State Affairs

Louisiana and Alaska moved to place restrictions on cryptocurrency kiosks, joining nearly two-thirds of states in cracking down on scams chiefly affecting elderly citizens. https://lnkd.in/eUEUsj5u

Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence are pressing state and local governments to shore up their cybersecurity operations to protect against hacks. https://lnkd.in/eGZmxwWv

The general session of the 2026 Indiana Democratic State Convention is about to begin. Brandon Roberts

California voters want their election results fast, accurate and inclusive. They can have two of those things. Accuracy and inclusion take precedence over speed, according to sources who spoke with State Affairs. Don Blount https://lnkd.in/ezTxbSZv

Lawmakers in more than half a dozen states passed bills this year to lower the barriers for using plug-in solar power systems, in an effort to blunt rising electricity costs and ramp up renewable energy use. https://lnkd.in/eVJ5MNVq

New York lawmakers approved what advocates call a “nation-leading” bill aimed at protecting children from artificial intelligence companion chatbots, a response to reports of suicides and other harms.

Seventy-two women have filed papers to run for governor in 2026, the largest number of female candidates ever to seek the office, according to a new report. https://lnkd.in/e-we2gNh

Illinois is poised to ban “junk fees,” requiring the posted price of a purchase to include all mandatory costs and charges. Gov. JB Pritzker still needs to sign the bill before it becomes official. State Affairs The Illinois Legislature passed House Bill 228 late last month before adjourning. Pritzker pushed for the bill in his State of the State address and said in a May statement he intends to sign it. Once signed, Illinois will become the sixth state in the last three years to pass a law requiring “all-in pricing.” California passed the first junk fee ban in 2023. Minnesota, Colorado, Connecticut and Virginia also have all-in pricing laws. https://lnkd.in/e2pgxrhS

The suburban Sacramento brewery where Dr. Richard Pan’s campaign held a primary night watch party was starting to wind down around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday. But every so often, supporters would let out a burst of excitement, celebrating as their candidate’s face appeared on one of the half-dozen TV screens lining the bar walls. Pan smiled at the news coverage, confident about the prospect of advancing to a runoff in the race to represent California’s 6th congressional district. Kyle Jaeger https://lnkd.in/eAu63JAB