State Legislation

Governor JB Pritzker has enacted the Civil Rights Safeguard Act, enhancing state civil rights protections. This law reinforces compliance requirements for employers and contractors in Illinois, addressing potential legal risks associated with federal deprioritization of such protections.

The Massachusetts Legislature has passed emergency legislation to procure a nonprofit operator for Norwood Hospital via eminent domain. This move aims to restore vital healthcare services in the region after previous operational failures, marking a significant intervention by the state.

Massachusetts AG Andrea Joy Campbell has reached a $495,000 settlement with two food distributors for violations of animal welfare laws. This settlement necessitates compliance reforms, affecting procurement practices for food products within the state.

A coalition of state attorneys general, led by North Carolina's Jeff Jackson, opposes the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, arguing it undermines state laws protecting children online. This opposition indicates a shift in regulatory focus, which may influence procurement strategies for technology vendors and create new compliance challenges.

The Massachusetts Legislature has approved a sales tax holiday for August 8-9, 2026. This temporary suspension of the 6.25% tax aims to stimulate consumer spending and support local businesses, especially during the back-to-school season. Procurement professionals should prepare for increased demand and adjust inventory strategies accordingly.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed CS/CS/HB 425, initiating a Historic Cemeteries Program effective July 2026. This program allocates funds for the restoration and maintenance of historic cemeteries, particularly those associated with African-American heritage, creating significant contracting opportunities for related services.

Oklahoma's new HB 1370 prevents an automatic gas tax hike tied to federal tax changes. This decision will help maintain lower fuel costs for state agencies and contractors, streamlining budgeting and procurement related to fuel consumption.

The New Jersey Senate is calling for an exit from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) due to increasing energy costs. This legislative push may impact energy procurement strategies and regulatory compliance for contractors and suppliers in the state.

The Hawaiʻi State Senate has approved SB2471 CD2, restricting corporate political spending. This legislation delineates the powers of artificial entities and reinforces compliance measures for state contractors and vendors involved in political activities, possibly reshaping corporate engagement in state elections.