Are You Ready For Some LEGISLATING? edition

Legislative session preseason action is just heating up in most states, but a few have hit the two-minute warning as the year draws to a close. 

• No timeouts left: Earlier today, Michigan's GOP-led legislature approved that petition-driven measure that outlaws abortion coverage except through a separately purchased rider on a woman's health insurance policy. The rape insurance law will go into effect in March, and there will be no hail Marys -- the new law neither requires the governor's approval nor that of Michigan's voters. (Democracy!)

• Those Michigan lawmakers were awfully busy today -- the House also passed a controversial new campaign finance bill. In its current form (it still has to re-pass the state Senate), the measure doubles contribution limits and shields the anonymity of donors behind those so-called "issue ads" that suggest a candidate drowns puppies for fun but don't specifically ask you to vote for/against him/her. (More democracy!)

• Punting: Ohio legislators are holding over a bill that eliminates the "Golden Week" -- the week during which Ohioans can both register to vote and cast their early in-person absentee ballots at the same time -- until next year. (So much democracy!)

• Substitution entering the field: Colorado Democrats have selected Arvada City Councilwoman Rachel Zenzinger to replace Evie Hudak in the state Senate. Hudak resigned last week to preserve the Democrats' one-seat Senate majority in the face of an anti-gun safety group-sponsored recall like the ones that took out two of her colleagues earlier this year. Zenzinger will run to keep the seat in the November 2014 general election. (Close one!)

• Checking the scoreboard: Speaking of gun safety laws, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence just released its 2013 State Scorecard, which evaluates and ranks each state based on each's policies on regulating guns and ammo. (Guess who's winning.)

• Mid-season draft: The two candidates to replace lieutenant governor-elect Ralph Northam in the Virginia state Senate are already up with TV and radio ads. The special election, which will determine effective majority control of the chamber, will be held on January 7, 2014. (Virginia: America's perpetual employment program for campaign staffers.)

• Reviewing the play: Speaking of Virginia, the recount in the attorney general race slogs on. A three-judge panel has set the rules for next week's recount, which will begin on December 17 in most localities ("workload concerns" led the panel to permit Alexandria, Chesapeake, and Fairfax County to begin the process a day early). (Suspense! Drama! Possibly ignoring voters!)

• Pregame: Pre-filing of legislation for next year's sessions has begun in some states, including Virginia, where GOP Del. Bob Marshall has already introduced a measure that would prohibit the Commonwealth's police or other "agents" from enforcing of any federal gun-related measures enacted after 12/1/13. Additionally, legislators have introduced bills to implement partisan voter registration, raise the minimum wage, and repeal the ban on same sex marriage. (Quick, guess the bill with a snowball's chance of passing and being signed into law!)

• In Florida, measures have been introduced to establish term limits for state lawmakers and to place a "granite monument" of the Ten Commandments on Capitol grounds. (Art!)

• In South Carolina, legislators have introduced measures that would establish universal kindergarten for four-year-olds and implement new safety rules for mopeds. (Vroom!)

• Play of the week: Another measure we can expect to see kicked around in lots of GOP-controlled statehouses next year is one calling for an Article V Convention of States aimed at amending the Constitution to require a balanced federal budget, implement term limits for Supreme Court justices, do away with the direct election of U.S. Senators... or whatever; the sky's the limit! Dave Weigel and Emma Roller did a groovy piece on a little party supporters of the Article V effort had over the weekend. Did your invitation get lost in the mail? No worries; apparently the whole gang is getting together again in the spring.

For the Week of December 11, 2013 The following 8 state legislatures are actively meeting this week: MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MISSOURI, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, OREGON, PENNSYLVANIA, and TENNESSEE. Also meeting: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, PUERTO RICO.

GROUPS The National Black Caucus of State Legislators will hold its 37th Annual Legislative Conference December 11-14 at the Peabody Memphis Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee.     The Democratic Attorneys General Association will hold its Holiday Party December 11 in Washington, D.C.     The Western Governors' Association will hold its Annual Winter Meeting December 11-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada.     The National Association of Insurance Commissioners will hold its Fall National Meeting at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park December 15-18 in Washington, D.C.  CALIFORNIA The Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District held a public meeting December 11 to discuss proposed amendments to the 2010 PM10 Maintenance Plan for the Coso Junction Planning Area. The updates will help ensure compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for particulate matter. The Assembly Judiciary Committee, Business, Professions and Consumer Protection Committee, and Select Committee on Privacy will jointly hold an informational hearing December 12 to discuss the collection, sharing and tracking of personal data, privacy laws, and the opportunity for future legislation.  CONNECTICUT The Joint Committee on Appropriations and the Joint Committee Public Health Committees will meet December 12 to hear and discuss a report regarding financial assistance for community health centers.  KENTUCKY A special election was held December 10 for House District 7 and Senate District 13.  MASSACHUSETTS The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business will hold a hearing December 12 on S.B. 74, filed by Senator Marc Pacheco (D). The bill allows for local zoning ordinances to control pollution. The hearing will be open to the public, and testimony will be accepted.  MISSOURI In special session to discuss tax incentives to win the Boeing Production Plant bid.  Voter ID bill HB 1073 was filed. This bill requires a person to submit a specified form of photo identification in order to vote in a public election with specified exemptions. Voter ID bill SB 511 was filed. This bill establishes photo identification requirements for voting. Voter ID bill SJR 31 was filed. Upon voter approval, this constitutional amendment provides that a voter seeking to vote in person may be required by general law to identify himself or herself as a United States citizen and a resident of the state by producing valid, government-issued photo identification. NEBRASKA The Power Review Board will meet December 13 to discuss the issue of plug-in electric vehicle charging stations.  NEW HAMPSHIRE A special election will be held December 17 for House Stafford 6.  NEW JERSEY Vote by Mail bill SB 1682 is scheduled to be heard December 12, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee Room. This bill permits registered voters to receive mail-in ballots automatically for all elections under certain conditions and limits the number of sample ballots transmitted to each residence.

NORTH CAROLINA The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services will meet December 13 to discuss the Medicaid budget and Medicaid reform.  OHIO The House Health and Aging Committee met December 11 to discuss H.B. 314, which requires a prescriber to obtain written consent from a minor's parent or guardian before issuing a controlled substance prescription to the minor.  PENNSYLVANIA The House Children and Youth Committee held a hearing December 10 to discuss and vote on S.B. 33, providing whistleblower protection for child abuse reporters.  SOUTH CAROLINA The Department of Health and Environmental Control will meet December 12 to discuss proposed amendments incorporating federal standards to the state implementation plan pursuant to the Clean Air Act. UTAH  The Health Care Task Force will meet December 12 to be briefed on recent Federal Affordable Care Act regulations and implementation guidance. Additionally, the Task Force will consider draft legislation related to health reform prepared for the 2014 general session of the Legislature.

h/t Stateside Associates, Project Vote.

Holiday Fun Time edition

Did you think the holiday season was going to be sleepy? HA!

Some legislatures are cramming in end-of-year action (remember Michigan's so-called "right to work" bill last year?). Others are gearing up for sessions that start in January.

So here's what's up.

• Department of loose threads: The Michigan rape insurance measure continues to move forward. This petition-driven measure would outlaw abortion coverage except through a separate rider on a customer's health insurance policy and, if approved by the GOP-controlled legislature, would bypass a likely gubernatorial veto and automatically become law. The measure is now officially in the legislature's hands, and the clock started Monday on the 40-day period within which lawmakers must act on it. If the legislature doesn't approve the measure, voters will vote on it in November 2014. 

• It's like a condom, but with money. Because misogynistic petitions can't fill a legislator's entire day, the GOP-controlled Michigan legislature is keeping itself busy by coming up with fun new ways to prevent electoral defeat (the other feared E.D.). Lawmakers are fast-tracking legislation that lifts a ban on caucus spending to protect incumbents in primaries and doubles campaign contribution limits. The incumbent protection bill also legalizes the anonymity of donors behind "issues ads" -- you know, the spots calling Rep. X a child molester but don't tell people whether to vote for him. Democracy!

• Because a pro-child labor platform is a sure ticket to reelection. Maine Gov. Paul LePage will continue his child labor crusade in the upcoming legislative session. Oh, he's for it. And this isn't the first time he's tried to loosen the state's child labor laws. The Maine Republican's efforts to loosen labor standards in 2011 weren't well received and failed even with GOP majorities controlling the statehouse. I'm sure that things will go much more smoothly now that Democrats have legislative majorities in both chambers. 

• And Gov. LePage isn't just working to rid Maine of the scourge of lazy children. He's moving the Department of Health and Human Services away from all those poors in downtown Portland -- a site near a career center and a soup kitchen -- to scenic South Portland. The new site is a 30-40 minute bus ride one-way from downtown, and a ticket costs $3. A taxi will make the trip faster, but then the cost of the trip jumps to over $30. The new site is, however, near a jetport, so that should make getting in and out super quick for all those folks in need of DHHS services.

• Department of symbolic gestures: Democratic lawmakers in Wisconsin, who got rather boned by the most recent GOP-controlled redistricting, are trying to place an "advisory referendum" supporting the creation of a nonpartisan redistricting system on the November 2014 ballot. The results of the referendum are in no way binding on lawmakers.

• #demsindisarray: The Virginia AG race recount process rolls on, but the parties are already getting their ducks in a row for the special election to replace Democrat Mark Herring in the state Senate. Republican Del. Joe May was totally going to run for the GOP nomination, but then he found out the local committee planned to scrap the traditional "firehouse primary" in favor of the more convention-like "mass meeting." Now he's invoking the late Sen. Harry Byrd Jr. in his declaration to run as an independent. Democrats have already selected Leesburg attorney Jennifer Wexler (in a firehouse primary) to run to replace Herring in the 33rd Senate District.

• Dog bites man, former law school classmate of mine who happens to be the Florida state Rep. who chaired the "Stand Your Ground" law hearings gets sued. Shockingly, we didn't graduate W&M Law as BFFs. 

For the Week of December 4, 2013 The following 5 state legislatures are actively meeting this week: MICHIGAN, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA and WISCONSIN.. Also meeting: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, PUERTO RICO. GROUPS The Democratic Governors Association will hold its Winter Policy Conference December 3-4 in Hartford, Connecticut.  The National Association of Attorneys General will hold its fall meeting December 3-5 in New Orleans, Louisiana.     The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials will hold its Winter Member Meeting December 3-5 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.  The National Conference of State Legislatures will hold its Fall Forum December 4-6 in Washington, D.C.  The American Legislative Exchange Council will hold a States and National Policy Summit December 4-6 in Washington, D.C. The National Association of Counties will hold a Board of Directors Meeting and Resiliency Forum December 5-6 in Linn County, Iowa.  The State Legislative Leaders Foundation will hold a Board Meeting and Leadership Roundtable December 6-8 in Orlando, Florida.  The Council of State Governments Eastern Regional Conference will hold its Annual Meeting December 6-9 in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.  ALABAMA A special primary runoff election was held December 3 for House District 104.  A special primary election was held December 3 for House Districts 53 and 31.  ALASKA The House Health and Social Services Finance Subcommittee met December 2-3 to discuss health care recommendations for 2014 and Medicaid expansion.  ARKANSAS The Senate and House Committees on Education will hold a joint public hearing December 6, which will feature a presentation entitled "Common Core Implementation and What It Means for Higher Education."   CALIFORNIA A special primary election was held December 3 for Assembly Districts 54.  CONNECTICUT The Council on Environmental Quality will host a public hearing December 5 to hear recommendations for legislation for the 2014 Legislative Session.  GEORGIA A special election run-off was held December 3 for House Districts 104 and 127, and Senate District 14.  ILLINOIS The legislature began a special session December 2 to discuss pension reform.  MASSACHUSETTS Early Voting/Voter Registration bill HB 3772 passed to be engrossed. This bill relates to early voting and online voter registration. This bill requires the secretary of state to maintain an online portal to register to vote and update voter registration information. The bill provides early voting on the eleventh business day before the primary of election until the second business day before Election Day.  NEW JERSEY Vote by Mail bill SB 1682 is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on December 5 at 1:00 p.m. This bill permits registered voters to receive mail-in ballots automatically for all elections under certain conditions.

OHIO The House Finance and Appropriations Committee met December 3 to discuss and hold a possible vote on S.B. 206 and H.B. 208, which create reforms and oversight of the Medicaid program.  PENNSYLVANIA The House Education Committee met December 3 to discuss H.B. 1722, which clarifies when it is appropriate for school districts to furlough teachers.  TEXAS The Commission on Environmental Quality will meet December 5 to discuss proposed amendments to air quality rules concerning greenhouse gas emissions, reporting and fee requirements.  WISCONSIN The Assembly will meet in special session December 4 to discuss a three month delay in moving 77,500 patients from the state's Medicaid program to the federal healthcare exchange.  h/t Stateside Associates, Project Vote.

Recountsgivingukkah edition

AND SO IT BEGINS.

The Virginia AG race recount, that is. There are some election lawyers in the Commonwealth who won't see much of their families tomorrow, or for a while. But they don't do this for free, so the Christmas and/or belated Hanukkah gifts are going to be freaking sweet.

Daniel Strauss over at TPM has a nice rundown of the timeline, procedures, and other ins-and-outs of the Virginia recount process, if you're into that kind of thing. 

Fun fact! A legit rerun-and-recount-the-actual-ballots recount is really only possible because of legislation Senator and 2005 AG recount casualty Creigh Deeds introduced in 2008. When it came to new-fangled optical scan ballots, the law extant in 2005 had only provided that the printout of the results be reexamined, rather than the actual ballots themselves be re-run through the tabulator. Sen. Deeds' recount law means all the ballots will actually be recounted. Hooray democracy!

Meanwhile, elsewhere...

• Department of loose threads: That petition drive in Michigan to get a law on the books that would require insurance companies to offer abortion coverage only through a separate rider on a customer's policy has taken another step forward. Next, the state Board of Canvassers will meet to certify the signatures on December 2, which advances the measure to the Michigan legislature. The GOP-controlled body then has 40 days to approve, reject, or not act on the measure, which prohibits purchase of the rider after becoming pregnant and has no exceptions for incest or rape. That 40-day period only runs when the legislature is in session, which means the action window will extend at least into late January 2014. If the legislature rejects or takes no action on the petitions, the measure will appear on the November 2014 statewide ballot.

In other news, 

• A Democratic state Senator in Colorado has resigned in the face of another recall pushed by opponents of the state's new gun safety laws. Her sacrifice was calculated; If she were to lose that recall election, Senate Democrats would lose their majority. Now a Democratic replacement will be appointed and will serve through 2014. 

• A Republican lawmaker in Oklahoma has bought into the right-wing media freakout over the alleged "knockout game" epidemic and plans to address the apparently non-existent problem in his state by forcing more youths to be tried as adults and establishing a 10-year minimum sentence for unprovoked battery. Justice!

• In Kentucky, new state legislative district maps have resulted in a rush of Democrats filing as challengers in the new and altered districts -- a positive indicator as Democrats seek to retain their state House majority and erode the GOP's Senate majority in 2014. A popular Democrat running in the state's marquee race won't hurt, either.

• A 21-year-old college student is about to become a state legislator in Mississippi. He insists that "GOD DONT [sic] LIKE UGLY!" and is apparently anti-"shiggidy." Your move, Netflix series writers. 

As always, holler with any questions, concerns, complaints, comments, thoughts, hopes, dreams.... And have an excellent holiday. I'm thankful you read down this far. 

For the Week of November 27, 2013 The following 3 state legislatures are actively meeting this week: MASSACHUSETTS, NEW JERSEY and OHIO. Also meeting: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, PUERTO RICO.

MASSACHUSETTS Omnibus Election bill HB 3647 was substituted with HB 3772. This bill relates to early voting and online voter registration.  MISSISSIPPI A special run-off election was held November 26 for House Districts 5 and 110.*  *See above item on Mississippi's youngest lawmaker.  NEW JERSEY The Legislature was scheduled to convene a special session November 25.  Early Voting bill AB 4460 was introduced and referred to the Assembly Committee on State Government. This bill would allow voters to cast their votes at specially designated polling places, starting on the 15th day before the general election, and ending on the Sunday before Election Day. Conduct of Elections bill AR 195 was introduced and referred to the Assembly Committee on State Government. This bill urges Congress to develop and enact new coverage formula to help identify and end discrimination in voting under the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965. OHIO The House Finance and Appropriations Committee met November 26 to discuss H.B. 208 and S.B. 206, which create program oversight and reform systems for the Medicaid program.     VERMONT The Paid Family Leave Study Committee met November 25 to work on recommendations for a proposal to address paid family leave in the state. h/t Stateside Associates, Project Vote.

The R is for Robert edition

... in R. Creigh Deeds, that is.

By now, the tragedy that befell Virginia state Sen. Creigh Deeds and his family is old news. And to many, especially outside the Commonwealth, Sen. Deeds is mostly just that-guy-in-Virginia-who-lost-so-badly-to-Bob-McDonnell-in-2009. 

But he's a lot more than that to many, many people, including little ol' me. He's actually a big part of the reason I send these emails. (Then-Delegate) Creigh Deeds' earnestness and graciousness helped a scrawny college kid understand how politics can -- and should -- be used as an instrument to improve people's lives. He's on an important list of folks -- one that includes C. Richard Cranwell, Albert Pollard, Alan Diamonstein, Lindsey Reynolds, Jeff Schapiro, Bob Lewis, to name a few -- who inspired me to do what I've been doing pretty much ever since that one crazy summer internship in Richmond.

OK, thanks for enduring my sentimentality. There's a world outside of Virginia, and big things are happening there, too.

Department of Loose Threads: Last week, I told you about a scary 20-week abortion ban ballot measure in New Mexico and a hot state Senate election in Iowa. 

• The Albuquerque abortion ban ballot measure was defeated in an election with higher turnout than October's mayoral race. The measure, which would have prohibited abortions after 20 weeks without exceptions for rape or incest, lost handily -- 55.26% of ABQ voters cast their ballots against it. Opponents of the ban invested in TV ads and early voting efforts and out-raised and out-spent anti-choice groups supporting the measure. 

• The state Senate special election in Iowa, however, didn't swing progressives' way. Republican Julian Garrett defeated Democrat Mark Davitt with 59.8% of the vote.  This was a disappointing outcome in a special election that could have shored up Democrats' current one-seat majority in the Iowa Senate in advance of the 2014 elections, in which half of the chamber will be running in their redrawn districts for the first time, but the status quo of Democratic majority control of the chamber endures through the next legislative session, at least.

Elsewhere,

• In Ohio, the state House has just passed a "Stand Your Ground" bill. It will now move to a Senate committee for consideration.

• Speaking of the Ohio state Senate, the GOP-controlled chamber just voted to eliminate an entire week of early voting in the state. By wiping out the "golden week," voters will lose the window during which they could register and cast ballots at the same time.

• In Missouri, Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon and some Republican legislators were totally going to have a meeting to discuss Medicaid expansion, except the lawmakers weren't fans of where the Governor planned to hold the meeting, so everyone just stayed home.

• In Maine, Gov. LePage pretty much just won't let his executive staff go to legislative committee hearings any more, accusing legislative Democrats of making his people wait around too long and then asking them too many questions, or something.

• In North Carolina, taxpayers are footing massive bills for the attorneys hired by GOP lawmakers to craft and defend the state's notorious new election law. By the by, a Democrat currently occupies the AG post in the state, and he's really not so fond of these repressive measures.

And to come full circle -- back to Virginia, and the state Senate specifically -- Democrats have selected Delegate Lynwood Lewis as their nominee in the special election to replace LG-elect Ralph Northam. Republicans will select their nominee in a firehouse primary tomorrow. Gov. McDonnell has not yet set a special election date (and he won't until after Sen. Northam officially resigns, which he likely won't do until after the State Board of Elections certifies the November 5 results next week). 

For the Week of November 20, 2013 The following 4 state legislatures are actively meeting this week:MASSACHUSETTS, NEW JERSEY, OHIO and PENNSYLVANIA Also meeting: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, PUERTO RICO

GROUPS The Republican Governors Association will hold its Annual Conference November 20-22 in Scottsdale, Arizona.  The National Lieutenant Governors Association will hold its Executive Committee and New Elect Meeting November 20-22 in Little Rock, Arkansas.   ARKANSAS The Joint Committee on Energy will meet November 20 to discuss the economic importance of the Fayetteville Shale.  CALIFORNIA A special election was held November 19 for Assembly District 45.  MASSACHUSETTS The last day of formal sessions for 2013 is November 20, though the General Court may continue to meet in informal session until the 2014 legislative session begins.  NEW JERSEY The Assembly Higher Education Committee met November 18 to discuss A.B. 4444, which requires study of a Pay Forward, Pay Back pilot program in the state, which would allow students to pay back a percentage of their income after graduation to pay for student debt.

NEW YORK The Assembly Labor Committee will meet November 21 to examine the implementation of the Wage Theft Prevention Act and review challenges faced by employees since it was enacted. The Assembly Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection will hold a public hearing November 22 to review private company privacy policies and data collection efforts. OHIO The House State and Local Government Committee met November 19 to discuss H.B. 321 and H.B. 323, bills which streamline public records publication through a new state government website.   PENNSYLVANIA The Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee hosted a forum November 18 to discuss mitigating the risks of water contamination by using aquatically non-toxic solvents for hydraulic fracturing. The House Consumer Affairs Committee met November 19 to discuss H.B. 1608, which provides new regulations for broadband access across the state.  TENNESSEE A special election will be held November 21 for House District 91.  TEXAS The Board of Education will meet November 22 to review amendments to rules addressing degree requirements for teachers.  UTAH The Health Care Task Force will meet November 21 to be briefed by a panel of participants about the operation of the federal Health Insurance Marketplace launched October and about the state's operation of Avenue H as an Affordable Care Act compliant Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP).  WEST VIRGINIA The Joint Legislative Oversight Commission on State Water Resources held a hearing November 19 to discuss the handling and disposal of hydraulic fracturing fluids.  WISCONSIN Special elections were held November 19 for Assembly Districts 21 and 69. The Assembly Select Committee on Common Core Standards met November 19 to review the implementation of the Common Core Standards.

Objects In State Are Larger Than They Appear edition

Did you realize it's almost Election Day? No, really, this isn't some copy-and-paste error. Two pretty big elections are being held on Tuesday, November 19, though they may seem small at first glance. 

• New Mexico: Albuquerque voters will go to the polls next Tuesday to fill a vacancy on the city council and to decide on whether to ban abortions after 20 weeks. New Mexico Politics with Joe Manahan reported Friday that their exclusive poll shows that 56.3% of likely city voters oppose the proposed ban, 37.4% support it, with 6.4% undecided. Pro-choice groups have had ads up on TV since late October, and supporters of the 20-week ban just went up this week. A record number of early votes have already been cast.

• Iowa: Voters in Senate District 13 will go to the polls on Tuesday to replace a Republican who resigned amid allegations of ethics rules violations. If former Rep. Mark Davitt wins, Democrats will have shored up their one-seat majority in the chamber just a bit in advance of the 2014 elections. If Republican state Rep. Julian Garrett wins, Senate Democrats will maintain their slight 26-24 edge.

Fun fact! The Iowa state Senate is arguably the biggest offensive opportunity for Republicans/biggest defensive priority for Democrats in 2014. Half of the chamber will be up for election, and these members will be running for the first time in their redrawn post-redistricting districts. If Republicans were to win a majority in the chamber, they would have a "trifecta" -- GOP control over the state House, Senate, and governor's mansion -- and a deluge of ultra-conservative legislation currently kept at bay by Sen. Mike Gronstal's Democratic majority would flood through.

Why electing Democrats to state legislatures is ridiculously important, part bajillion and three: Anti-choice activists in Michigan appear to have collected a sufficient number of signatures to get a law on the books that would require insurance companies to offer abortion coverage only through a separate rider to a customer’s policy. If at least 258,088 of the 315,477 submitted signatures are valid, the petitions move to the state Board of Canvassers and on to the legislature, which has 40 calendar days to approve or reject them. If the petitions are approved by the legislature, the measure automatically becomes law – Gov. Snyder will have no authority to review or veto it. If the legislature takes no action or rejects the petitions, the issue will go to the voters in November 2014. (The legislature is widely expected to approve the measure.)

Bottom line: Last year's holiday season legislative surprise in Michigan was a so-called "right to work" law. This year, it'll likely be a gender-discriminatory requirement for women to plan ahead and pay out-of-pocket for unforeseeable circumstances like, say, a pregnancy endangering a mother's life, or a rape resulting in pregnancy.

Fun fact, part 2! The Michigan House may be one of Democrats' best offensive opportunities on the state level in 2014. Democrats are six seats away from a majority in the 110-seat chamber. All 110 seats are up for election, and 12 Democrats and 16 Republicans are term-limited, so about a quarter of these elections will be for open seats. Oh, and there's a hot governor's race at the top of the ticket. Watch for lots of money to be spent in this fine state next year.

Also, do you like your turkey with a side of court filings? Look for the Virginia AG race recount to kick off on Nov. 26. Get excited!

For the Week of November 13, 2013 The following 7 state legislatures are actively meeting this week: MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, WASHINGTON and WISCONSIN. Also meeting: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA and PUERTO RICO. GROUPS Women in Government will hold their Annual Healthcare Summit November 13-16 in Washington, DC.  The Republican Legislative Campaign Committee will hold a Policy Retreat November 14-15 in Washington, DC. The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators will hold its National Summit November 14-16 in Orlando, Florida. The Republican Governors Association will host a DC Discussion Luncheon November 14 in Washington, D.C. ARKANSAS A special runoff primary election was held November 12 for a January 14, 2014, special election in Senate District 21.  CALIFORNIA The Assembly Committee on Labor and Senate Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations held a joint hearing November 13 to discuss wage levels in the fast food industry, and the impact it has on workers and safety net programs. FLORIDA Prefiling bills for the 2014 legislative session Voter Registration bill HB 179 was referred to Ethics and Elections Subcommittee; Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee; and State Affairs Committee. This bill authorizes the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to automatically register to vote or update voter registration records of eligible individuals. An applicant may revoke consent to automatically register to vote or update voter registration record.  MASSACHUSETTS The Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies met November 13 to consider S.B. 168, which establishes a commission to investigate and study video games as a form of media and training tool.  MARYLAND The Advisory Council for Virtual Learning will meet November 14 to discuss digital learning opportunities for students, and begin preparing a report for the General Assembly. MICHIGAN The House Oversight Committee met November 12 to discuss H.B. 4001, which lowers the required payments to government entities for access to public records.  MONTANA The Public Service Commission will meet November 14 to review an investigation into the electric and natural gas universal system benefits programs. NORTH DAKOTA The Health Care Reform Review Committee met November 13 to discuss the immediate needs and challenges of the North Dakota health care delivery system, and the feasibility of developing a plan for a private health care model that will comply with the federal Affordable Care Act.  NEW HAMPSHIRE The House Finance Committee held a hearing November 12 to discuss S.S.H.B. 1, which addresses the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. NEW YORK The Senate Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee met November 13 to discuss the heroin and prescription drug epidemic on Long Island, and its impact on Long Island's youth. OHIO The Senate Finance Committee met November 12-13 to discuss amendments to S.B. 206, which creates program oversight for the Medicaid program.  Absentee Voting bill SB 205 passed the Senate (22-11). This bill permits the secretary of state to mail unsolicited applications for absent voter's ballots only in even-numbered years and only if the General Assembly has made an appropriation for that purpose, among other provisions. PENNSYLVANIA The House Education Committee will hold a hearing November 14 to discuss H.B. 1722, which bases teacher furloughs on teacher performance. The House Labor and Industry Committee will hold a hearing November 14 to discuss H.B. 298, which extends family medical leave benefits to siblings, grandparents and grandchildren.  WASHINGTON The special session is scheduled to adjourn November 15. Voter Registration bill HB 1267 was reintroduced and retained in present status. This bill would extend the deadline for online voter registration, ending eight days before an election instead of 11. A registered voter may update their registration 29 days before election day (currently, it is 28 days).  Youth Voting bill HB 1279 was reintroduced and retained in present status. This bill establishes the Young Voter Registration Equality Act. The bill allows eligible citizens who are at least sixteen years of age to preregister to vote. Such individuals would be automatically registered to vote and eligible to cast a ballot upon turning 18 years of age. Voter ID bill HB 1317 was reintroduced and retained in present status. This omnibus bill makes several changes to voting procedures at polling places, including voter ID. This bill would establish a photo voter ID requirement to vote in person or by mail. ID must be government-issued. Student ID and public assistance ID are accepted for voting purposes. First-time mail voters must provide identification at the time of registering to vote or provide ID to the county auditor at any time prior to the mailing of ballots, otherwise, the voter must vote in person. Voters with religious objections to being photographed may complete an affidavit in lieu of providing photo ID to vote. All other voters without required ID must vote a provisional ballot and present proper ID to an election official within five days of the election.  WISCONSIN Absentee Voting bill AB 54 was heard November 12 at 9:00 a.m. by the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections. This bill would eliminate the opportunity to vote after 5 p.m. or on weekends during the early voting period. The offered substitute would allow voters to request weekend "appointments" to vote early.

That right turn at Albuquerque edition

Even as the federal government ground to a halt this week, statehouse action slowed not one iota. Far away from the DC drama, some big things are going down.

• In New Mexico, Albuquerque is ground zero for the next battle in the war on women's choice. Supporters of a 20-week abortion ban ballot measure have successfully triggered a special election on November 19. If it passes, it will be the country's first municipal abortion ban, and the stage will be set for copycat efforts by anti-choice activists across the country. 

While November 19 is a little ways off yet, a critical precursor to that election takes place next Tuesday. On October 8, Albuquerque will hold elections for mayor and various city council seats. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the runoff of date is.... any guesses? Anyone? Bueller?... You nailed it! November 19! So next Tuesday's election determines whether the abortion ban has the ballot all to itself on November 19 or if it will share space with candidates for municipal offices -- the difference between a very low-turnout election and an ultra low-turnout election. But, as Colorado's recalls starkly reminded us, turnout matters. 

BTW, you can read all about the ABCs of ABQ's proposed 20-week abortion ban here.  It's good stuff. There are pretty charts and fun tables. 

Meanwhile...

• In Virginia, the state Democratic Party is suing Gov. McDonnell, the state Board of Elections, and still-AG Ken Cuccinelli to stop  a planned pre-election purge of 57,000 voters based on an interstate database that claims those voters have registered in multiple states.

• Meanwhile, in Florida Republican Secretary of State Ken Detzner is touring the state to discuss an upcoming attempt to purge non-citizens from Florida's voter rolls. Detzner vowed that his department “won’t make the same mistakes” that were made during the last purge that led to lawsuits saying it targeted Hispanics, Haitians and other minority groups.

• Ohio Republicans have introduced a series of bills that would restrict ballot-box access by implementing voter ID to the state (H.B No. 269), as well as cutting the number of days voters can vote early (from 35 to 17 days) (H.B. No. 250) and limiting the hours voters can vote early to weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (H.B. No. 263). 

Enough for now. Go hug your favorite furloughed federal employee.

For the Week of October 4, 2013 The following 5 state legislatures are actively meeting this week:MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW JERSEY, OREGON and PENNSYLVANIA.

GROUPS The National Association of Counties will hold its Premier Corporate Forum October 3-5 in La Jolla, California.  The National Conference of State Legislatures will hold its Executive Committee and Legislative Staff Coordinating Committee October 3-5 in Portland, Oregon.  CALIFORNIA The Natural Resource Agency will hold public workshops September 30 and October 2 to discuss the 2013 Climate Adaptation Strategy.  FLORIDA Filing bills for the 2014 legislative session Voter Registration bill SB 150 was referred to Ethics and Elections; Judiciary; Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development; Appropriations. This bill would require the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to automatically register to vote or update voter registration records of eligible individuals. It requires the DMV to notify individuals that the applying for or renewing an identification card or requesting a change-of-address on an existing identification card also allows the state to register eligible individuals to vote. Applicants may decline voter registration options.  INDIANA The Interim Study Committee on Common Core Educational Standards met October 1 to discuss the costs of implementing the Common Core Standards.

MASSACHUSETTS The Joint Subcommittee on Student Loans and Debt held two hearings September 30 to discuss higher education loans.   NEW HAMPSHIRE Filing bills for the 2014 legislative session Voter Registration bill HB 466 is scheduled to be heard by the House Election Law Committee on October 3, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 306, LOB.  This bill eliminates the qualified voter and domicile affidavits and permits voters to prove qualifications by swearing to a statement on the voter registration form.  OREGON The Legislative Assembly convened a special session September 30 to discuss pension reforms and taxes.  PENNSYLVANIA The House Education Committee met October 2 to discuss H.B. 1512 and H.B. 1623, similar pieces of legislation designed to reform teacher training programs.  SOUTH CAROLINA A special election was held October 1 to fill the vacant seat in Senate District 42.    WISCONSIN The Senate Education Committee will meet October 3 to discuss S.B. 184, which expands the definition of "bullying" in the Department of Public Instruction's model policy to include bullying by electronic means.