State legislatures in New England are getting their annual legislative sessions underway. Here are the session dates for 2024:
Connecticut                 Feb 7 – May 8
Maine                         Jan 3 – April 17
New Hampshire           Jan 3 – June 28
Rhode Island                Jan 2 – June 30
Vermont                      Jan 3 – May 9
Stay up to date on all legislation tracked in your state via NAMA’s website.
Connecticut’s legislature will kick off its 2024 session in February. The Office of Legislative Research published its compilation of issues likely to be considered this year. The state is expected to take up housing affordability, tax reform, artificial intelligence, PFAS regulation, solid waste management, and more. Read the full report here.
Maine’s minimum wage increased on January 1, 2024 from $13.80 to $14.15, in accordance with the state’s required annual cost-of-living increases. Minimum tipped wages rose to $7.08. For legislators this year, housing affordability and gun regulation are top-of-mind. Nearly all the approximately 500 bills under consideration were introduced last year during the 2023 Spring Session.
New Hampshire began its session by passing a comprehensive data privacy law, Senate Bill 255, which now heads to Governor Sununu for his consideration. Should he sign the bill, it would take effect January 1, 2025 and would establish data privacy guidelines for businesses that control or process the personal data of at least 35,000 unique customers. It is largely based on the 2022 Connecticut Data Privacy Act.
Rhode Island’s session kicked off with calls from leadership to improve access to health care, increase housing affordability, and address the labor shortage. The legislature will also consider reforms to address climate change, which may include—among other initiatives—reducing plastic waste.
Vermont is considering several progressive initiatives for 2024. Likely to be vetoed by Republican Governor Phil Scott should they reach his desk, lawmakers are discussing a 32-hour work week and a three percent wealth tax for individual income exceeding $500,000 a year.Â
2024 Election Update
In the New Hampshire Republican Primary, former President Donald Trump emerged victorious, surpassing former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and moving closer to securing the GOP presidential nomination. His win marks a significant milestone, as he becomes the first non-incumbent GOP candidate in modern history to win both the Iowa and New Hampshire Republican contests.
Despite Trump’s triumph, Haley, his last remaining GOP challenger, remains determined to press forward. While congratulating Trump on his victory, she emphasized that the race is still ongoing, particularly as she gears up for a primary in her home state next month.
On the Democratic front, President Joe Biden secured the primary victory as a write-in candidate. Biden’s absence from the ballot stemmed from an internal party dispute over the primary date. Consequently, supporters mobilized to write in his name, although no delegates will be awarded as a result. Biden’s campaign is now focusing on an early start to the general election, preparing for a potential rematch with Trump in November.
The outcomes of these primaries reflect the evolving landscape of American politics. Trump’s success underscores his enduring influence within the GOP, while Haley’s determination signals ongoing competition within the party. Biden’s write-in victory highlights the intricacies of internal party dynamics. All of this is setting the stage for a potentially contentious general election rematch.
Primary Election Dates for New England are as follows:
New Hampshire           Jan 23 (complete)
Maine                         March 5 – Super Tuesday
Vermont                      March 5 – Super Tuesday
Connecticut                 April 2
Rhode Island                April 2