Major topics in the 2012 state legislative sessions
This page is a collection of issues and themes in the 2012 state legislative sessions.
There are 46 states that convened regular sessions in 2012. Montana, Nevada, North Dakota and Texas did not hold regular sessions.
If a state does not have a major issues section below, it means Ballotpedia staff did not write about major issues in that legislative session.
Alabama State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in regular session from February 7 through May 16. It held a special session from May 17 through May 24 to address redistricting.[1]
Alaska State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in regular session from January 17 to April 15. It was in special session from April 15 to April 30.[2]
Major issues
Legislators took up Governor Sean Parnell's (R) suggestion to decrease the oil tax in order to increase economic growth. They also considered a ban on texting while driving, education funding, the state's unfunded pension liability, and whether to extend the legislative session from 90 to 120 days.[3]
Arizona State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in regular session from January 10 through May 3.[4]
Arkansas General Assembly
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from February 13 to March 13.
California State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 4 to August 31.
Colorado General Assembly
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 11 to May 9. A special session was held from May 14 to May 16.[5]
Connecticut General Assembly
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from February 8 to May 9.
Delaware General Assembly
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 10 through June 30.
Major issues
Legislators focused more on economic rather than social issues this session, including reforms to Medicaid and addressing the budget deficit.[6]
Florida State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the Legislature was in session from January 10 through March 9.
Georgia General Assembly
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in regular session from January 9 through March 29.
Hawaii State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 18 to May 3.
Major issues in 2012
The legislature focused on job creation, creating a sustainable economy, sustainable and renewable energy, improving the state's information technology infrastructure, and education funding.[7]
Idaho State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 9 through March 29.
Major issues in 2012
Legislators considered setting up a state-based health care exchange as required under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Conservative legislators opposed to the law sought to set up a public-private ownership as a compromise, rather that risking the federal government setting up one on the state's behalf. The budget and public education reform were also major issues.[8]
Illinois General Assembly
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the General Assembly was in regular session from January 11 to May 31.
Indiana General Assembly
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the General Assembly was in session from January 4 through March 14.
Major issues in 2012
Main issues included right-to-work legislation, a statewide smoking ban, a tax raise to finance a mass transit system, and elimination of the state's inheritance tax.[9] The issue at the heart of the session was right-to-work legislation that Republicans long said would be their top priority in 2012. The legislation sought to ban companies and unions from negotiating a contract that requires non-union members to pay union dues. Republicans argued that the move would bring jobs to the state while Democrats said that it would lead to lower wages.[10]
Iowa General Assembly
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the General Assembly was in session from January 9 to May 9.
Kansas State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was scheduled to be in session from January 9 through May 14. However, the session was extended through the 20th. Major issues which remained unresolved included education funding, state employee pension reform, redistricting, and the budget. Gov. Sam Brownback (R) stated, “I think it’s reasonable for people to say they should have gotten things done in 90 days. My hope is that they wrap it up here pretty soon.”[11]
Major issues in 2012
Alongside the budget, legislators considered reforming the school financing formula and expanding Medicaid's managed care system.[12]
Kentucky General Assembly
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 3 through April 9.
Louisiana State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from March 12 through June 4.
Maine State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 4 through May 31.
Major issues in 2012
Lawmakers faced a $221 million budget deficit. They also looked to restructure the state Medicaid system, reduce energy costs, and improve charter schools.[13]
Maryland General Assembly
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 11 through April 19.
Massachusetts General Court
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session starting January 4 through July 31.
Major issues in 2012
Leading the agenda was the regulation of special education collaboratives in the state. Other issues included controlling health costs and a sentencing bill that would bar parole for prisoners convicted of more than two violent crimes.[14]
In August 2012, Sen. Mike Rush (D) and Rep. Ed Coppinger (D) wrote a list of legislative accomplishments from the session. Among the major policy items addressed were the passage of balanced FY 2012 and 2013 state budgets, a health care cost containment bill, strategic economic development legislation, and the legalization of casino gaming.[15]
Michigan State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 11 to December 27.
Minnesota State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 24 to May 10.
Mississippi State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 3 through May 3.[16]
Missouri General Assembly
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 4 through May 30.[17][18]
Major issues in 2012
The budget was the main focus of the session, as the state faced a $500 million spending gap in January. The agenda at the start of the session also included economic development, Workers Compensation reforms, and overhauling public school funding.[19] Those items joined health care exchanges, birth control, charter schools, and sentencing guidelines for crack cocaine crimes as points of contention and accomplishment over the course of the session.[20]
Montana State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature did not hold a regular session.
Nebraska State Senate
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 4 through April 18.
Major issues in 2012
At the top of the list for the legislature was reforming the state's child welfare system, while Governor Dave Heineman's (R) priorities were job creation and maintaining fiscal discipline.[21]
Nevada State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the Legislature did not hold a regular session.
New Hampshire General Court
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 4 through June 27.
Major issues in 2012
Major issues on the agenda included economic development, job creation, same-sex marriage, and gambling.[22]
New Jersey State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 10, 2012, to January 9, 2013.
New Mexico State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 17 through February 16.
Major issues in 2012
In their 30-day session the legislature considered drivers licenses for illegal immigrants, voter identification, business income tax, ethics reform, and defining homeowner rights in foreclosure proceedings.[23]
Gov. Susana Martinez (R) watched as the state legislature ended its session by rejecting a bill that would have repealed the law allowing drivers licenses to be issued to people without Social Security numbers. It was the third time she tried to undo the law. The bill was initially passed by the House but defeated in the Senate. The Senate instead passed a measure shortening how long the licenses are valid and imposing harsher penalties on those committing fraud.[24]
New York State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 4 through June 22.
Major issues in 2012
Redistricting was an important issue in 2011 and had to be dealt with in 2012. Other issues included addressing a $3.5 billion budget gap and a proposal to ban hydrofracking.[25]
General Assembly of North Carolina
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature convened on May 16 and adjourned July 3.
North Dakota Legislative Assembly
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature did not hold a regular session.
Ohio General Assembly
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 3 to December 31.
Oklahoma State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from February 6 through May 25.
Oregon State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from February 1 through March 6.
Pennsylvania General Assembly
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 3 to November 30.
Rhode Island General Assembly
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 3 through June 13.
Major issues in 2012
The legislature had to address a $120 million budget deficit. Legislators wanted to cut spending to close the gap while Governor Lincoln Chafee (I) pushed for a tax raise. Major issues also included reducing municipal pension costs and reducing regulations to spur economic growth.[26]
South Carolina State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 11 through June 7.
Major issues in 2012
Legislators addressed a budget surplus of $900 million. Major agenda issues included tax reform, job security measures, reforming the state retirement system, and creating a new school funding formula.[27]
South Dakota State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 10 through March 19.
Tennessee General Assembly
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 10 through May 1.
Major issues in 2012
Republican legislators began the session by passing new congressional and state legislative maps. Major issues in the session included job creation and eliminating policies and regulations that restrict businesses, including the inheritance tax, and reforming unemployment insurance.
Texas State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature did not hold a regular session.
Utah State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 23 through March 8.
Major issues in 2012
Major topics included a projected $13 billion budget, technology for students, unauthorized immigration, and infrastructure.[28]
Vermont State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 3 through May 5.
Virginia General Assembly
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in regular session from January 11 through March 10.[29]
Washington State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 9 through March 8.
West Virginia State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 11 through March 10.
Wisconsin State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 10 through March 16 with a return for limited business on April 24.
Major issues in 2012
With potential recalls of Governor Scott Walker (R), Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch (R) and four Republican state senators, debate on major legislation was expected to be limited. Going into the session, Republican leaders said they were focused on passing bills on only four main issues - clearing the way for an ore mine in northern Wisconsin, easing laws regarding development on wetlands, environmental regulation, and creating a venture capital fund to help start-up businesses.[30]
The six recalls dominated the session. Ultimately on June 5, 2012, recalls against the Governor, Lt. Governor, and three of the state senators were unsuccessful. The fourth recall, that against Van Wanggaard, went to a recount. Wanggaard was defeated, giving Democrats control of the Senate.
Wyoming State Legislature
- See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions
In 2012, the legislature was in session from February 13 through March 9.
See also
Footnotes
- ↑ tuscaloosanews.com, "Alabama Legislature passes redistricting plans," accessed April 21, 2015
- ↑ ncsl.org, "2012 Legislative Session Calendar," accessed April 21, 2015
- ↑ Anchorage Daily News, "Lingering issues to test Legislature," January 16, 2012
- ↑ ncsl.org, "Session schedules," accessed April 30, 2012
- ↑ Pueblo Chieftain, "Civil Union supporters rally prior to special session," May 14, 2012
- ↑ Delaware First Media, "Legislators begin to form 2012 agenda," January 8, 2012
- ↑ Hawaii Reporter, "Hawaii State Senate Majority Caucus Sets its Priorities for the 2012 Legislative Session," January 17, 2012
- ↑ Times News Magic Valley, "See What the Idaho Legislature's Toughest Issues Are This Session," January 9, 2012
- ↑ Indianapolis Star, "Lawmakers face rematch with 'thousand-pound gorilla,'" January 3, 2012
- ↑ Indianapolis Star, "Rare joint hearing accelerates 'right to work' bill," January 6, 2012
- ↑ Kansas City Star, "Republican infighting forces Kansas Legislature to extend session," May 12, 2012 (Archived)
- ↑ Topeka Capital Journal, "Legislative session to start Monday," January 8, 2012
- ↑ Bangor Daily News, "Maine lawmakers return Wednesday for 2012 session," January 3, 2012
- ↑ Lowell Sun, "Mass. lawmakers to weigh bill on special ed groups," January 4, 2012
- ↑ Wicked Local Roslindale, "Sen. Rush, Rep. Coppinger announce legislative highlights," August 18, 2012
- ↑ StateScape, "Session Schedules," accessed February 16, 2021 (Archived)
- ↑ National Conference of State Legislators, "2011 Legislator Session Calendar," accessed June 5, 2012
- ↑ The Associated Press, "Mo. Legislature officially ends its 2012 session," May 30 2012 (dead link)
- ↑ St. Louis Beacon, "Missouri legislature opens, with last session's issues at top of agenda," January 4, 2012
- ↑ St. Louis Public Radio, "2012 Missouri legislative session ends," May 19, 2012
- ↑ Lincoln Journal Star, "As session begins, child welfare reform a priority," January 3, 2012
- ↑ Concord Monitor, "House GOP: Jobs the focus," January 4, 2012
- ↑ Santa Fe New Mexican, "Election-year tension and redrawn districts set stage for political dramas at the Capitol," January 15, 2012(Archived)
- ↑ Latin American Herald Tribune, "Undocumented New Mexicans Can Still Get Driver’s Licenses," February 19, 2012
- ↑ Poughkeepsie Journal, "Divisive issues to test Cuomo's popularity in 2nd year," January 9, 2012
- ↑ Boston.com, "Issues to watch in 2012 RI session," January 2, 2012
- ↑ The State, "Legislative key issues," January 8, 2012
- ↑ Salt Lake Tribune, "Top issues to watch in the upcoming Utah Legislature," January 21, 2012
- ↑ ncsl.org, "2012 Legislative Session Calendar," accessed February 16, 2021
- ↑ Appleton Post Crescent, "Wisconsin legislative agenda influenced by negative effects of recalls," January 16, 2012
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