Latest State legislature News

Trump ally Zinke fights claim he's too 'liberal' for Montana
BUTTE, Mont. (AP) — When Republican Ryan Zinke first ran for Congress, the former Navy SEAL faced false accusations amplified by Democrats that his military career had ended in disgrace. After winning in 2014 and two years later getting picked as President Donald Trump's interior...

States divided on gun controls, even as mass shootings rise
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee was quick to react to this week’s carnage at a Texas elementary school, sending a tweet listing the gun control measures the Democratic-controlled state has taken. He finished with: “Your turn Congress.” But gun control...

'Trump is in the past': Mounting losses show limits of power
WOODSTOCK, Ga. (AP) — Donald Trump opened May by lifting a trailing Senate candidate in Ohio to the Republican nomination, seemingly cementing the former president's kingmaker status before another possible White House run. He's ending the month, however, stinging from a string of defeats that...
NC parents' bill that bars K-3 LGBTQ curriculum clears panel
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A Republican measure supporters say would empower North Carolina parents to better monitor their children's public school education — and also would bar K-3 class curriculum from addressing LGBTQ issues — received approval Wednesday from a state Senate committee. ...

Angry Newsom criticizes Texas governor, US judges on guns
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday harshly criticized Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in the wake of an elementary school shooting that left 19 students and two teachers dead and assailed two federal judges as “extremists" for their rulings undermining California's gun...

Probe OK'd of Arizona senator's comments on Buffalo shooting
PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Senate's ethics committee voted Wednesday to formally investigate a Republican lawmaker's online comments that appeared to blame the federal government for the recent massacre at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York. The panel was directed by the full...
Arizona Republicans pass election bills in party-line votes
PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona House Republicans have revived three election bills that passed in party-line votes after failing last week. Among the measures approved Wednesday is a bill allowing people to carry their mail ballot to a polling place, show identification and have their...

Oklahoma governor signs the nation's strictest abortion ban
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday signed into law the nation’s strictest abortion ban, making the state the first in the nation to effectively end availability of the procedure. State lawmakers approved the ban enforced by civil lawsuits rather than...

Ex-Illinois House leader Arroyo sentenced for bribery scheme
CHICAGO (AP) — A former Democratic leader in the Illinois House was sentenced Wednesday to nearly five years in prison for his role in a bribery scheme. Luis Arroyo was handed a 57-month sentence by U.S. District Judge Steven Seeger after pleading guilty in November to a wire fraud...

Alaska Senate president says he won't seek reelection
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska Senate President Peter Micciche said Wednesday he will not seek re-election this year, citing a desire to spend more time with family. His announcement comes after the Legislature last week ended its four-month regular session and a week before a...
