Illegal immigrants in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Minnesota will be eligible to apply for restricted driver’s licenses beginning in 2023. That expands the number of states that permit illegal immigrants to get legal driving privileges to 19, plus the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Rhode Island and Massachusetts legislators passed their bills last year,…

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is expected to sign into law the strongest regulations on toxic chemicals in beauty and personal care products in the country. The Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act was passed through state legislatures last week. The bill, sponsored by Democrat state Rep. Sharlett Mena, would protect consumers from skin irritations and damage as a result of chemicals mixed into cosmetic…

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham approved sending New Mexicans rebate checks by the start of this summer when signing a tax bill last week. The governor confirmed the cash assistance payments in a Twitter post on Friday. “Our state today is in a fantastic financial position, and it’s important to me that New Mexico’s families are sharing…

Gov. Tina Kotek signed the Oregon CHIPS Act into law on April 13 after the bill was approved by state legislators, which would allow the governor to authorize funds in rural regions of Oregon for industrial developments. “This bill is an absolutely essential tool for leading a coordinated effort with the private sector to ensure we can…

Walmart announced in February that it will close its last two stores in the city of Portland, Oregon, by March 24. Though the retailer did not say whether relentless shoplifting was a factor in shuttering the locations, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon warned last year that an uptick in retail theft could lead to store closures…

In the wake of the 2020 elections, Republicans across the nation raised alarm over revelations that a Chicago-based nonprofit had dispersed nearly $420 million in grants, technical assistance, and other monetary contributions to assist local officials in administering elections. The little-known Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL) had, with little attention, issued grants to…

Rep. Brian Seitz (R-Branson) will enter his third session when the Missouri General Assembly convenes in Springfield on Jan. 4 and, for the third time, he is sponsoring a bill that would require state lawmakers to scrutinize and, potentially disregard, some presidential executive orders. Under his proposed House Bill 174, the Missouri House must review…