publish on its website a list of all persons who have been excluded from owning, operating and/or working inside any licensed care facility as a result of an Administrative Law proceeding.

Bereaved families receive special Holiday gift as President Obama enacts legislation to combat sudden death in children

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 18, 2014 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The SUDC Foundation celebrates the legislation signed into law today by President Obama which is deeply personal to all those who have lost a child to Stillbirth, Sudden Infant Death or Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). ‘This is the best Christmas gift ever,’ said Laura Crandall to President Obama at the bill signing today in the White House.

Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment Questionnaire replaces universal TB testing requirement for school employees, volunteers and contractors

OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 10, 2014 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The California Tuberculosis Controllers Association (CTCA) announces, effective Jan. 1, 2015, Pre-K and K-12 public, private and parochial school employees, volunteers (with frequent and prolonged student contact) and contractors are required to get a tuberculosis (TB) test only when TB risk factors are identified.

Families Overjoyed as the U.S. House of Representatives passes the Sudden Unexpected Death Data Enhancement and Awareness Act (S.2746/H.R.669)

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 3, 2014 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ‘After six years in Congress, I am overwhelmed with the bill’s passage,’ said Laura Crandall, SUDC Foundation President and mother of Maria who died inexplicably at the age of 15 months. ‘This legislation marks the first time our federal government even recognizes the existence of sudden unexplained deaths of children after their first birthday. I am proud of our government today.’

The SUDC Foundation commends the Senate’s passage of the Sudden Unexpected Death Data Enhancement and Awareness Act

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 21, 2014 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — According to the SUDC Foundation, every year approximately 30,000 families in the U.S. are affected by Stillbirth, Sudden Unexpected Infant Death or Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). SUDC is defined as the sudden death of a child greater than 1 year of age that remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the child’s medical history.

Senate HELP Committee approves Sudden Death Data Enhancement and Awareness Act (S.2746/H.R.669)

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 20, 2014 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The SUDC Foundation applauds the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on their passage of the Sudden Unexpected Death Data Enhancement and Awareness Act (S.2746/H.R.669).