2024 End of Session Report

January 8th marked the start of the second half of the 2023-24 biennial legislative session. The short, 60-day session included the passage of supplemental state Operating, Capital, and Transportation budgets and numerous legislative proposals.

Even though this year was a short session, the legislature grappled with several significant issues. Legislative proposals submitted for consideration included several gun control bills, Climate Commitment Act reforms, rent control proposals, a task force to discuss the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence, and strategies for addressing the fentanyl crisis throughout the state, including in schools and on tribal lands. Some of the most significant issues for counties included bills proposing changes to indigent defense requirements and funding, public records, environmental justice, housing, prejudgment interest, and waste management.

Also taking center stage this session were six controversial initiatives regarding modifying police vehicular pursuits, repealing the Climate Commitment Act, repealing the state’s long-term care insurance program, repealing the capital gains tax, prohibiting an income tax, and parental rights in public education. The legislature faced three options: adopt the initiatives, pass an alternative, or do nothing.

If the legislature had adopted the initiatives, they would have become law. If they had passed an alternative, then the alternative and the initiative would have moved forward to a vote of the people in November. If they chose to do nothing, the people would vote
on the initiatives in November.

Ultimately, the legislature adopted Initiative 2113 concerning police vehicular pursuits, Initiative 2111, prohibiting the state and local governments from imposing an income tax, and Initiative 2081 concerning parental rights in public schools.

The 2024 session was also a precursor to a major election season with all members of the House up for election, half of the Senate, and every major statewide office, including the Governor. The current incumbents in several key offices are not seeking re-election, including the Governor, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, and Public Lands Commissioner. Additionally, two Congressional seats will be open in November.

As expected, the various open seats have attracted the legislature’s attention, with several members in both chambers having already announced their intentions to seek a different office. Of course, that will create other vacancies needing to be filled and other members jockeying for positions.

Read the full report here.