[LWVNM Action] Fw: Notes from today's State Advocacy Chair meeting

[Richard Mason]

 Monthly Zoom with LWC State Action members.
Dick Mason
   ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Jean Pierce <advocacy at lwvor.org>To: Jean Pierce <advocacy at lwvor.org>Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 03:48:52 PM MDTSubject: Notes from today's State Advocacy Chair meeting  
 
Watsonv. Republican National Committee

Weneed to be prepared to educate voters regarding the pending decision in Watsonv. Republican Party. The Supreme Court heard it this week, and might ruleagainst accepting any ballots AFTER election day, even if they were postmarkedon election day. The decision might be released as late as September.




NOTE: I am attaching a table displaying action on bills from the New Mexico short session.  A table from the Oregon short session with links to the bills supported or opposed by League testimony as well as links to League testimony can be found here  

 

Alabama  

Theirentire unicameral legislature is up for reelection.

Aterrific prison reform bill was filed near the end of the session.  It is too late for passage, but there will bea pilot program created this year, and it is hoped that the bill will bere-introduced next year.

 

Alaska

Abipartisan omnibus election bill passed the legislature. It permits ballotcuring, prepaid absentee postage, and more tools to clean the voter list.  They are waiting to see whether Gov. signs thebill

 

California

LWVCAhas used Capital Tracks as a legislation tracker for a number of years. Itorganizes bills by topic. 

Californiahas taken steps to protect ballots in drop boxes by ensuring the opening isvery narrow and by creating rules for handling damaged ballots.

Theyalso have an omnibus election bill, which includes:

·      Increasingthe buffer zone for campaigning and for ICE up to 200 feet at polling places

·      Extendingthe day for receipt of postmarked ballots up to 10 days after election day 

·      Increasethe number of drop off locations

·      Alldrop off locations need to be open during regular business hours

·      Electionofficials can extend the time for voting if there has been a violation of thebuffer zone

·      Disabledvoters should be able to drop off ballots at county buildings.

 

Connecticut

Legislationis being considered to implement a Constitutional amendment allowing forabsentee voting for all. It will begin this year, though there is a 3-year buy-in period. The bill includes a cure period and also absentee voting for peoplewho are incarcerated.

Theyare not sure whether a bill will pass that restricts immigration officers atthe polls.

Thestate has a bill that would permit telehealth for transgender healthcare.

Anenvironmental rights amendment has made it through committee.

Acivil rights bill designates spaces safe from enforcement by ICE or otherfederal officials, including churches, daycare, and healthcare. A judicialwarrant would be required, and people would have the right to file a suitagainst federal agents

AnAI bill states that if anyone widely disseminates false AI media, there wouldbe civil and – if it is repeated -  criminalpenalties. 

 

 

Louisiana

Theirlegislature just began this session. 

TheLeague testified against giving voter roles to the DOJ.

Theyalso have a bill preventing disruptions of religious services.

Therewill be 5 constitutional amendments on the ballot in May. They are trying toeducate people about two of them, which concern tax issues.

Theyhave a bill which would penalize someone for using AI to generate sexual imagesof children.

Anotherbill would require a forensic nurse to be on sight for a crime involving sexualabuse.

 

 

 New Mexico

Legislativesalaries will be on the ballot. Voters will also vote to schedule school boardelections on the same ballot as other elections.

TheGovernor has signed everything that the League supported

Theirelection officials can act if ICE tries to interfere.

 

WestVirginia

TheirSecretary of State was sued by the DOJ to turn over voter logs

Californiaand Oregon have successfully fought this so far

Theirlegislative session ended March 15. They saw a high number of anti immigrant billsdespite a low immigrant population. 

Afterthe Governor has weighed in, the state League will develop its legislativescorecard.

 

-- 
Jean PierceAction Committee ChairLeague of Women Voters of Oregon630-269-8563Advocacy at lwvor.org  
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