There’s less than 70 days until Election Day. Both major political parties have now formally finalized their nominees for President and Vice President and the vast majority of Congressional and Gubernatorial races are set. Most of the focus will be on which party will control the White House and both chambers of Congress in January 2025. Understandably, there’s less attention paid to the vacancies those elections might create and what that could mean for public policy. 

Some candidates for higher office resign any existing positions they hold. But many remain in office while running their campaign and stay in that office if they fail to win their new seat. In this blog, we take a look at some of these lesser-considered potential consequences of the upcoming 2024 elections this November. 

IF The Harris-Walz Ticket Wins: Multiple Shifts in Minnesota

If Kamala Harris is elected, she will become just the second sitting Vice President to be elected President since the mid-19th century, joining President George H.W. Bush. While this ascent is somewhat rare, it is also fairly drama-free — her vacated office of the Vice Presidency would be filled by her running mate. 

In this scenario, Governor Tim Walz vacating the Minnesota Governorship would have larger ripple effects. The Minnesota constitution rules that the lieutenant governor, currently Peggy Flanagan, would assume the governorship for the remainder of the term. Flanagan would become the state’s first female governor and the country’s first female Native American governor. 

Here is where the succession gets particularly tricky — Flanagan’s seat would then need to be filled. The constitution would assign that office to the presiding officer of the Senate, currently Bobby Joe Champion. Champion would also make history as the state’s first Black lieutenant governor. His Senate seat would then be vacant until a special election was held. This vacancy could lead to gridlock in the 67-seat Senate if Democrats retain the only seat up for special election — District 45 — this fall. Otherwise, Republicans would regain control of the chamber, at least temporarily, should they win the District 45 race. With a new Governor and a need to elect a new Senate President, January could be an interesting month in St. Paul under this scenario.

IF The Trump-Vance Ticket Wins: Ohio Selects Another Senator 

If the Republican ticket prevails, President Trump will become the second President to serve non-consecutive presidential terms, after Grover Cleveland. The only vacancy directly created by the election of the Trump-Vance ticket would be J.D. Vance’s Senate seat, which he won in 2022. If that seat becomes open, it would happen just as voters in Ohio elect their other U.S. Senator. That race is currently underway between incumbent Sherrod Brown and businessman Bernie Moreno. 

Ohio’s constitution would allow its sitting Governor, Republican Mike DeWine, to select Vance’s replacement. That person would serve through 2026, with a special election held for the seat that fall. Governor DeWine would certainly select a Republican to fill the seat, so there won’t be an impact on partisan control of the Senate. But just who he would choose will likely remain closely guarded until past Election Day. Should Moreno fail to win the Senate race, it’s possible that Governor DeWine could appoint him. Other options include State Senator Matt Dolan, former Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, and many of the current Republican U.S. Representatives from Ohio. The selection of Dolan or any other sitting legislator would, of course, set off another round of vacancy replacements.

U.S. Representatives Running For Promotions, and the Seats They Are Leaving Behind

It’s common to see sitting U.S. Representatives run for U.S. Senate or Governor in their home state. This election cycle has been no different. Because U.S. Representatives run every two years, these candidates generally forgo re-election efforts in pursuit of their next office. This means that they will be out of office completely if they lose. 

With their jobs on the line, U.S. Representatives generally run for higher office if:

1. Their House seat is fairly safe for their party to retain despite not running an incumbent
2. They have a pretty good chance of winning their race.

Nine sitting U.S. Representatives are major party nominees for U.S. Senate or Governor in 2024. All but three are heavily favored to win their races. Of these, only Rep. Slotkin of Michigan leaves a district considered a “toss-up” in 2024. Democrats will seek to hold onto her seat in addition to helping her reach the U.S. Senate. 

The 2024 Elections and Beyond

Public policy is never a linear game. Policy professionals know that legislation can have both direct and indirect effects. Analyzing each of those impacts is essential to good governance. This is largely true in electoral politics as well. One race can have downstream effects on several offices and the shape of legislative institutions as a whole.

When January 2025 comes and it’s time to sort out the shake-ups in who is serving where, Plural will be here and ready to help you identify the legislators you need to speak with, along with their staff.

More Public Policy Resources for the 2024 Elections

The Downstream Effects of the 2024 Elections on Other Offices

Legislative Sessions Recap: January-June 2024

5 Voting and Election Policy Topics You Should Know

The post The Downstream Effects of the 2024 Elections on Other Offices appeared first on Plural Policy.

State legislative advocates are beginning to assess the impacts of their respective legislative sessions, and hopefully also getting some rest. At the same time, state legislators are turning their attention towards the campaign trail. We at Plural wanted to take a high-level look at some of the work accomplished so far in 2024.

2024 State Legislative Activity By the Numbers

Let’s break down legislative activity into some stats:

• More than 110,000 bills and resolutions have been considered since January 1, 2024
• There have been more than 500 executive vetoes
• Nearly 10,000 bills have become law

Of course, these numbers only show the scope of state legislative processes. They don’t get at what really matters, which is the detail of the policies considered, vetoed, and passed. Below, we examine policymaking highlights from the first half of 2024. In particular, we examine how policymaking has played out across three legislative areas. 

Appropriations Work in 2024

About 25% of states pass biennial (two-year) budgets in odd years, meaning that they did not need to pass a budget in 2025. However, most states needed to pass a budget to fund their services in FY2025, which for most states starts on July 1, 2024.

Several states have not yet finalized their FY 2025 budgets. However, most legislatures were able to complete the work. One trend we saw in budget negotiations this year was concern over inflation and the near-term future of the economy. Large-scale investments in new services were relatively muted compared to the last few years. Many states, including Maine and New Hampshire, took significant steps to store surplus money in their “rainy day funds.”

Almost every state will need to pass a new budget in the 2025 legislative sessions. Some will even need to pass two-year budgets. We can expect that the economy and the election will continue to play a factor in determining how eager legislators are to spend money.

Education Policy in 2024

As always, education funding and policy has occupied a significant amount of focus in state legislatures this year. As mentioned above, fewer budgets needed to be passed in 2024. This meant that large-scale education funding was only up for debate in a few states. 

New York saw its education budget increase by nearly $1 billion. Legislators there extended Mayoral Control of the New York City School District for another two years, delaying that policy fight once again. 

Debates over charter schools and Education Scholarship Accounts (ESA) are becoming commonplace, both in New York and elsewhere. ESAs generally provide public funding to families to use for their child’s education. They can be spent on tutoring, or enrolling the child in a private school. Like charter schools, ESAs are highly controversial. Advocates argue they provide necessary freedom to families. On the other hand, critics flag the risk they pose to public school funding. 

Louisiana’s SB 313 was one of the biggest breakthroughs for “school choice” advocates so far in 2024. The bill, which recently became law, will replace an existing voucher program with a tiered pathway towards universal school choice. Under the law, stipends will be provided to all students, regardless of need. 

Battles over funding and school choice are just a small portion of education policy discussions. Other common topics include dealing with chronic absenteeism, workforce development, and dual enrollment programs. 

Voting Rights and Election Legislation in 2024

In an election year, legislation impacting voting rights tends to feel more critical and controversial. This has certainly been the case in 2024. However, this enhanced focus hasn’t stopped legislators from debating and passing several laws that will impact voting in November.

The Voting Rights Lab is a great source for tracking up-to-date information about changes in voting policy. So far this year, they have tracked over 1,700 bills across 44 states and Washington, DC. Of those, they identified 308 pieces of legislation that were harmful to voter access or election administration. They also identified 885 bills that, in their opinion, would improve voter access and election administration. 

Laws Restricting Voting Access

Under its new governorship, the Louisiana legislature has enacted several laws that could restrict voting access. This includes:

• HB 114, which would require an additional annual canvass of registered voters. This law could result in more registered voters being deemed “inactive.”
• SB 436, which requires that those registering to vote provide proof of United States citizenship. 
• SB 218 targets many measures that promote voting accessibility. This includes, among others:
  • Limiting who may join a permanent mail voter list
  • Limiting common activities to distribute mail-in ballots
  • Increasing requirements for voters requiring assistance in voting

It’s worth noting that not all of these bills will be in effect by this November’s elections.

Laws Increasing Access to Voting

Efforts to increase access to voting were both more prevalent and more successful in 2024. Examples include:

• Connecticut HB 5308, which eased access to vote-by-mail for those in nursing homes.
• Efforts in Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Nebraska, which make it easier for those who have been disenfranchised due to criminal convictions to restore their right to vote. 

Policy debates over voting rights aren’t going anywhere. The 2024 elections will most likely lead to further debate and prevalent issues. In an election year, it’s especially important to follow state legislatures to see how their activity may impact our right to vote.

As ever, the first half of 2024 showed us that policy doesn’t move in a linear fashion. Some states have made progress on democratizing access to the vote, while others have made it harder to vote. We will continue to monitor this issue throughout the rest of the year and beyond. 

What Is Still to Come?

Just over a dozen states remain in session, and there’s still plenty of work to be done throughout the rest of the summer. By mid-September, we expect legislative activity to slow to a near-halt as legislators and voters alike shift their attention towards the elections. 

Legislators in California and Ohio will continue spending negotiations throughout June. Negotiations over the largest and third largest state budgets, respectively, will potentially continue into July and August. Ohio’s budget negotiations will center in scope around capital improvement. California’s deliberations, on the other hand, are larger in reach. As of June 20th, it remains unclear what will make it into the final package. Legislators and Governor Gavin Newsom are seeking to balance progressive public spending policy with an impending deficit of nearly $50 billion.

Finally, perhaps the most impactful public policy event in 2024 is still to come – the 2024 elections. Presidential and Congressional races are already dominating the news. However, the elections will also decide the shape of policymaking at the state level. State elections in November include:

• Eleven state governorships, as well as those in American Samoa and Puerto Rico. Governor races in North Carolina, New Hampshire, and Washington are expected to be especially close.
• Elections in 44 state legislatures, accounting for nearly 80% of the country’s state legislative seats. Races in states where Democrats have gained control in recent years are worth keeping a close eye on. This includes Minnesota, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

Get Started With Plural

Policymaking can seem arduous and slow moving at times. However, it can also be amazing to look back across just six months to see the sheer volume of legislation considered and passed. AI-powered legislative discovery and collaboration tools like Plural make this work easy. You can review what’s happened so far in 2024 while tracking the work that remains! Interested in getting started? Book a demo today!

More Resources for Public Policy Teams

The Downstream Effects of the 2024 Elections on Other Offices

Legislative Sessions Recap: January-June 2024

5 Voting and Election Policy Topics You Should Know

The post Legislative Sessions Recap: January-June 2024 appeared first on Plural Policy.

The 2020 election heightened focus on various election and voting policies. This discourse set the stage for continued debate as the 2024 election approaches. Increased scrutiny has amplified discussions around certain key voting and election policy topics, including:

• Felon disenfranchisement
• Automatic voter registration
• Misinformation and disinformation in elections
• Legislature modernization
• Same-day voter registration

Each of these voting and election policy topics plays a vital role in shaping the accessibility and integrity of elections, highlighting the importance of informed policies to ensure a robust democratic process. As we near November, understanding these issues is crucial. Learn more below.

Felon Disenfranchisement

Felon disenfranchisement continues to be a critical public policy issue. It refers to the practice of denying millions of Americans the right to vote due to felony convictions. Racial minorities, particularly Black Americans, are disproportionately affected by the issue.

Disenfranchisement policies stem from historical practices. In the past, certain individuals have been excluded from voting as a form of punishment. These policies not only remove an individual’s ability to take part in democratic processes. They also have broader societal impacts, serving to isolate formerly convicted people. Many critics argue that this practice does not serve public safety or deterrence. Instead, these policies may hinder the rehabilitation of the convicted.

As mentioned, disenfranchisement laws have a particular impact on minority communities. In some states, a significant portion of Black adults are disenfranchised. In Florida, Kentucky, and Virginia, at least one in five Black adults is disenfranchised. Overall, Black Americans are disenfranchised at a much higher rate than their white counterparts. This disproportionate impact suggest a racial bias in the broader criminal justice system. Further, it signals racial disparities in the social policies that create the conditions that lead to incarceration.

Advocates have attempted to challenge disenfranchisement laws in some states. In Pennsylvania, legal challenges have resulted in changes to how felons regain their voting rights post-incarceration. However, many wins have been reversed. Restrictive clauses have been reinstated following the court challenges.

There’s ongoing debate and changes in policy regarding felon voting rights. Disenfranchisement has deep historical roots and significant impacts on democracy and equality.

Automatic Voter Registration

Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) is a policy designed to streamline the process of voter registration. It involves integrating voter registration procedures with routine transactions at agencies like the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Medicaid offices. AVR automatically updates voter information, thereby ensuring more accurate and current voter rolls. This process not only reduces the potential for registration errors but also diminishes costs associated with outdated or incorrect registrations​. Further, AVR also increases participation and improves the voting experience.

AVR reduces the need for paper-based registrations. It generates significant savings in materials as well as associated labor and mailing costs. In Ohio, shifting to electronic registration methods could save jurisdictions around $4.04 per registration in labor costs alone. States like Virginia have implemented systems where changes in DMV records automatically trigger updates in voter registration databases. This method is proven to save millions in costs related to undeliverable mail. It also significantly streamlines voter list accuracy.

Beyond cost savings and efficiency, AVR also addresses issues of inclusivity and access. In Oregon, AVR has registered a larger portion of minority and economically disadvantaged voters. As such, AVR helps close gaps in voter participation. Further, AVR also enhances the voting experience by reducing lines and wait times at polling places.

Innovative AVR practices have been implemented in other states as well. In Louisiana, OMV locations identify and process voter registrations based on whether individuals are already registered. This system has shown significant efficiency improvements. Ensuring that voter lists are more accurate leads to cost savings and reduced bureaucratic overhead.

AVR is a powerful tool for modernizing voter registration. It makes the process more efficient, accurate, and inclusive.

Misinformation and Disinformation

Misinformation and disinformation have dominated the discourse surrounding elections and voting. Efforts to counter this rhetoric are pivotal to maintaining the integrity of and trust in the electoral process. Misinformation refers to incorrect information that is often spread without malicious intent. Disinformation, on the other hand, is deliberately deceptive. Both undermine the democratic process by spreading falsehoods about:

• Voting methods
• Election dates
• The security of the electoral system

A significant challenge arises from social media’s role in amplifying these narratives. Platforms have been criticized for not doing enough to counter the spread of harmful election-related content. Critics argue that certain platforms have allowed misinformation to flourish, influencing public opinion. As a response, advocates have called for more robust regulations and oversight of these platforms to protect the democratic process.

Legal and regulatory measures are being advocated to address this issue more systematically. Proposals include:

• Strengthening laws against voter intimidation and false election speech
• Enhancing transparency in political advertising
• Improving the enforcement capabilities of federal agencies

Literacy initiatives can also help the public better identify and reject false information.

Moreover, efforts at the grassroots level have also shown promise. Volunteer networks have mobilized to monitor and report disinformation. These networks have helped mitigate the spread of harmful information during election cycles. Community-driven initiatives are crucial in creating a more informed electorate resistant to misinformation.

Overall, combating election misinformation and disinformation requires a multifaceted approach. Efforts must include legal reforms, stronger platform governance, public education, and active civic engagement to preserve the integrity of elections.

Legislature Modernization

Another key election policy topic includes efforts to modernize legislatures. This includes steps taken to lower barriers to running for office and efforts to make politics more accessible. Modernization efforts often take place at the state level and target women, racial minorities, and mothers. Key areas of these initiatives include:

Compensation and Benefits

State legislatures typically offer a very low pay. This can deter diverse candidates, particularly working-class individuals, people of color, and caretakers. Without higher pay, these groups are prevented from participating in governance without compromising their family’s needs. Advocates emphasize that legislators should receive a living wage, alleviating the financial burden of running for and serving in office.

Family and Medical Leave

In addition to low pay, state legislatures do not offer adequate family and medical leave options. This forces legislators to choose between their public responsibilities and personal family needs. These gaps in support can be particularly challenging for new parents who might need to take time off for caregiving without the possibility of paid leave.

Childcare Reimbursements and Campaign Funds for Childcare

High childcare costs can be a significant barrier to running for office. Policies allowing the use of campaign funds for childcare are proposed to remove these financial hurdles. These policies would make it feasible for more parents to consider and pursue political roles.

Structural and Cultural Modernization

There’s also a push to adapt the infrastructure of state legislatures to be more family-friendly. This includes creating more inclusive environments with facilities such as breastfeeding areas and child-friendly workspaces. These measures aim to normalize the presence and participation of parents​​.

Modernization efforts are championed by organizations focused on increasing the political participation of mothers. These organizations advocate for legislative environments that support and advance family-friendly policies. The goal is to shift legislative priorities to better support working families. This may include enhanced policies on childcare, education, and healthcare. With enhanced policies and a modernized culture, legislatures are better able to reflecting the needs and demographics of the communities they represent.

Same-Day Voter Registration

Same-day voter registration (SDR) offers several advantages. One of the key benefits of SDR is that it standardizes registration processes across all counties within a state. As such, it minimizes inconsistencies in how provisional ballots are handled. SDR also reduces the potential for litigation due to differential treatment of voters​.

SDR eliminates the issues associated with fixed registration deadlines, which often become contentious. This is especially true when external factors or technical issues affect voters’ ability to register by the deadline. By allowing registration up to and on election day, SDR provides a fail-safe for voters who might otherwise be disenfranchised.

Another important aspect of SDR is its role in simplifying the voting process. In the U.S., voting can be confusing due to varying deadlines and requirements. As mentioned, SDR helps in preventing misunderstandings that could lead to litigation. Moreover, SDR also increases voter turnout, especially among populations that might otherwise face registration barriers. This includes young people, minorities, and newly naturalized citizens. Finally, SDR also contributes to lower rates of disputes over election outcomes. Learn more about the benefits of SDR here.

Data across various states corroborates SDR’s impact on voter turnout and election integrity. States with a history of SDR show higher participation rates. This trend underscores the effectiveness of SDR in mobilizing voters who might otherwise be less likely to participate due to restrictive registration conditions.

In summary, SDR both enhances the electoral process and plays a crucial role in reducing the legal challenges associated with more rigid voting systems. SDR serves as a critical reform in states aiming to improve voter engagement and maintain election integrity.

Understanding Key Voting and Election Policy Topics

As November approaches, it’s imperative to engage with and understand key election policy topics. The issues mentioned above play crucial roles in ensuring a fair, inclusive, and democratic electoral process for all eligible voters.

Get Started With Plural

Plural is the policy tracking and legislative intelligence tool of choice for those looking to monitor voting and election policy topics. With Plural, you’ll get and stay ahead in the policy landscape. Get started today to:

• Access superior public policy data 
• Be the first to know about new bills and changes in bill status
• Streamline your day with seamless organization features
• Harness the power of time-saving AI tools to gain insights into individual bills and the entire legislative landscape
• Keep everyone on the same page with internal collaboration and external reporting all in one place

Create a free account or book a demo today!

More Resources on Voting and Election Policy Topics

The Downstream Effects of the 2024 Elections on Other Offices

Legislative Sessions Recap: January-June 2024

5 Voting and Election Policy Topics You Should Know

The post 5 Voting and Election Policy Topics You Should Know appeared first on Plural Policy.

Many state legislators have already begun wrapping up their last legislative session. Now, they’ll head out on the campaign trail. Still others in other states and Congress will slow down their work as we approach November. On both the state and federal levels, lawmakers generally avoid acting on significant legislation before an election. Most will rely on the work they’ve accomplished over the last two years as they campaign. At the same time, we live in unpredictable times. There is always the chance that surprises or crises could spur significant legislative action over the next six months.

In this blog, we preview the electoral map at a high level. We also assess recent developments and ongoing debates that may impact what candidates say and what voters respond to. 

Key Races in the 2024 Elections

Federal Level

At the federal level, the Presidential race leads the ticket. For the major parties, 2024 is shaping up to be a rematch of 2020. Joe Biden and Donald Trump are the presumptive nominees for their respective parties. Unlike in 2020, however, polling shows that a significant number of registered voters are considering third-party candidates. This includes Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West, and Jill Stein. 

In the House of Representatives, Republicans will attempt to hold on to their extremely narrow majority. Democrats will seek to flip control of the chamber for the third time since 2020. 

At the Senate level, Democrats must win several close races to maintain their small majority. This also means that Republicans have the opportunity to pick up key seats, particularly in West Virginia and Montana. Races in Arizona, Nevada, and Ohio are “toss-ups,” where Democratic incumbents could lose.

State Level

Eleven states will elect a Governor this year, and Republicans appear likely to hold on to their 27-23 lead in governorships. Among this group, gubernatorial races in North Carolina and New Hampshire are expected to be the closest.

Seventy-eight percent of all U.S. state legislative seats are up for election in November. In many, legislative power is likely to shift in one or both chambers. Arizona, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania appear most poised for this change.

Finally, voters in 33 states will make selections for their state supreme courts. Only some states operate with an electoral process for their supreme court justices. The style of these elections (e.g. partisan, non-partisan, retention) can differ across states. In the years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, these races have garnered increased attention from the media and organizers alike. State courts have been busy over the past few years responding to novel executive and legislative actions taken by states. In particular, they’ve responded to issues related to abortion, education, and cultural topics.

The Policies and Issues that will Impact the 2024 Elections

Elections are, of course, about more than the issues. Voters may select candidates based on partisan loyalty, personality, or leadership qualities. They may do so regardless of their alignment with the candidates’ positions. However, a lawmaker’s record on the issues naturally plays a significant role in determining the outcome of an election. Below, we examine key issues that will be at the forefront of the minds of candidates and voters alike. 

Economy

Americans cite economic issues as the most important problem facing the country today. This has been true for the past twenty years. What’s interesting today is that far more respondents indicate a focus on the economy than in 2020.

The “economy” is a broad, oft-overused term. Concerns surround the cost of living, inequality, unemployment, taxes, and many other issues. Assessing the economy’s impact on elections is complicated. So many factors, both within the government and without, determine the “success” of the economy. It can be difficult to connect one policy’s impact on this broad area. 

Voters are clearly concerned about the state of the economy. Perhaps a negative signal for President Biden, respondents indicate their concern despite consistently positive indicators of national economic performance like GDP growth, the unemployment rate, and the stock market. Negative attitudes about the economy prevail, despite positive indicators. These concerns will likely remain unchanged until November, regardless of continued positive indicators. However, a departure from these trends, like a market crash or unfavorable data, could further dampen the national sentiment about the economy.

One common indicator of economic strength is the inflation rate. Recent reporting shows that the year-over-year inflation rate is now below 4%. This is an improvement from recent years but not as low as the President or the U.S. Federal Reserve would like to see it. Significant progress on inflation could shift the minds of the many voters. As coverage and consideration of the economy is often nationalized, this issue could play the biggest role in the election. 

Housing

As we covered in late 2023, housing has been at the top of state legislative agendas for several years. Key housing issues have driven citizen to demand action from their lawmakers, including:

• Increasing home prices
• Economic tension between landlords and tenants
• Homelessness

Lawmakers have responded with funding for housing development, rental assistance, and support programs for unhoused individuals. However, more robust fixes will require long-term, consistent investment. As a result, lawmakers are pointing towards yet-to-be-developed housing or very new assistance programs as proof of their commitment to resolving housing issues.

Housing is a very local issue by nature. As such, nationwide concerns over housing encompass a myriad of issues with many different solutions. It’s worth tracking the areas where housing prices have increased most, and where homelessness has risen, to see how voters respond to efforts to resolve a housing crisis. 

Education

Education policy is another local issue that has been nationalized. This policy area has received greater attention in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, past debates over education funding and charter schools continue. However, they’ve also been joined by issues from the “culture wars.” States are increasingly legislating school curricula, discussions of race and gender, and staffing.

These issues are not novel. In many ways, their manifestation repeats past fights over the purpose and structure of schooling. Education policy came to the fore following Virginia Republicans’ strong performance in 2021. Political pundits gauged that their performance was buoyed by a growing “parental rights” movement. November is the first opportunity for many voters to respond to the policies enacted in the wake of those Virginia elections. The results will serve as an opportunity for the media to re-assess whether Republicans’ focus on eliminating DEI initiatives and Critical Race Theory was a winning strategy.

Looking Ahead: Key Issues and Races in the 2024 Elections

Recent elections in the United States have shown just how narrow a victory can be. In our current political climate, electoral victory is impactful regardless of the margin of victory. The 2016 presidential election was famously close. Only a few thousand votes in some key states could have ushered Hillary Clinton into the White House. Following his narrow victory, President Trump drastically altered the Supreme Court in a way that will impact Americans for decades. On the state level, a string of general and special elections in Pennsylvania have taken place since 2022. The outcomes of these elections have helped Democrats maintain a small majority in the state’s House of Representatives, which has had significant implications for political power in the state.

Countless factors determine the outcome of an election. This is particularly true for those as close as those mentioned above. At the end of the day, elections are a fundamental principle of representative democracy. Voters should be aware of the policy decisions made by their representatives. They can use their vote to reward legislators for those decisions. They can also replace them with a successor more aligned with their policy preferences. This core principle guides our work at Plural. We aim to make legislative data easier to access so that voters, advocacy organizations, researchers, and legislative officials can all easily access the legislative process and act in the best interest of our democracy.

Get Started With Plural

Plural helps concerned citizens and public policy teams alike get and stay ahead in the public policy landscape. With Plural, you’ll:

• Access superior public policy data 
• Be the first to know about new bills and changes in bill status
• Streamline your day with seamless organization features
• Harness the power of time-saving AI tools to gain insights into individual bills and the entire legislative landscape
• Keep everyone on the same page with internal collaboration and external reporting all in one place

More Resources for Public Policy Teams

Key Benefits of AI for Lobbying & Advocacy

Want to be able to explain the benefits of artificial intelligence for lobbying and advocacy? Everyone is talking about AI. And we get it, it’s not simple to understand. But as an AI-powered organization, Plural is here to help you get the most out of advancements in AI to make your job as a policy […]

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State-Specific Resources

2025 Legislative Committee Deadlines Calendar

Staying on top of key deadlines is manageable in one state, but if you’re tracking bills across multiple states, or nationwide, it quickly becomes overwhelming. That’s why we created the 2025 Legislative Committee Deadlines Calendar. Stay ahead of important dates and download our calendar today. Get started with Plural. Plural helps top public policy teams get […]

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State-Specific Resources

End of Session Report: Florida 2024 Legislative Session

The 2024 Florida legislative session saw significant activity in the realm of insurance and financial services, reflecting key themes of consumer protection, market stability, and regulatory modernization.

READ MORE →

The post Assessing the 2024 Elections: Six Months Out appeared first on Plural Policy.

What Georgia’s General Assembly Accomplished This Year

A number of bills passed at the very end of session will now head to Governor Kemp’s desk. Governor Kemp will have 40 days to decide what to sign, what to veto, and what to allow to pass into law without his signature. Meanwhile, many legislators won’t rest for long before heading out on the campaign trail. Every seat in the General Assembly is up for election this November.

Digesting and distilling so much legislative activity can be challenging. Fortunately, Plural’s industry-leading open data and innovative AI tools make this process much easier. In this report, we leverage that data and functionality to analyze what Georgia’s General Assembly accomplished this year.

Key Facts and Figures: Georgia’s 2024 Legislative Session

Across both years of Georgia’s 2023-2024 legislative session, 2,107 bills were introduced. This number does not include resolutions. Of these introductions, Georgia legislators acted on 1,167 in 2024. Amongst all of this activity, Plural AI was able to determine the following topics that came up the most:

• Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Law Enforcement, and Incarceration – 16% of legislation
• Appropriations, Budget, and Taxation – 16% of legislation
• Civil Law, Family Law, and Judicial Proceedings – 14% of legislation

Raw numbers don’t always tell the full story. However, in this case, our topic analysis aligned with the narratives dominating coverage of the General Assembly’s work. As is common across all state legislatures, budget discussions took up significant time and attention. The budget was passed on the last day of the session. National focus on public safety, immigration, and law enforcement was reflected in the number of bills on those topics and the tenor of the debate on those bills.

We will need to await action from the Governor’s office before reporting on exactly how many proposals make it into law from this session. In the interim, you can see all of the bills that Governor Kemp has signed into law so far here. This list is up-to-date as of March 29, 2024.

Looking Ahead: Beyond Georgia’s 2023-2024 Legislative Session

Georgia’s legislators accomplished a lot this year. A budget securing expanded funding for education, state workers, and infrastructure project received overwhelming bipartisan support. The Republican majority secured wins on voting and immigration laws. We can expect these to be touted in the coming months, as Governor Kemp signs bills and legislators ramp up their campaigns.

At the same time, every legislative session leaves some legislative priorities unresolved. We expect Georgia’s 2025 legislative session to include reconsideration of key issues like sports gambling. There will also be continued debates over voting rights and election law.

Book a Demo

With Plural, it’s easier than ever to connect with and monitor the work at the Georgia state capitol, in Georgia’s 2023-2024 legislative session and beyond. See how Plural can transform the way you do public policy work and book a demo today!

More Resources for Georgia

Georgia’s Health and Social Services Laws in 2023-2024: An AI-Generated Report 

Georgia’s 2023-2024 Legislative Session: End-of-Session Report

Public Policy Brief Template

The post Georgia’s 2023-2024 Legislative Session: End-of-Session Report appeared first on Plural Policy.

Each state’s unique approach to elections shapes the democratic process. Between factors like mail-in-voting and voter ID requirements, navigating voting laws is complicated. What’s more, the 2020 election raised concerns over election integrity and the security of our democracy. Heightened scrutiny on absentee and provisional ballots led many legislators to seek to modify our election process. As a response, voting rights advocates aim to break down barriers to voting.

What’s the status of new voting laws, and how will they impact the 2024 elections? This guide aims to help Americans navigate and understand the upcoming election.

Election Controversy in 2020

The 2020 presidential election was marked by confusion and controversy. Following his loss, former President Donald Trump questioned the accuracy of the election. There was surprise among election experts and citizens alike that historically Republican states like Arizona and Georgia went blue. This unprecedented outcome, paired with Trump’s claims, led to a slew of recounts, lawsuits, and calls of fraudulence. 

Scrutiny and public outcry, though largely unfounded, sowed widespread concern and unrest. On January 6, 2021, then-President Trump hosted a rally in front of the White House. On that day, Congress was set to verify the results of the 2020 election. This gathering quickly became what is now known as the “January 6th Insurrection.” Thousands of rally attendees approached the Capitol and broke into the building, killing five and leaving 174 injured.

Since the 2020 election, lawsuits on election interference have mostly been settled. Each recount returned without evidence of fraud or election interference. Though these outcomes are positive news regarding the security of our democracy, high levels of distrust remain.

New Voting Laws in 2024

Election laws have been a significant focus of legislative action in the United States since the 2020 and 2022 elections. As of the fall of 2023, 14 states have enacted laws that decrease access to voting. On the other side of the issue, 23 states have enacted laws that expand access to voting. All of these bills will be in effect during the 2024 general election. 

Efforts to Expand Access to Voting

In 2024, 23 states enacted expansive voting laws, including Michigan, New York, Nevada, and Connecticut, among others. Learn more about new voting laws passed in these states below.

Michigan SB 367, SB 370, HB 4697, and SB 373

The Michigan legislature passed SB 367, SB 370, HB 4697, and SB 373 as part of a comprehensive “democracy reform” package. As part of the package, SB 367 expands access to nine days of early voting. The next bill, SB 370 provides an easier process to vote by mail. HB 4697 allows for increased access to drop boxes. Finally, SB 373 sets forth a more expansive list of accepted identifications. 

New York A 4009, S 1733, and S 5984

In New York, the state legislature passed A 4009, S 1733, and S 5984 in an effort to expand voting access through various avenues. A 4009 requires correctional facilities to provide voter registration forms to formerly incarcerated people. Next, S 1733 requires high schools to provide voter registration forms to students. Finally, S 5984 allows citizens to register to vote closer to election days.

Nevada SB 327, SB 216, and AB 286

The Nevada legislature passed SB 327, SB 216, and AB 286. The laws make it easier for certain historically disadvantaged populations to vote. In particular, SB 327 and SB 216 make it easier to vote on Native Reservations. In addition, AB 286 makes it easier for incarcerated individuals to vote from jail.The new laws also increase accommodations for people with disabilities to exercise their right to vote.

Connecticut SB 1226

Finally, the Connecticut state legislature became the sixth state to enact a Voting Rights Act with SB 1226. This came as a result of recent Supreme Court decisions regarding voting. It was an attempt to ensure the discrimination protections provided by the Voting Rights Act are enshrined in state law. Under the new law, municipalities with a history of discriminatory practices are subject to enhanced oversight. The law also created a higher threshold of protection against voter intimidation in the state.

Efforts to Restrict Access to Voting

In 2024, 14 states enacted laws restricting voting rights and access, including Nebraska, Mississippi, and Texas, among others. Learn more about new voting laws passed in these states below.

Nebraska LB 514

The Nebraska legislature adopted LB 514. The new law requires all mail-in ballot voters without a Nebraska ID to mail in a copy of an approved photo ID alongside their ballot. There are few expectations to this rule, of which do not include the inability to access a printer or photocopier. Therefore, the new law may prevent voters from casting their ballot if they cannot access a printer. 

Mississippi SB 2358

In Mississippi, the state legislature passed SB 2358. Under the new law, anyone who is not an election official, postal worker, family member, household member, or caregiver and assists a voter with turning in their ballot will receive criminal penalties. Voting rights advocates argue that the new law will make it more difficult for people with disabilities to vote by mail.

Texas SB 924

The Texas legislature passed SB 924, which will allow counties to consolidate polling locations. The new law increases the likelihood of long wait times for voters. It may also require voters to travel a further distance in order to reach their appropriate polling location.

Overall, the most common forms of restrictive voting legislation include:

• Curbing access to mail-in voting
• Increasing voter ID requirements
• Banning the use of ballot-drop boxes.

It’s been proven that access to mail-in voting, ballot drop boxes, and less stringent voter ID laws make voting more accessible to low-income or otherwise disadvantaged Americans.

Implications for the 2024 Elections

Elections immensely impact economic, social, and political issues throughout the country. Presidential elections only increase these implications, since it’s possible that the entire Executive Branch will be transformed and guided by new priorities, strategies, and goals. Evaluating these implications is a key step in determining which candidate to vote for. Below, we summarize some of the economic, social, and political issues that the 2024 presidential election will impact.

Economic Implications of the 2024 Election

The Biden and Trump Administrations have very different strategies on key economic issues. Key economic issues include inflation, taxes, and corporate responsibility. The differences in these policies are crucial — they have a direct impact on job creation, the income of families, and the stability of the economy. Economic issues will play a major role in shaping how voters decide, reflecting what’s best for their own and their community’s financial health.

Social Implications of the 2024 Election

The 2024 election is generating significant discussion, especially when it comes to social topics. Biden and Trump have vastly different views on many social issues. They disagree on key issues like abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, affirmative action, and climate change. Social issues go beyond politics; they touch everyday life. Social issues will play a significant role in the 2024 election, as voters weigh the candidates based on their own values.

Political Implications of the 2024 Election

In the political arena, the outcome of the 2024 election holds significant consequences for the opposing party. The landscape of bipartisanship has grown increasingly fraught in recent years. Consequently, navigating a divided government poses considerable challenges in advancing policy initiatives. The election results could substantially influence the legislative process.

Check Your Voter Registration and Make a Plan to Vote

Ensuring you are registered to vote can be a complicated process. This is especially true if you are new to voting, have recently moved, or recently obtained citizenship. The best way to check your voter registration status within your state is through the U.S. government voter registration website. You’ll be directed to your state’s voter registration status website based on your address and information. 

Many states have voter registration deadlines of 15+ days prior to the election. This means you must be registered and confirmed prior to that deadline in order to vote in the election. Further, if you have recently moved, even within the same state or district, you must update your voter registration status with your state. Many states allow voters to provide this update electronically. These rules apply to general elections, special elections, and primary elections throughout the United States.  

Different voting methods will require a more detailed plan that differentiates between states. See our tips below. 

In-Person Voting

Voting in-person means you have ensured you are registered to vote within your state. If you’re voting in-person, you’ll be notified of your polling location to cast your ballot. 

Before arriving to vote, be sure to double check your polling location for each election. It’s not uncommon that a polling location will have moved from the last election due to staffing issues, or space availability. 

Absentee Ballot

Absentee ballots are similar to vote-by-mail ballots in that you are able to send in your ballot through mail. There are a few circumstances in which voting through an absentee ballot are accepted. These include if you are out of state during the election or if you are military personnel and currently abroad, or on an out-of-state military base, among others. Many states require absentee voters to provide a credible reason for their need to vote in this way.

Follow this link to find out if your state allows you to vote via an absentee ballot. 

Mail-In Ballot

Mail-in ballots are official programs implemented by state governments allowing people to vote by mail in any election. When voting with a mail-in ballot, voters won’t be required to provide justification as to why they are not voting in-person.

Vote-by-mail programs have seen increases in voter turnout. They provide voters with the flexibility of mailing their ballot weeks or days ahead of the election. Vote-by-mail programs allow voters with inflexible responsibilities to vote when it works best for them.  

Provisional Ballot

Provisional ballots are available for people whose names do not appear on the voter registration list at the precinct. Sometimes this is the result of a mistake — the individual either appeared at the wrong precinct, or thought they were registered to vote but did not complete their registration. In these situations, the individual may cast a provisional ballot. The Registrar’s office will confirm that the individual is able to vote in the election.

Get Started With Plural to Monitor New Voting Laws in 2024

The 2024 elections are right around the corner — are you prepared and informed on new voting laws? Plural is the policy tracking tool of choice for those looking to monitor new voting laws in 2024. With Plural, you’ll:

• Access superior public policy data 
• Be the first to know about new bills and changes in bill status
• Streamline your day with seamless organization features
• Harness the power of time-saving AI tools to gain insights into individual bills and the entire legislative landscape
• Keep everyone on the same page with internal collaboration and external reporting all in one place

Interested in getting started? Create a free account or book a demo today!

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2025 Legislative Committee Deadlines Calendar

Staying on top of key deadlines is manageable in one state, but if you’re tracking bills across multiple states, or nationwide, it quickly becomes overwhelming. That’s why we created the 2025 Legislative Committee Deadlines Calendar. Stay ahead of important dates and download our calendar today. Get started with Plural. Plural helps top public policy teams get […]

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The post How New Voting Laws are Impacting the 2024 Elections: A State-by-State Guide appeared first on Plural Policy.

Key Topics in the 2024 State of the Union Address

President Biden discussed several key topics central to his own and the Democratic party’s platform. These included: 

The State of Democracy 

The State of the Union address started out with a conversation on the current state of Democracy. President Biden was inaugurated immediately following the capital insurrection on January 6, 2021. Since then, he has made many significant speeches on the state of democracy in the United States. During the State of the Union, President Biden spoke directly to the current state of affairs. With regard to the upcoming 2024 election, President Biden declared that the U.S. is facing “the biggest threat to democracy since the Civil War.”

Reproductive Justice

President Biden often discusses his staunch pro-choice beliefs. This was no different throughout the State of the Union. President Biden called out his presidential predecessor for his role in Roe v. Wade being overturned. He also slammed the Republican Party’s interest in voting for a federal ban on abortion access, discussing the dangers of such a proposal. In response, President Biden called for increased federal protections for reproductive healthcare. He promised the American people that, if elected, he would protect the right to abortion and ensure abortion medications are available via the U.S. Postal Service.

Job Creation and the Inflation Reduction Act

President Biden entered office in the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Administration’s successes in COVID-19 response and recovery were a key aspect of the State of the Union address. He boasted about recovery efforts and how the country has emerged from quarantine with full access to COVID-19 vaccines.

The President also discussed increased employment rates. Over the past four years, the U.S. has seen the highest rates of job creation in the country’s history. With fifteen million jobs created in just three years, President Biden has seen the highest job creation rate of any U.S. president.

Job growth is due in large part to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a key success of Biden’s term as president. The IRA flooded state governments and the federal government with economic investments, clean energy programs, and job creation projects.

Support for Unions

Throughout his political career, President Biden has been a major supporter of Unions. In the State of the Union address, he boasted to the crowd that he was the first U.S. President to cross a picket line in support of a workers’ union. President Biden also spoke to the experiences of the middle class, including the difficulties they have faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The middle class has endured challenges from a reduction in policies protecting them. They’ve also had fewer opportunities to unionize. President Biden concluded this portion of his address by exclaiming: “the middle class built this country, and unions built the middle class.”

The Economy

President Biden discussed the state of the economy in the United States. Since taking office, the President has signed off on and implemented policies aiming to reduce inflation across the country. He’s also supported efforts to increase job availability. President Biden stated: “wages are on the up, and inflation is on the down.”

Healthcare and New Policy Proposals

President Biden touted his ability to secure a reduction in insulin prices to no more than $35 per month for seniors on Medicare. As President, Biden has secured the passage of this measure through Congress. He has also advocated for the application of this policy throughout the United States.

On the topic of healthcare, President Biden also encouraged Congress to work with him to pass a bill allowing Medicare to negotiate prices on more than 500 essential medications. These policy proposals and passages are key goals for the Administration, as they hope to build on the legacy of Obamacare.

Housing and New Policy Proposals

The President discussed the ongoing housing crisis faced by renters, owners, and buyers across the country. He proposed a policy that would give homeowners $400 per month over the next two years to apply towards their mortgages. For renters, President Biden pointed to provisions within the IRA to build affordable housing in neighborhoods in need. In laying the groundwork for these proposals, President Biden is also signaling to Americans what another term as President would look like.

The State of Education

President Biden is a staunch supporter of public education. His wife, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, is a former public school educator and continues to advocate for education. In the State of the Union address, President Biden focused on many topics related to education.

The President signaled his support for early childhood education and universal access to preschool. He stating that students who finish preschool are more likely to finish high school and achieve a two to four year degree, no matter their background.

President Biden also mentioned his ongoing effort to decrease student loan debt, and already providing essential workers in the U.S. such as firefighters, teachers, and medics with student loan debt decreases. Last summer, the Supreme Court thwarted his efforts to cancel a significant portion of the student loan debt that plagues many Americans.

Next, President Biden informed viewers about measures to increase access to education for marginalized communities. The Administration has increased Pell Grants for low-income students. The President also announced investments in Historically Black Colleges and Hispanic Serving Institutions. 

Finally, President Biden called for increased support for public school teachers. He unequivocally announced: “Public school teachers need a raise.”

A Re-Framing of the State of Immigration 

President Biden reframed the issue of immigration from how Republicans typically discuss it. Republicans often frame immigration as a crisis of too many individuals crossing the border, seeking refugee status, asylum, or formal green cards. President Biden framed immigration as an issue of an underfunded legal and social immigration system within the United States.

The President outlined a proposal to hire hundreds more immigration case workers, lawyers, and judges. With increased staffing, the Administration hopes that court cases can go from a six-month wait to just six weeks.

The response to this proposal highlighted partisan divides on the issue of immigration. It was met with heckling from Republicans and cheers from Democrats. As such, it’s likely that this will be a highly contested policy.

Foreign Affairs

In the last portion of the Address, President Biden spoke about the ongoing conflicts internationally. Addressing his continued support for Ukraine and speaking to the aggression occurring in Gaza. Israel’s response to attacks by Hamas in October of 2023 has dominated public debate in the United States. The President began his speech by stating that Israel has the right to “go after” Hamas. He also voiced support for the return of hostages within Gaza.

Afterwards, President Biden declared that Israel has the responsibility to protect innocent civilians within Gaza. These statements come after more than one hundred days of ongoing conflict within Gaza. More than 35,000 men, women, and children have been killed, and thousands more have been injured.

President Biden urged Israel to stop blocking humanitarian assistance from entering Gaza. He also shared that the U.S. plans to create a temporary dock on the coast of Gaza to aid in the distribution of humanitarian aid. The President concluded his discussion of the topic by encouraging a six-week ceasefire in Gaza and exclaiming the necessity of a two-state solution.

The President’s remarks on Israel and Gaza were met with a variety of reactions, both from viewers at home and legislators in the crowd. The conflict between Israel and Palestinians is a hotly contested topic within the United States. Many Americans believe Israel is defending itself against Hamas. Many others view what is happening in Gaza as a genocide, especially following the International Court of Justice’s interim decision. A few Democratic legislators in the crowd held signs asking the President to call for a lasting ceasefire.

Get Started With Plural

Plural is the legislative tracking tool of choice for policy teams looking to track key public policy topics on both the state and federal levels. Interested in getting started? Create a free account or book a demo today!

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The post The State of the Union 2024: Context and Key Topics appeared first on Plural Policy.

Legislative trends often emerge in the first few weeks of session. There is so much we can learn from the proposals considered across the country. In 2022, we identified trends in bills regulating discussions of race and gender in schools. That trend grew to be among the most hotly debated national issues this past year. This debate will only continue in 2024. Plural’s industry-leading open data and cutting-edge AI tools streamline and enhance legislative work.

The Biggest State Government Issues in 2024

It would be impossible to build a comprehensive list of the issues that each state will focus on in 2024. Instead, our research has allowed us to build a list of the topics which will be high on most state’s agendas this year. We’ve also identified specific proposals we see gathering momentum around the country. 

2024 Elections

Let’s get the big one out of the way first — elections will dominate political news coverage this year.  November’s elections will impact state legislative policy in a few distinct ways.

Voting Rights

Many bills related to voting rights will be considered across the country this year. In 2023, more than 1,100 bills expanding or restricting access to voting were introduced. Many of those same bills will come up again in 2024, and we expect hundreds more to be introduced. But prevalence alone does not make this our top legislative trend. The tenor and stakes of these debates will be extremely high. For better or worse, most voting rights proposals will be judged first by their potential impact on the 2024 elections. Advocates on both sides see these issues as central to ensuring a free and fair election. 

Culture Wars and Partisan Conflict

Federal elections, particularly the presidential election, will result in the nationalization of state legislative issues. Culture wars and partisan battles will prevail as legislators balance policymaking with politics. Abortion, parental rights in education, LGBTQ+ issues, and firearms regulation are areas we expect to see this dynamic play out. 

Session Logistics

Many state legislators themselves will be running for election in November. This being the case, we expect to see more sessions wrap up in a timely manner come spring. Legislators will be itching to get on the campaign trail. Fewer special sessions will take place this fall as election results signal priorities for 2025.

Affordable Housing

Housing affordability and homelessness have become a top issue at state legislatures. We recently wrote about the need for those in the housing space to monitor public policy. We expect to see proposals focused on:

• Affordable housing development
• State funding of shelters and emergency housing
• Continued action legislating the landlord-tenant relationship

Cannabis

At this point, state-level efforts to decriminalize or legalize marijuana are not novel. Despite this, recreational marijuana use remains illegal in just over half of U.S. states. Further, medicinal marijuana use is still prohibited in ten states. In Wisconsin, Hawaii, Florida, and New Hampshire, legalization will have a serious chance at passage this year. 

Even in states that have legalized marijuana, the subject remains prevalent. Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Ohio moved forward on legalization in 2023. However, there are significant intricacies in establishing a lucrative and regulated marijuana industry. Advocates can expect to return to their state houses frequently this year to monitor implementation plans. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

DEI policies were an emerging legislative trend over the past few years. This is true especially at universities. In 2023, this trend accelerated. University policies regarding freedom of speech, antisemitism, and racism have garnered attacks from the right.

Utah’s HB 111 would restrict the ability of private employers to require training that includes certain concepts related to race and sex. Utah legislators have already moved the bill out of its committee; it will be voted on by the full House next. 

Education

As always, state education committees will be busy this year. Education spending represents a significant portion of every state’s budge. Because of this, debates over spending can seem omnipresent.

About two dozen states must pass a budget by the end of this session. Those that don’t will likely still consider supplemental budget packages. New York Governor Kathy Hochul rolled out a budget that will increase state-provided school funding by more than $800 million. Legislators and interested parties will have their say whether the increase is too significant or not enough. They’ll also weigh in on the allocation of the funds.

Outside of education funding, other issues related to education will be hotly debated. We see continued trends in legislation relating to:

• Parental influence in the classroom
• Race in education
• Dual enrollment
• The expansion or restriction of charter schools

Environment & Climate Change Mitigation

In 2023, California enacted some of the most significant climate-related state action. The legislature passed laws requiring climate reporting by more large companies. As states adjust to meet their climate plans, we expect to see additional legislation. Twenty-four states have established greenhouse gas reduction targets. These states must evaluate their progress and adjust accordingly. Others may consider implementing targets of their own. 

As climate change continues, climate-related disasters increase in frequency and impact. Many states find themselves regularly considering how to respond to these tragedies. Hawaii’s devastating fires that took place in August 2023 will be a key focus of the state legislative session. Lawmakers will aid in the recovery of affected communities and victims. Further, they will plan for future fires and other climate-related disasters.

Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Reform

Criminal justice and police reform efforts have received increased attention in recent rears. The murder of George Floyd and subsequent protests in 2020 catalyzed this focus. Despite progress by advocates, there is certainly more work to be done. This session, legislators in Maryland, Georgia, Minnesota, and California will prioritize justice reform.

Crime rates are decreasing throughout the United States. Despite this, growing public concern persists regarding increased crime rates. We expect some lawmakers to respond to this growing concern.

In Georgia, the development of a massive law enforcement training center has been the subject of debate.. Disagreements between lawmakers, law enforcement, have persisted for years over “Cop City.” Community activists have fought to prevent the construction of Cop City. As development continues, lawmakers have advanced legislation that could further criminalize protest actions. Cop City represents just one clash between those on both sides of the debate over police reform.

Transportation

We will monitor many major transportation issues in 2024. Among these is the continued development of electric vehicle policy. In 2023, some states followed the federal government’s lead in encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles. Tax rebates and other incentives aimed to encourage public entities to make the switch to electric.

While many efforts have been bipartisan, most have been led by Democrats. Some Republicans remain critical of electric vehicles. These lawmakers also oppose any encouraged transition away from gas-powered cars. In 2024, we expect to see increased opposition to electric vehicles in Republican states. This might involve increased fees on electric vehicles and reduced taxes on gasoline. 

Using Plural to Track State Government Issues

Hundreds of bills are introduced as sessions kick off. It can be overwhelming to analyze legislative trends in one state, let alone throughout the country. However, keeping track of legislative trends is vital to understanding public policy. Dominant issues and trends started in just one or two states before going “viral” nationwide.

Plural makes the process of identifying and tracking legislative trends accessible and efficient. We’re committed to ensuring that every American can access high-quality legislative data. Using artificial intelligence, we leverage our data to identify trends and patterns.

Interested in learning more? Book a demo today!

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The post Top Issues for State Legislatures in 2024 appeared first on Plural Policy.

California’s Legislature has a total of 120 legislators, 80 Assemblymembers and 40 State Senators. The Assembly is composed of 62 Democrats and 18 Republicans, while the Senate is composed of 32 Democrats and eight Republicans.

Before the session began, Democratic leaders announced their legislative priorities:

• Housing
• Climate change
• Economic investment
• Big oil industries
• The opioid crisis
• Healthcare
• Systemic racism
• Public transportation.

Republican leaders shared their own, including: cutting government costs, tackling crime, acting on homelessness, investing in students, building water storages, and reducing wildfires.

Governor Gavin Newsom broke tradition by not delivering a State of the State address, where governors make the case for their agenda. Instead, he traveled throughout the state to share priorities. Governor Newsom’s legislative priorities include SB 2, ‘The Price Gouging Penalty Bill.’ This bill passed on March 27, 2023, and went into effect on June 26, 2023.

Key 2023 Session Data

In California, 3,036 bills were introduced during this year’s legislative session. Of those, nearly 40% (1,196) were passed by the Senate and Assembly. Governor Newsom has signed nearly 400 bills into law. He will sign many more throughout the rest of September. New laws relate to abortion, education, climate change, the LGBTQ+ community, and consumer protections.

Key Legislative Trends in California

• Gun control
• LGBTQ+ rights
• Climate change
• Abortion and reproductive healthcare
• Education
• Elections and voting rights
• Anti-discrimination
• Criminal justice reform

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The post Recapping California’s 2023 Legislative Session: The First Half of the Biennium appeared first on Plural Policy.

Key Topics in the California Legislature

Our research has highlighted the remarkable consistency of California’s legislature. Across sessions, the CA legislature is very consistent when it comes to activity, passage rates, number of bills passed, and time to passage. General information about the legislative process can be helpful for those predicting or reacting to policy. For our final blog in this series, we wanted to dig deeper. In this blog, we will go beyond the high-level of how legislators are acting, to look at what they are acting on.

We built and trained an AI model using Plural’s legislative datasets to categorize bills by their topics. Bills were assigned to 17 topic categories. We applied the model across two complete biennial sessions, 2019-2020 and 2021-2022, as well as the first half of the current biennium, 2023. Our analysis paints a picture of the legislative topics that attract the most activity in any given session.

Percent of Analyzed Bills within Each Topic Category, by Session (2019-2023)

A few insights immediately jumped out to our team as we examined this data.

Over the biennium examined, the legislature focused on Health and Social Services far more than other topic categories. Health and Social Services is a broad category, far broader than privacy, for example. It includes everything from pandemic-related safety measures to Medi-Cal reimbursement rates. Beyond the wide scope of the subject matter, this is also an area that lawmakers often highlight as a priority. It’s unsurprising to see more than 1 in 5 bills logged into this category.

More than 20% of bills introduced in 2023 fell into the Appropriations, Budget and Taxation category. This is likely overweighted, as the first year in a biennium tends to have more appropriations legislation than the second year. Despite this, no other category comes close to the level of consistent focus on Health and Social Services.

Finally, looking at this data shows the value in expanding this type of dataset. Five years of legislative data from one jurisdiction can unlock a few insights. However, the real value could come from comparing across jurisdictions or across wider spans of time.

Analyzing California’s Legislative Activity

Our analyses of California’s legislative activity over the past fifteen years has produced many interesting insights. We’ve learned that:

• A majority of passage votes to come in August in September
• Most bills receiving final passage votes will indeed pass
• Most bills that become law have a 30-35 week lifespan between introduction and final passage

Continuing and expanding this type of analysis can help better understand legislative activity. It can also give us insights into how legislative activity compares across jurisdiction and time. Here at Plural, we’re committed to using our data to help our community of public policy experts deepen their legislative insights.

Get Started With Plural

With Plural, it’s easier than ever to get and stay ahead in the public policy landscape. Get started today to:

• Access superior public policy data 
• Be the first to know about new bills and changes in bill status
• Streamline your day with seamless organization features
• Harness the power of AI to gain insights into individual bills and the entire legislative landscape
• Keep everyone on the same page with internal collaboration and external reporting all in one place

The post What Policy Topics Do California Legislators Typically Focus On? appeared first on Plural Policy.