Print Icon
 
   

October 28, 2025

This Week in

FOCUS

Legislative developments and policy trends from across the states to keep you ahead of the curve.
 
   

States in Session

   

Current Legislative Landscape

In Session

Six states, Puerto Rico, D.C. and U.S. Congress are currently in regular session. 

In Recess

North Carolina passed an adjournment resolution that called for the regular session to recess and then reconvene monthly through April 2026. The legislature is currently holding a session until November 17.


Veto Sessions

Illinois is scheduled to hold a veto session October 28 through October 30.
   

We are closely monitoring all legislative session activity to provide you with the most up-to-date information. (Got an on-the-ground tip on sessions? Email us!)

   

Special Sessions


Louisiana began a special session on October 23. The special session will focus on deciding new dates for the 2026 election cycle after the Supreme Court heard arguments on the state’s congressional map, which has two majority black districts. By altering the dates for the election cycle, lawmakers will give themselves more time to draft a new map if the court strikes down the current one. [WWNO]

Virginia began a special session on October 27 to consider redistricting. Democratic leaders have called lawmakers into a special session to act on legislation that could counter Republicans’ redistricting efforts in several red states. While no specific legislation has yet been proposed, reports indicate that the efforts could result in two more Democratic U.S. House seats in the state if passed. [Reuters]
   

Governor Signing Deadlines

Variable Deadlines (from presentment and become law without signature unless otherwise specified):
  • Illinois (Pritzker) - 60 days
  • Michigan (Whitmer) - 14 days (or pocket vetoed)
  • New Hampshire (Ayotte) - 5 days (Sundays excluded)
  • New York (Hochul) - 10 days (Sundays excluded)
  • Tennessee (Lee) - 10 days (Sundays excluded)

Interim Activity


Interim committees and study postings are underway in:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.


*Added since last week's newsletter.

2026 Prefiling


Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Wyoming are currently posting prefiles for the 2026 legislative session.

*Added since last week's newsletter.
   

Special Elections

Alabama is scheduled to hold a special election for House District 12 on October 28.
 

Leonine FOCUS is proud to launch our brand-new Elections Hub, your one-stop shop for tracking state legislative, gubernatorial and attorneys general races across the country. Featuring interactive maps, in-depth analysis and regular updates, the Elections Hub gives government affairs professionals and policy strategists the insight you need to stay on top of this election cycle.


LEGISLATIVE | GUBERNATORIAL | ATTORNEYS GENERAL

BALLOT MEASURES
   
 
   

State Policy News

Massachusetts

State House labor pains: The long fight carries on for unionizing legislative aides

[Commonwealth Beacon]

Missouri

Missouri judge upholds ballot summary of amendment targeting private school vouchers [Missouri Independent]

Michigan

Court rules Michigan House violated constitution by withholding 9 bills from governor [MLive]

North Carolina

NC legislature likely done for 2025 without budget, Medicaid agreements [WUNC]
   
 
   

Two special elections in Minnesota this November could decide control of the state Senate, where Democrats hold just a one-seat majority. With one reliably red district and one safely blue seat up for grabs, upsets are unlikely — but

the balance of power in St. Paul could hinge on these races. FOCUS is tracking both contests, along with every 2025 state election, on our new Elections Hub featuring interactive maps and analysis of gubernatorial, legislative and attorney general races nationwide.

   
   
 
   

FOCUS on Financial Services:
   

So far this year, seven states have enacted laws regulating third-party litigation financing. Georgia adopted broad legislation that requires disclosures in financing contracts and bans financiers from paying or accepting commissions or referral fees. Colorado’s new law adds disclosure requirements for foreign financiers, restricts them from using domestic entities to fund lawsuits and makes financing agreements subject to discovery. Kansas and Oklahoma also passed laws with similar provisions related to discovery.

   
   
 
   

FOCUS: Trusted Experts in State Government Affairs

   

Since 2003, FOCUS has provided tailored, results-driven government affairs solutions for our clients. We offer best-in-class legislative and regulatory tracking to keep you informed and ahead of the curve. Our full-service platform delivers real-time, comprehensive coverage across all 50 states, D.C., Congress, local jurisdictions, and key state and federal agencies. With filtered databases, customized alerts, expert analysis, an intuitive dashboard, and outstanding support, our team equips you with the tools and intelligence needed to navigate policy developments with confidence and clarity.
   

Customized, Comprehensive Tracking Platform

Track legislation and regulations across all 50 states, Congress, Puerto Rico, thousands of municipalities, and select international regions in an expert-filtered, tailored-to-you database. No keyword dumps, no junk—just what’s relevant. 

Intel-rich Bill Analysis & Weekly Reporting

Customized, analyst-written reports on priority legislation and regulations—delivered weekly to inform strategy and identify risks & opportunities early.

Unparalleled  Customer Service

Direct, ongoing access to your lead analyst, unlimited training and support, and concierge-level client care. We pride ourselves on serving as an extension of your staff.

Global Lobbyist Network

Access The Advocacy Group (TAG) — the premier 50-state and global lobbying network — at no cost. No middlemen. No referral fees. Just direct access to the best of the best. The TAG network includes 60+ top-tier, independent firms — one in every state, country, and specialty.