| | | | | | Legislative developments and policy trends from across the states to keep you ahead of the curve. | | | | | | | | It’s Election Day! Visit the FOCUS website to explore our new Elections Hub — your go-to resource for following state legislative, gubernatorial and attorneys general races nationwide. With interactive maps, detailed analysis and ongoing updates, the Elections Hub provides the insight government affairs professionals and policy strategists need to stay informed throughout the election season.
LEGISLATIVE | GUBERNATORIAL | ATTORNEYS GENERAL BALLOT MEASURES | | | | | | | | | | | | | Current Legislative Landscape | | | Six states, Puerto Rico, D.C. and U.S. Congress are currently in regular session. | |
North Carolina passed an adjournment resolution that called for the regular session to recess and then reconvene monthly through April 2026. The legislature is next scheduled to meet on November 17. | | | | | | 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
Indiana was scheduled to begin a special session on November 3, but the legislature is not actually meeting yet. Republican Gov. Mike Braun called a special session to begin on November 3 to address redistricting and tax compliance. However, members in both the House and the Senate are unable to meet immediately, with legislators possibly not appearing for the session until next week. According to the special session rules, legislators will have until December 13 to act on any legislation. [Axios]
Louisiana adjourned its special session on October 29 after altering 2026 election dates. Legislators voted to push back the 2026 primary election dates from April 18 to May 16, which would push the qualifying period for the elections to February 11-13. This comes as lawmakers await a decision from the Supreme Court on the state’s congressional districts. The ruling could allow lawmakers to remove one or both majority black districts, which they would aim to do during a January special session. [Louisiana Illuninator]
Virginia adjourned its special session on October 31 after legislators approved the first step in a process to redraw the state’s congressional districts. The legislature approved a measure that would strip the state’ independent commission of authority and return it to the legislature. However, the measure does not become effective until several other steps are completed. First, Democrats must retain control of the legislature and pass the measure again during the next session. Then voters must approve the referendum in a statewide vote, which would not take place until at least spring or summer of 2026. [WUSA9]
| | | | | 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.
| | | 2026 Prefiling
Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Wyoming are currently posting prefiles for the 2026 legislative session.
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Alabama held a special election for House District 12 on October 28. Republican Cindy Myrex defeated Democrat Matt Glover with 87.1 percent of the vote. [The Alabama Reflector]
The following seats are scheduled to be filled by special election today, on November 4: Georgia House District 106, Minnesota Senate districts 29 and 47, Mississippi House districts 16, 22, 26, 36, 39 and 41 and Senate districts 1, 2, 11, 19, 24, 26, 34, 41,42, 44 and 45, New Hampshire House Coos District 5, New Jersey Senate District 35, New York Assembly District 115, Texas Senate District 9 and Washington House districts 33, 34, 41 and 48 and Senate districts 5, 26, 33, 34 and 48. | | | | | | | | | | | Massachusetts Massachusetts clash of the Second Amendment: Gun rights advocates look to repeal landmark law [Boston Herald] | | New York
State lawmakers to take on additional mobile sports betting regulations this session [Spectrum News 1] | | | Mississippi
Mississippi governor aims to ban SNAP use for sugary drinks and processed foods [WAPT]
| | | | | | | | | | | | | It's Election Day in Virginia and New Jersey. The 2025 governor races are more than local contests, they’re early indicators of national political momentum for 2026. What will these elections reveal about the country’s political climate? Explore the latest from FOCUS. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
GLP-1s like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound are being hailed as miracle drugs for weight loss. With prices averaging $1,000 a month, driven in part by packaging and supply costs, states are weighing how to handle Medicaid coverage. Some have restricted Medicaid access while others consider expansion as demand continues to grow. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 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. | | | | 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. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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