Good morning, it’s Thursday, June 26, 2025. In today’s edition, California’s dueling AI bills; DOJ sues Minnesota over in-state tuition for the undocumented; Wisconsin court rejects redistricting lawsuit:
Top Stories
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: California lawmakers are advancing competing bills to combat discrimination by AI systems. The measures, from Assemb. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D) and Sen. Steve Padilla (D), both aim to eliminate bias in AI systems in housing, employment, education and health care. Padilla’s version includes an industry-friendly “right to cure” provision that allows companies to correct violations. (Pluribus News)
MORE: The Michigan House is considering legislation to require developers of large AI models to implement safety and security protocols to prevent “critical risk” that causes the deaths of more than 100 people or damages amounting to more than $100 million. The bill would apply to AI systems that cost more than $100 million to develop. (Michigan Advance)
IMMIGRATION: The Department of Justice has sued Minnesota over a state law allowing undocumented people to be eligible for in-state tuition. The suit alleges the law, passed more than a decade ago, discriminates against citizens from other states. (MPR News)
FEDERALISM: Attorneys general from 21 states and the District of Columbia are suing the Trump administration challenging billions in funding cuts. The suit asks a judge to limit the administration’s use of a clause in federal law to cut grants that don’t align with Trump’s priorities. (Associated Press)
TRANSPORTATION: Oregon House Speaker Julie Fahey (D) has introduced a proposed transportation budget to raise $11.7 billion by 2035 through increased gas taxes and DMV fees. The bill, a pared-down version of one that sputtered earlier this session, would also enact a per-mile charge on EV users. (Oregonian)
PUBLIC SAFETY: The Illinois legislature has given final approval to a bill mandating school buses come equipped with three-point seat belts. The bill will grandfather in buses purchased before 2031. (WAND)
BUDGETS: Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) has vetoed two budget proposals passed along party lines. House Republicans have said a budget deal negotiated between Hobbs and Senate Republicans doesn’t have the votes to pass their chamber. The state Department of Administration has ordered agency heads to prepare for a possible government shutdown. (Associated Press)
In Politics & Business
IOWA: State Auditor Rob Sand (D) plans to hold 100 town halls as he campaigns for governor. Sand kicked off his statewide tour Wednesday in Waukee. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)
WISCONSIN: The state Supreme Court has rejected a challenge to Wisconsin’s congressional district lines. The court, controlled by liberal justices, ruled unanimously against a Democratic challenge to the existing boundaries. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
CONNECTICUT: Liberal state Rep. Josh Elliott (D) says Gov. Ned Lamont (D) will face a competitive primary in 2026. Elliott, who ousted House Speaker Brendan Sharkey (D) to win his seat in 2016, is considering challenging Lamont himself. (CT Insider)
PEOPLE: Iowa Sen. Rocky De Witt (R) has died of pancreatic cancer. De Witt was serving his first term representing Sioux City and Woodbury County. (Des Moines Register) Our condolences to De Witt’s family and the Iowa political community.
By The Numbers
40: The average age of a hemp customer in Ohio, according to industry experts. The state legislature is set to take its summer break without taking up legislation to regulate adult-use marijuana extract products. (Ohio Capital Journal)
17: The number of measles cases reported in California this year, more than the 15 reported in all of 2024. More than 145 people have been hospitalized for measles across the country this year. (Los Angeles Times)
Off The Wall
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden (R) and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have signed a memorandum of agreement to bring fireworks back to Mount Rushmore next year, to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. The National Park Service stopped fireworks shows at Mount Rushmore in 2009 over wildfire concerns. (SDPB)
An Alaska brown bear at Lake Superior Zoo in northeastern Minnesota has a shiny new tooth after dentists fitted him with the largest dental crown ever created. The 800-lb. bear, Tundra, was sedated during the hour-long procedure. (Associated Press)
Quote of the Day
“We gave them a good budget, as we have every year, and they gave us a bad budget.”
— Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee (D), refusing to sign the $14.3 billion budget deal lawmakers sent to his desk. (Boston Globe)