Category: CSG South

Which Southern States Require Country-of-Origin Labels for Restaurant Seafood?

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The Acadiana region of Louisiana is known for many things—George Rodrigue’s Blue Dog, the up-tempo rhythms of zydeco music, and former LSU Coach O’s gravelly accent—but nothing compares to its food. The region is lauded for its many dishes, including seafood staples like shrimp creole, crawfish étouffée, Cajun fried oysters, blackened catfish, and the ever-crowd-pleasing crawfish boil. These culinary delights trace their roots to Creole and Cajun traditions that used what was available from the nearby waters.

It was headline news then when 33 percent of surveyed restaurants in Lafayette, the largest city in the Acadiana region, were caught serving imported shrimp. Some of the restaurants even advertised the imported shrimp as local, genuine Gulf shrimp, which may put them at risk of violating Louisiana state law. Under the law, any shrimp or crawfish produced or farmed outside of the United States and sold in a Louisiana restaurant must label their menus with the phrase “some items served at this establishment may contain imported crawfish or shrimp.”

The law, which passed with no opposition and went into effect in 2019, aimed to address two issues. The first is the continued influx of imported seafood from countries like Chile, India, and Vietnam. The domestic shrimp industry, for example, has been hit particularly hard by imported products, according to the Louisiana Shrimp Association. The organization says that imports have “caused a significant loss of revenue for small family-owned fishing businesses and has caused unfair competition for domestic shrimp producers throughout the United States.” The seafood industry accounts for one out of every 70 jobs in Louisiana and had a $838 million impact on the Pelican State in 2022 (the last available year for comparative data).

The second issue is health concerns. A 2020 study conducted by researchers at Louisiana State University (LSU) found that more than two-thirds of samples of imported shrimp purchased from establishments throughout the Baton Rouge area contained residues of veterinary drugs, which contained chemicals like nitrofurantoin, malachite green, oxytetracycline, and fluoroquinolone that can be harmful to humans.

Louisiana is not the only state looking to support its seafood industry. Among the nine coastal Southern states, seafood is big business with an overall economic impact of $14.5 billion. Beyond this, a 2022 study from researchers at the University of Florida found that restaurant consumers across the U.S. strongly prefer entrées with transparent information like country-of-origin labels, as well as specific species information and sustainability ratings.

2022 Economic Impact of the Seafood Industry in Coastal Southern States

State	Economic Impact (In Millions) (2022)
Alabama	$196
Florida	$8,207
Georgia	$1,275
Louisiana	$838
Mississippi	$165
North Carolina	$377
South Carolina	$78
Texas	$2,049
Virginia	$1,339

It is no surprise, then, that other states in the region followed Louisiana’s lead and passed legislation requiring labels to inform diners of the source of their seafood. In Alabama, for example, restaurants must label fish or shrimp sold with the country of origin. If the seafood is caught or raised in the United States, the label may include the state, but it is not required. The label must be visible during the final point of sale; in the case of menus, it must appear using the same font and size as the offered item. The law went into effect in October 2024 after receiving full support from all voting members.

Mississippi recently passed a similar law without any opposition, which went into effect in July 2025. It states that the country of origin must be listed for seafood items on the menu and printed in the same font style and size as the item. If the restaurant only sells shrimp from the United States, then the food service establishment may generally disclose this in a prominent location in lieu of disclosure on the menu.

In Texas, legislation that focused solely on shrimp was recently passed (with only three votes against it) and goes into effect in September 2025. The bill states that “a restaurant shall not label or represent imported shrimp as ‘Texas shrimp,’ ‘American shrimp,’ ‘domestic shrimp,’ or ‘Gulf shrimp.’” This bill was an effort to support the state’s shrimping industry and came after a January 2025 study by SeaD Consulting found that more than half of the 44 surveyed restaurants in the Houston area were serving imported shrimp despite advertising it as local.

Similar bills have been introduced in the House chambers in Florida and South Carolina, but have not been voted out of committee. In 2025, HB 117, requiring Georgia restaurants that serve imported shrimp to label menus with either “Foreign Imported” or “Foreign Imported Shrimp,” passed the Georgia House with 165 of 172 voting members in favor, but has not yet moved forward in the Senate.

With the above exceptions, country-of-origin labeling (also known as “COOL”) does not generally apply to restaurants. Under federal law, restaurants are exempt from country-of-origin seafood labels, though larger-scale commercial sales are required to do so. Therefore, in coastal Southern states that haven’t passed labeling laws, a seafood restaurant—even one along the water—could be selling imported seafood and not locally caught fish. For example, a May 2025 SeaD Consulting study of shrimp sold at 44 different restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina, found that 90 percent of the establishments were selling imported shrimp and not local, Lowcountry shrimp, as they had led customers to believe.

However, states without country-of-origin label laws may still have regulations against mislabeling seafood. Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, for example, makes it clear that mislabeling seafood’s country of origin is illegal. In these cases, it may be legal for a restaurant to forego mentioning where its seafood comes from, so long as they don’t advertise imported seafood as local.

In states that have either enacted seafood labeling laws or seek to have regulations against mislabeling seafood, the penalties for violations vary. In Texas, the decision is left up to the state’s Department of State Health Services. In Alabama, the maximum penalty for a restaurant is $1,000, and that only occurs after four prior offenses (with fines ranging from $100 to $500). Mississippi allows for a maximum penalty of $10,000. Louisiana’s fines initially ranged from $1,000 to $2,000 after two previous offenses, but legislation in 2024 raised the fines to $50,000 after two previous offenses.

As more coastal Southern states look to support their seafood industries in the wake of increasing imports, more laws may be passed requiring labels on imported seafood served in restaurants. In addition, seafood labeling laws may prevent the spread of unwanted contaminants found in some imported products. Beyond this, these laws may bolster diners’—both locals and tourists alike—confidence that the dishes they select come from nearby waters or from far-off seas.

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Welcome to the June issue of Southern Pulse, your monthly source for updates and insights from the Southern region, tailored for state legislators and staff. Keep scrolling to discover all the essential updates in this month’s issue.

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Balancing Personal Rights and Public Safety: How do states define non-bailable offenses?

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Bail eligibility differs between states. All state constitutions grant the right to bail and typically have rules against excessive bail. However, there is variation among states in specifying exceptions to the right to bail, also known as “pre-trial detention eligibility” or “non-bailable offenses.” While some states limit their definition of non-bailable offenses to capital offenses, others provide a specific list of serious and violent crimes.

What are non-bailable offenses?

Non-bailable offenses are any crimes that state law deems eligible for pre-trial detention. Generally, these types of crimes are severe and have substantial maximum sentences. Capital offenses are the most common type of non-bailable offense, but other serious crimes like kidnapping or terrorism may also be considered bailable offenses.

What do states’ constitutions say about non-bailable offenses?

A state’s provisions for non-bailable offenses can fall within one of three categories: 1) traditional bail denial, 2) expanded bail denial, or 3) no bail denial allowances. Only capital offenses are considered non-bailable in states with traditional bail denial provisions. States with expanded bail denial have broadened the list of non-bailable offenses. This amended list could be as simple as including crimes with maximum life imprisonment sentences or as detailed as naming specific violent crimes. Constitutions with expanded bail denial could also allow a judge to use discretion to determine if the accused threatens public safety or is unlikely to appear for trial. The map below (Figure 1) shows which category each state’s constitutional provisions fall under.

FIGURE 1: Constitutional Definitions of Non-Bailable Offenses

Proponents of amending state definitions of non-bailable offenses believe doing so is acting in the public interest by ensuring a potentially dangerous defendant remains in custody before trial. Opponents see this as stripping the accused of their rights and essentially determining guilt before a fair trial. Thus, states often include clauses in their constitutions that require substantial evidence of the accused’s guilt before being denied bail and held in pretrial detention. Should a state wish to expand its definition of non-bailable offenses, the language of the state’s constitution would dictate that process.

Which states have recently expanded their definitions of non-bailable offenses?

Five states (Table 1) have recently expanded their definitions of non-bailable offenses. Because of the specific language in these states’ constitutions, they used constitutional amendments to expand their definitions. However, expanding non-bailable offenses with legislation in a state with vague pre-established constitutional provisions is possible.

Additionally, Tennessee is proposing a constitutional amendment to expand its definition of non-bailable offenses. In Tennessee, constitutional amendments must pass through two separate General Assemblies, and each session spans 90 days over two years. Senate Joint Resolution 0919 passed both chambers during the last session (2023–2024). It made its second appearance this year as House Joint Resolution 0049, which passed in the House before the General Assembly adjourned for the year. Though it did not make its way through the Senate, because of Tennessee’s session structure, it is still possible for the resolution to pass during the 2026 portion of the session.

TABLE 1: States that have recently successfully amended their constitutions to expand their definitions of non-bailable offenses

Can states expand their definition of non-bailable offenses without a constitutional amendment?

In short, it depends. Constitutional language dictates the process states must follow. CSG South’s fifteen states highlight the various methods for expanding constitutional definitions of non-bailable offenses. If a state constitution allows for statutory amendments, a full constitutional amendment is not necessary. For example, the Mississippi Constitution says offenses that are “punishable by imprisonment for a maximum of twenty (20) years or more or by life imprisonment” are eligible for bail denial.⁶ Thus, if Mississippi were to expand its list of charges eligible for life imprisonment through legislation, the constitutional definition would be expanded without needing an amendment. The same can be said for South Carolina, which categorizes “violent offenses defined by the General Assembly” as non-bailable offenses. Should South Carolina wish to broaden its definition, the General Assembly need only to classify the offenses in question as violent through legislation.

Conversely, states with definitions that have clearly outlined specific offenses, like Alabama, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, would require an amendment to alter the list of offenses eligible for pretrial detention. Similarly, states that have not expanded their definitions beyond the capital offenses (Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee) or do not currently allow for pretrial detention at all (Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia) must pass an amendment if they wish to expand their definitions.

Florida is unique among the CSG South states in that the need for a constitutional amendment depends on the legislature’s ultimate objective. If the goal is to modify the types of offenses that can receive a life sentence, there is no need for an amendment; this can be achieved through legislation. However, if the state sought to modify the definition to include additional offenses, it would need to pass an amendment.

APPENDIX A: Constitutional definitions of bailable and non-bailable offenses by state

State	Constitutional Definition and Citation
Alabama	“That all persons shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless charged with capital murder, as provided in Section 13A-5-40, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended; murder, as provided in Section 13A-6-2, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended; kidnapping in the first degree, as provided in Section 13A-6-43, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended; rape in the first degree, as provided in Section 13A-6-61, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended; sodomy in the first degree, as provided in Section 13A-6-63, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended; sexual torture, as provided in Section 13A-6-65.1, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended; domestic violence in the first degree, as provided in Section 13A-6-130, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended; human trafficking in the first degree, as provided in Section 13A-6-152, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended; burglary in the first degree, as provided in Section 13A-7-5, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended; arson in the first degree, as provided in Section 13A-7-41, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended; robbery in the first degree, as provided in Section 13A-8-41, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended; terrorism, as provided in subdivision (b)(2) of Section 13A-10-152, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended; and aggravated child abuse, as provided in subsection (b) of Section 26-15-3.1, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended; and that excessive bail shall not in any case be required.” Alabama Constitution, Article I, Section 16
Alaska	“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall have the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of twelve, except that the legislature may provide for a jury of not more than twelve nor less than six in courts not of record. The accused is entitled to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be released on bail, except for capital offenses when the proof is evident or the presumption great; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.” Alaska Constitution, Article I, Section 11
Arizona	“A. All persons charged with crime shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except: 1. For capital offenses, sexual assault, sexual conduct with a minor under fifteen years of age or molestation of a child under fifteen years of age when the proof is evident or the presumption great. 2. For felony offenses committed when the person charged is already admitted to bail on a separate felony charge and where the proof is evident or the presumption great as to the present charge. 3. For felony offenses if the person charged poses a substantial danger to any other person or the community, if no conditions of release which may be imposed will reasonably assure the safety of the other person or the community and if the proof is evident or the presumption great as to the present charge. 4. For serious felony offenses as prescribed by the legislature if the person charged has entered or remained in the United States illegally and if the proof is evident or the presumption great as to the present charge.” Arizona Constitution, Article II, Section 22
Arkansas	“All persons shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses, when the proof is evident or the presumption great.” Arkansas Constitution, Article II, Section 8
California	“A person shall be released on bail by sufficient sureties, except for: (a) Capital crimes when the facts are evident or the presumption great; (b) Felony offenses involving acts of violence on another person, or felony sexual assault offenses on another person, when the facts are evident or the presumption great and the court finds based upon clear and convincing evidence that there is a substantial likelihood the person’s release would result in great bodily harm to others; or (c) Felony offenses when the facts are evident or the presumption great and the court finds based on clear and convincing evidence that the person has threatened another with great bodily harm and that there is a substantial likelihood that the person would carry out the threat if released. Excessive bail may not be required. In fixing the amount of bail, the court shall take into consideration the seriousness of the offense charged, the previous criminal record of the defendant, and the probability of his or her appearing at the trial or hearing of the case.” California Constitution, Article I, Section 12
Colorado	“(1) All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties pending disposition of charges except: (a) For capital offenses when proof is evident or presumption is great; or (b) When, after a hearing held within ninety-six hours of arrest and upon reasonable notice, the court finds that proof is evident or presumption is great as to the crime alleged to have been committed and finds that the public would be placed in significant peril if the accused were released on bail and such person is accused in any of the following cases: (I) A crime of violence, as may be defined by the general assembly, alleged to have been committed while on probation or parole resulting from the conviction of a crime of violence; (II) A crime of violence, as may be defined by the general assembly, alleged to have been committed while on bail pending the disposition of a previous crime of violence charge for which probable cause has been found; (III) A crime of violence, as may be defined by the general assembly, alleged to have been committed after two previous felony convictions, or one such previous felony conviction if such conviction was for a crime of violence, upon charges separately brought and tried under the laws of this state or under the laws of any other state, the United States, or any territory subject to the jurisdiction of the United States which, if committed in this state, would be a felony; or (c) (Deleted by amendment, L. 94, p. 2853, effective upon proclamation of the Governor, L. 95, p. 1434, January 19, 1995.) (d) For the offense of murder in the first degree, as defined by law, committed on or after the effective date of this subsection (1)(d), when proof is evident or presumption is great.” Colorado Constitution, Article II, Section 19
Connecticut	“All prisoners shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offences, where the proof is evident, or the presumption great; and the privileges of the writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless, when in case of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it; nor in any case, but by legislature.” Connecticut Constitution, Article I, Section 14
Delaware	“All prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offenses when the proof is positive or the presumption great; and when persons are confined on accusation for such offenses their friends and counsel may at proper seasons have access to them.” Delaware Constitution, Article I, Section 12
Florida	“Unless charged with a capital offense or an offense punishable by life imprisonment and the proof of guilt is evident or the presumption is great, every person charged with a crime or violation of municipal or county ordinance shall be entitled to pretrial release on reasonable conditions. If no conditions of release can reasonably protect the community from risk of physical harm to persons, assure the presence of the accused at trial, or assure the integrity of the judicial process, the accused may be detained.” Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 14
Georgia	No constitutionally defined allowances for denying bail, only prohibition of excessive bail. Georgia Constitution, Article I, Section 1, Paragraph XVII
Hawaii	“Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel or unusual punishment inflicted. The court may dispense with bail if reasonably satisfied that the defendant or witness will appear when directed, except for a defendant charged with an offense punishable by life imprisonment.” Hawaii Constitution, Article I, Section 12
Idaho	“All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses, where the proof is evident or the presumption great. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excess fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.” Idaho Constitution, Article I, Section 6
Illinois	“All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for the following offenses where the proof is evident or the presumption great: capital offenses; offenses for which a sentence of life imprisonment may be imposed as a consequence of conviction; and felony offenses for which a sentence of imprisonment, without conditional and revocable release, shall be imposed by law as a consequence of conviction, when the court, after a hearing, determines that release of the offender would pose a real and present threat to the physical safety of any person.” Illinois Constitution, Article I, Section 9
Indiana	“Offenses, other than murder or treason, shall be bailable by sufficient sureties. Murder or treason shall not be bailable, when the proof is evident, or the presumption strong.” Indiana Constitution, Article I, Section 17
Iowa	“All persons shall, before conviction, be bailable, by sufficient sureties, except for capital offences where the proof is evident, or the presumption great.” Iowa Constitution, Article I, Section 12
Kansas	“All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties except for capital offenses, where proof is evident or the presumption great. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel or unusual punishment inflicted.” Kansas Constitution, Bill of Rights, Section 9
Kentucky	“All prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient securities, unless for capital offenses when the proof is evident or the presumption great; and the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended unless when, in case of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it.” Kentucky Constitution, Bill of Rights, Section 16
Louisiana	“(A) Excessive bail shall not be required. Before and during a trial, a person shall be bailable by sufficient surety, except when he is charged with a capital offense and the proof is evident and the presumption of guilt is great. After conviction and before sentencing, a person shall be bailable if the maximum sentence which may be imposed is imprisonment for five years or less; and the judge may grant bail if the maximum sentence which may be imposed is imprisonment exceeding five years. After sentencing and until final judgment, a person shall be bailable if the sentence actually imposed is five years or less; and the judge may grant bail if the sentence actually imposed exceeds imprisonment for five years. (B) However, a person charged with a crime of violence as defined by law or with production, manufacture, distribution, or dispensing or possession with intent to produce, manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled dangerous substance as defined by the Louisiana Controlled Dangerous Substances Law, and the proof is evident and the presumption of guilt is great, shall not be bailable if, after a contradictory hearing, the judge or magistrate finds by clear and convincing evidence that there is a substantial risk that the person may flee or poses an imminent danger to any other person or the community.” Louisiana Constitution, Article I, Section 18
Maine	“No person before conviction shall be bailable for any of the crimes which now are, or have been denominated capital offenses since the adoption of the Constitution, when the proof is evident or the presumption great, whatever the punishment of the crimes may be. And the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it.” Maine Constitution, Article I, Section 10
Maryland	No constitutional defined allowances for denying bail, only prohibition of excessive bail. Maryland Constitution, Declaration of Rights, Article 25
Massachusetts	No constitutional defined allowances for denying bail, only prohibition of excessive bail. Massachusetts Constitution, Declaration of Rights, Part the First, Article XXVI
Michigan	“No person shall be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy. All persons shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, except that bail may be denied for the following persons when the proof is evident or the presumption great: (a) A person who, within the 15 years immediately preceding a motion for bail pending the disposition of an indictment for a violent felony or of an arraignment on a warrant charging a violent felony, has been convicted of 2 or more violent felonies under the laws of this state or under substantially similar laws of the United States or another state, or a combination thereof, only if the prior felony convictions arose out of at least 2 separate incidents, events, or transactions. (b) A person who is indicted for, or arraigned on a warrant charging, murder or treason. (c) A person who is indicted for, or arraigned on a warrant charging, criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, armed robbery, or kidnapping with intent to extort money or other valuable thing thereby, unless the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant is not likely to flee or present a danger to any other person. (d) A person who is indicted for, or arraigned on a warrant charging, a violent felony which is alleged to have been committed while the person was on bail, pending the disposition of a prior violent felony charge or while the person was on probation or parole as a result of a prior conviction for a violent felony. If a person is denied admission to bail under this section, the trial of the person shall be commenced not more than 90 days after the date on which admission to bail is denied. If the trial is not commenced within 90 days after the date on which admission to bail is denied and the delay is not attributable to the defense, the court shall immediately schedule a bail hearing and shall set the amount of bail for the person. As used in this section, “violent felony” means a felony, an element of which involves a violent act or threat of a violent act against any other person.” Michigan Constitution, Article I, Section 15
Minnesota	“All persons before conviction shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses when the proof is evident or the presumption great. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended unless the public safety requires it in case of rebellion or invasion.” Minnesota Constitution, Article I, Section 7
Mississippi	“In the case of offenses punishable by imprisonment for a maximum of twenty (20) years or more or by life imprisonment, a county or circuit court judge may deny bail for such offenses when the proof is evident or the presumption great upon making a determination that the release of the person or persons arrested for such offense would constitute a special danger to any other person or to the community or that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required.” Mississippi Constitution, Article III, Section 29
Missouri	“That all persons shall be bail able by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses, when the proof is evident or the presumption great.” Missouri Constitution, Article I, Section 20
Montana	“All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses, when the proof is evident or the presumption great.” Montana Constitution, Article II, Section 21
Nebraska	“All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for treason, sexual offenses involving penetration by force or against the will of the victim, and murder, where the proof is evident or the presumption great. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted.” Nebraska Constitution, Article I, Section 9
Nevada	“All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties; unless for Capital Offenses or murders punishable by life imprisonment without possibility of parole when the proof is evident or the presumption great.” Nevada Constitution, Article I, Section 7
New Hampshire	No constitutional defined allowances for denying bail, only prohibition of excessive bail. New Hampshire Constitution, Bill of Rights, Article 33
New Jersey	“All persons shall, before conviction, be eligible for pretrial release. Pretrial release may be denied to a person if the court finds that no amount of monetary bail, non-monetary conditions of pretrial release, or combination of monetary bail and non-monetary conditions would reasonably assure the person’s appearance in court when required, or protect the safety of any other person or the community, or prevent the person from obstructing or attempting to obstruct the criminal justice process. It shall be lawful for the Legislature to establish by law procedures, terms, and conditions applicable to pretrial release and the denial thereof authorized under this provision.” New Jersey Constitution, Article I, Section 11
New Mexico	“All persons shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses when the proof is evident or the presumption great and in situations in which bail is specifically prohibited by this section. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted. Bail may be denied by a court of record pending trial for a defendant charged with a felony if the prosecuting authority requests a hearing and proves by clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions will reasonably protect the safety of any other person or the community. An appeal from an order denying bail shall be given preference over all other matters. A person who is not detainable on grounds of dangerousness nor a flight risk in the absence of bond and is otherwise eligible for bail shall not be detained solely because of financial inability to post a money or property bond. A defendant who is neither a danger nor a flight risk and who has a financial inability to post a money or property bond may file a motion with the court requesting relief from the requirement to post bond. The court shall rule on the motion in an expedited manner.” New Mexico Constitution, Article II, Section 13
New York	No constitutional defined allowances for denying bail, only prohibition of excessive bail. New York Constitution, Article I, Section 5
North Carolina	No constitutional defined allowances for denying bail, only prohibition of excessive bail. North Carolina Constitution, Article I, Section 27
North Dakota	“All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offenses when the proof is evident or the presumption great. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor shall cruel or unusual punishments be inflicted. Witnesses shall not be unreasonably detained, nor be confined in any room where criminals are actually imprisoned.” North Dakota Constitution, Article II, Section 11
Ohio	“All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for a person who is charged with a capital offense where the proof is evident or the presumption great, and except for a person who is charged with a felony where the proof is evident or the presumption great and where the person poses a substantial risk of serious physical harm to any person or to the community. Where a person is charged with any offense for which the person may be incarcerated, the court may determine at any time the type, amount, and conditions of bail. Excessive bail shall not be required; nor excessive fines imposed; nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. When determining the amount of bail, the court shall consider public safety, including the seriousness of the offense, and a person’s criminal record, the likelihood a person will return to court, and any other factor the general assembly may prescribe. The general assembly shall fix by law standards to determine whether a person who is charged with a felony where the proof is evident or the presumption great poses a substantial risk of serious physical harm to any person or to the community.” Ohio Constitution, Article I, Section 9
Oklahoma	“A. All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except that bail may be denied for: 1. capital offenses when the proof of guilt is evident, or the presumption thereof is great; 2. violent offenses; 3. offenses where the maximum sentence may be life imprisonment or life imprisonment without parole; 4. felony offenses where the person charged with the offense has been convicted of two or more felony offenses arising out of different transactions; and 5. controlled dangerous substances offenses where the maximum sentence may be at least ten (10) years imprisonment. On all offenses specified in paragraphs 2 through 5 of this section, the proof of guilt must be evident, or the presumption must be great, and it must be on the grounds that no condition of release would assure the safety of the community or any person.” Oklahoma Constitution, Article II, Section 8
Oregon	“The right to have decisions by the court regarding the pretrial release of a criminal defendant based upon the principle of reasonable protection of the victim and the public, as well as the likelihood that the criminal defendant will appear for trial. Murder, aggravated murder and treason shall not be bailable when the proof is evident or the presumption strong that the person is guilty. Other violent felonies shall not be bailable when a court has determined there is probable cause to believe the criminal defendant committed the crime, and the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that there is danger of physical injury or sexual victimization to the victim or members of the public by the criminal defendant while on release.” Oregon Constitution, Article I, Section 43b
Pennsylvania	“All prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offenses or for offenses for which the maximum sentence is life imprisonment or unless no condition or combination of conditions other than imprisonment will reasonably assure the safety of any person and the community when the proof is evident or presumption great; and the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in case of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it.” Pennsylvania Constitution, Article , Section 14
Rhode Island	“All persons imprisoned ought to be bailed by sufficient surety, unless for offenses punishable by imprisonment for life, or for offenses involving the use or threat of use of a dangerous weapon by one already convicted of such offense or already convicted of an offense punishable by imprisonment for life, or for offenses involving the unlawful sale, distribution, manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture, sell, distribute or deliver any controlled substance or by possession of a controlled substance punishable by imprisonment for ten (10) years or more, when the proof of guilt is evident or the presumption great. Nothing in this section shall be construed to confer a right to bail, pending appeal of a conviction. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety shall require it; nor ever without the authority of the general assembly.” Rhode Island Constitution, Article I, Section 9
South Carolina	“All persons shall be, before conviction, bailable by sufficient sureties, but bail may be denied to persons charged with capital offenses or offenses punishable by life imprisonment, or with violent offenses defined by the General Assembly, giving due weight to the evidence and to the nature and circumstances of the event. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor shall excessive fines be imposed, nor shall cruel, nor corporal, nor unusual punishment be inflicted, nor shall witnesses be unreasonably detained.” South Carolina Constitution, Article I, Section 15
South Dakota	“All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses when proof is evident or presumption great. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended unless, when in case of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it.” South Dakota Constitution, Article VI, Section 8
Tennessee	“That all prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offences, when the proof is evident, or the presumption great. And the privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in case of rebellion or invasion, the General Assembly shall declare the public safety requires it.” Tennessee Constitution, Article I, Section 15
Texas	“11. All prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offences†, when the proof is evident; but this provision shall not be so construed as to prevent bail after indictment found upon examination of the evidence, in such manner as may be prescribed by law. 11a. DENIAL OF BAIL AFTER MULTIPLE FELONIES. (a) Any person (1) accused of a felony less than capital in this State, who has been theretofore twice convicted of a felony, the second conviction being subsequent to the first, both in point of time of commission of the offense and conviction therefor, (2) accused of a felony less than capital in this State, committed while on bail for a prior felony for which he has been indicted, (3) accused of a felony less than capital in this State involving the use of a deadly weapon after being convicted of a prior felony, or (4) accused of a violent or sexual offense committed while under the supervision of a criminal justice agency of the State or a political subdivision of the State for a prior felony, after a hearing, and upon evidence substantially showing the guilt of the accused of the offense in (1) or (3) above, of the offense committed while on bail in (2) above, or of the offense in (4) above committed while under the supervision of a criminal justice agency of the State or a political subdivision of the State for a prior felony, may be denied bail pending trial, by a district judge in this State, if said order denying bail pending trial is issued within seven calendar days subsequent to the time of incarceration of the accused; provided, however, that if the accused is not accorded a trial upon the accusation under (1) or (3) above, the accusation and indictment used under (2) above, or the accusation or indictment used under (4) above within sixty (60) days from the time of his incarceration upon the accusation, the order denying bail shall be automatically set aside, unless a continuance is obtained upon the motion or request of the accused; provided, further, that the right of appeal to the Court of Criminal Appeals of this State is expressly accorded the accused for a review of any judgment or order made hereunder, and said appeal shall be given preference by the Court of Criminal Appeals. (b) In this section: (1) “Violent offense” means: (A) murder; (B) aggravated assault, if the accused used or exhibited a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault; (C) aggravated kidnapping; or (D) aggravated robbery. (2) “Sexual offense” means: (A) aggravated sexual assault; (B) sexual assault; or (C) Indecency with a child. 11b. DENIAL OF BAIL FOR VIOLATION OF CONDITION OF RELEASE. Any person who is accused in this state of a felony or an offense involving family violence, who is released on bail pending trial, and whose bail is subsequently revoked or forfeited for a violation of a condition of release may be denied bail pending trial if a judge or magistrate in this state determines by a preponderance of the evidence at a subsequent hearing that the person violated a condition of release related to the safety of a victim of the alleged offense or to the safety of the community. 11c. DENIAL OF BAIL FOR VIOLATION OF PROTECTIVE ORDER INVOLVING FAMILY VIOLENCE. The legislature by general law may provide that any person who violates an order for emergency protection issued by a judge or magistrate after an arrest for an offense involving family violence or who violates an active protective order rendered by a court in a family violence case, including a temporary ex parte order that has been served on the person, or who engages in conduct that constitutes an offense involving the violation of an order described by this section may be taken into custody and, pending trial or other court proceedings, denied release on bail if following a hearing a judge or magistrate in this state determines by a preponderance of the evidence that the person violated the order or engaged in the conduct constituting the offense.” Texas Constitution, Article I, Section 11-11c
Utah	“1. All persons charged with a crime shall be bailable except: a. persons charged with a capital offense when there is substantial evidence to support the charge; or b. persons charged with a felony while on probation or parole, or while free on bail awaiting trial on a previous felony charge, when there is substantial evidence to support the new felony charge; or c. persons charged with any other crime, designated by statute as one for which bail may be denied, if there is substantial evidence to support the charge and the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person would constitute a substantial danger to any other person or to the community or is likely to flee the jurisdiction of the court if released on bail. 2. Persons convicted of a crime are bailable pending appeal only as prescribed by law.” Utah Constitution, Article I, Section 8
Vermont	“Excessive bail shall not be exacted for bailable offenses. All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except as follows: 1. A person accused of an offense punishable by death or life imprisonment may be held without bail when the evidence of guilt is great. 2. A person accused of a felony, an element of which involves an act of violence against another person, may be held without bail when the evidence of guilt is great and the court finds, based upon clear and convincing evidence, that the person’s release poses a substantial threat of physical violence to any person and that no condition or combination of conditions of release will reasonably prevent the physical violence. A person held without bail prior to trial under this paragraph shall be entitled to review de novo by a single justice of the Supreme Court forthwith. 3. A person awaiting sentence, or sentenced pending appeal, may be held without bail for any offense. A person held without bail prior to trial shall be entitled to review of that determination by a panel of three Supreme Court Justices within seven days after bail is denied. Except in the case of an offense punishable by death or life imprisonment, if a person is held without bail prior to trial, the trial of the person shall be commenced not more than 60 days after bail is denied. If the trial is not commenced within 60 days and the delay is not attributable to the defense, the court shall immediately schedule a bail hearing and shall set bail for the person. No person shall be imprisoned for debt.” Vermont Constitution, Chapter II, Section 39
Virginia	No constitutional defined allowances for denying bail, only prohibition of excessive bail. Virginia Constitution, Article I, Section 9
Washington	“All persons charged with crime shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses when the proof is evident, or the presumption great. Bail may be denied for offenses punishable by the possibility of life in prison upon a showing by clear and convincing evidence of a propensity for violence that creates a substantial likelihood of danger to the community or any persons, subject to such limitations as shall be determined by the legislature.” Washington Constitution, Article I, Section 20
West Virginia	No constitutional defined allowances for denying bail, only prohibition of excessive bail. West Virginia Constitution, Article III, Section 5
Wisconsin	“2. All persons, before conviction, shall be eligible for release under reasonable conditions designed to assure their appearance in court, protect members of the community from serious harm as defined by the legislature by law, or prevent the intimidation of witnesses. Monetary conditions of release may be imposed at or after the initial appearance only upon a finding that there is a reasonable basis to believe that the conditions are necessary to assure appearance in court, or if the person is accused of a violent crime as defined by the legislature by law, only upon a finding that there is a reasonable basis to believe that the conditions are necessary based on the totality of the circumstances, taking into account whether the accused has a previous conviction for a violent crime as defined by the legislature by law, the probability that the accused will fail to appear in court, the need to protect members of the community from serious harm as defined by the legislature by law, the need to prevent the intimidation of witnesses, and the potential affirmative defenses of the accused. The legislature may authorize, by law, courts to revoke a person’s release for a violation of a condition of release. 3. The legislature may by law authorize, but may not require, circuit courts to deny release for a period not to exceed 10 days prior to the hearing required under this subsection to a person who is accused of committing a murder punishable by life imprisonment or a sexual assault punishable by a maximum imprisonment of 20 years, or who is accused of committing or attempting to commit a felony involving serious bodily harm to another or the threat of serious bodily harm to another and who has a previous conviction for committing or attempting to commit a felony involving serious bodily harm to another or the threat of serious bodily harm to another. The legislature may authorize by law, but may not require, circuit courts to continue to deny release to those accused persons for an additional period not to exceed 60 days following the hearing required under this subsection, if there is a requirement that there be a finding by the court based on clear and convincing evidence presented at a hearing that the accused committed the felony and a requirement that there be a finding by the court that available conditions of release will not adequately protect members of the community from serious bodily harm or prevent intimidation of witnesses. Any law enacted under this subsection shall be specific, limited and reasonable. In determining the 10-day and 60-day periods, the court shall omit any period of time found by the court to result from a delay caused by the defendant or a continuance granted which was initiated by the defendant.” Wisconsin Constitution, Article I, Section 8
Wyoming	“All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses when the proof is evident or the presumption great. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor shall cruel or unusual punishment be inflicted.” Wyoming Constitution, Article I, Section 14

End Notes

1. Alabama Legislature. 2021. Aniah’s Law: Act No. 2021-201. April 15. https://legiscan.com/AL/text/HB131/2021
2. “Amendments and Propositions on the 2024 Ballot.” 2024. Coloradosos.gov. 2024. https://www.coloradosos.gov/pubs/elections/Initiatives/ballot/contacts/2024.html
3. Review of ASSEMBLY CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 139 STATE of NEW JERSEY 216th LEGISLATURE. n.d. NJLeg. Accessed May 7, 2025. https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2014/ACR/139_I1.HTM
4. “Constitutional Amendments Abridged – New Mexico Legislature.” 2021. Nmlegis.gov. 2021. https://www.nmlegis.gov/Publications/ConstitutionalAmendments_Abridged?id=37
5. Ballotpedia. 2023. “Wisconsin Question 2, Conditions for Cash Bail Amendment (April 2023).” March 30.https://ballotpedia.org/WisconsinQuestion_2%2C_Conditions_for_Cash_Bail_Amendment_%28April_2023%29
6. The Constitution of the State of Mississippi, Article III, § 29

The post Question of the Month, June appeared first on CSG South.

Welcome to the May issue of Southern Pulse, your monthly source for updates and insights from the Southern region, tailored for state legislators and staff. Keep scrolling to discover all the essential updates in this month’s issue.

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How have states that have removed income tax diversified their revenue?

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With Mississippi’s passing of HB 1, the “Build-up Mississippi Act” in 2025, which phases out state individual income taxes, Kentucky passing legislation reducing the individual income tax rate from 4% to 3.5%, and Georgia reducing the individual income tax rate from 5.29% to 5.19%, the topic of reduction and removal of individual income taxes remains a widespread policy discussion.

While the gradual reduction of the individual income tax rate in Georgia has come to fruition, the complete removal of the income tax as a revenue stream — the stated objective of many legislators in both Kentucky and Mississippi — presents different policy and fiscal management challenges for state governments. When removing any tax, it is necessary to reduce expenditures, identify alternative revenue sources to make up for the loss, or some combination of the two. This raises an important question: What have states done to diversify their revenue when there is no individual income tax?

Notably, Alaska is the only state to have repealed an existing individual income tax. In the CSG South region, Tennessee repealed a tax on income interest and dividends in 2021 but has never collected a broad-based individual income tax on earned wages/salaries. In addition, Florida and Texas do not collect individual income tax. Florida has never collected an individual income tax, with an outright prohibition on the tax being established by a 1924 constitutional amendment and adopted as a part of the state’s 1968 (and current) constitution. Similarly, Texas has never collected an individual income tax, and the state has prohibited any future imposition through a 1993 constitutional amendment.

Alaska

Unlike Florida, Texas, and five other states, Alaska is the only state to have wholly eliminated an existing, broad-based individual income tax on earned income. The individual income tax pre-dated Alaska’s admission as a state in 1959 and continued until 1980.

In FY1968, during the period of individual income tax collections for the state, personal income tax accounted for nearly 13 percent of Alaska’s revenue. The oil and gas industry accounted for more than 24 percent, and federal grants accounted for 39 percent of the revenue. In FY1973, income tax represented 12.5 percent of the general fund — remaining generally flat from five years earlier.¹

After completion of the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline, Alaska repealed its individual income tax in 1980.² Of note, Alaska does impose a corporate income tax and limited excise taxes on individuals but is also one of five states that does not impose a state sales tax. With the pipeline, the petroleum industry boomed, increasing economic activity in the state. In subsequent years, Alaska was able to compensate for individual income tax revenue losses through growth in its severance tax and royalties from petroleum. These taxes amounted to 47 percent of state revenue in 2022.³ Alaska is in a unique position, benefiting from its access to petroleum, which continues to make up a substantial share of its general fund and represents the majority of its unrestricted revenue as seen below.

As petroleum is a finite resource with volatile pricing, Alaska set up the Alaska Permanent Fund to manage its resource wealth more sustainably. Established in 1976, the fund invests 25 percent of petroleum revenue every fiscal year in a diversified portfolio of assets.⁴ The earnings from these investments support state government and public services, helping to stabilize the budget over time. A hallmark of the fund is the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), an annual payment distributed to eligible Alaska residents.

Alaska’s General Fund Makeup by Year (in %)

Fiscal Year	Petroleum Revenue as a Percentage of State General Fund	Federal Revenue as a percentage of State General Fund	Petroleum-based Revenue in Total Government Unrestricted Revenue
1973⁵˒⁶	14%	20%	24%
1983⁷	79%	4%	83%
1998⁸	52%	32%	62%
2003⁹	40%	42%	85%
2013¹⁰	60%	23%	91%
2023¹¹˒¹²	24%	52%	85%

Tennessee

Tennessee’s move to eliminate the tax on individuals’ dividend and interest income (known as the “Hall Income Tax”) in 2016 was part of a broader tax reform strategy and phased out the tax fully over a five-year period. The Hall Income Tax was enacted in 1929 and applied a 6 percent levy on interest and dividend income, exempting the first $1,250 of investment income for single filers and $2,500 for joint filers. At the time of its repeal, 62.5% of the collections from this tax were retained by the state government, while the remaining 37.5% were allocated to the respective local government.

To make up for the gradual tax cuts, the State of Tennessee increased its vehicle registration fee, EV registration fee, gas tax, diesel tax, and compressed natural gas and liquified gas tax.¹³ Losing their allocation of Hall Income Tax revenue, local governments were affected the most by its removal.¹⁴ For example, the suburban municipality of Germantown, TN has experienced an annual loss of approximately $3.5 million, and nearby Memphis has experienced an annual loss of approximately $15.0 million.¹⁵

The Hall Income Tax only contributed a small percentage in Tennessee’s general fund revenue. In FY2017, the tax represented 1.1 percent of state revenue.¹⁶ In the same year, sales and use tax (with a state sales and use tax rate of 7.0%) represented 61.1 percent of state revenue.¹⁷ While it is notable that Tennessee removed the Hall Income Tax on dividend and interest earnings, the impact on state government revenue was minimal.

Conclusion

The cases of Alaska and Tennessee illustrate states’ varied approaches to adjust their revenue structures without individual income taxes and highlight the individualistic nature of the strategies needed. Alaska leveraged its natural resource wealth alongside creating the Alaska Permanent Fund to support its budget and provide long-term financial stability. The elimination of the Hall Income Tax did not significantly impact Tennessee’s revenue, but transportation fees and tax adjustments were among the alternative revenue sources utilized to offset the reduction. States considering eliminating individual income taxes must carefully assess the makeup of their state revenue, revenue-generating opportunities, and economic vulnerabilities.

End Notes

1. Alaska Division of Budget and Management, ”Revenue Sources 1973-1979, 1974, https://tax.alaska.gov/programs/documentviewer/viewer.aspx?951r.
2. Scott Drenkard, “When Did Your State Adopt Its Income Tax?”, June 2014, https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/when-did-your-state-adopt-its-income-tax/.
3. Yereth Rosen, ”Oil and gas companies have outsized economic impact on Alaska, says industry study”, Alaska Public Media, https://alaskapublic.org/news/2023-09-01/oil-and-gas-companies-have-outsized-economic-impact-on-alaska-says-industry-study.
4. Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, ”Alaska’s Largest Renewable Financial Resource”, https://apfc.org/what-we-do/the-permanent-fund/.
5. Ibid.
6. Alaska Division of Budget and Management, ”Revenue Sources 1973-1979, 1974, https://tax.alaska.gov/programs/documentviewer/viewer.aspx?951r
7. Alaska Department of Revenue, ”Revenue Sources FY 1983-86, January 1984, https://tax.alaska.gov/programs/documentviewer/viewer.aspx?932r
8. Alaska Division of Finances, ”Annual Comprehensive Report”, January 1999, https://doa.alaska.gov/dof/reports/resource/98cafr.pdf
9. Alaska Division of Finance, “Annual Comprehensive Report”, January 2004, https://doa.alaska.gov/dof/reports/resource/03cafr.pdf
10. Alaska Division of Finance, Comprehensive Annual Report, December 2013, https://doa.alaska.gov/dof/reports/resource/2013cafr.pdf
11. Alaska Division of Finance, ”Annual Comprehensive Financial Report”, March 2024, https://doa.alaska.gov/dof/reports/resource/2023acfr.pdf
12. Alaska Department of Revenue, ”Annual Report 2023, March 2024, https://tax.alaska.gov/programs/programs/reports/AnnualReport.aspx?Year=2023
13. Tennessee Department of Revenue, ”IMPROVE Act”, https://www.tn.gov/revenue/tax-resources/legal-resources/archived-resources/improve-act.html.
14. “Tennessee Begins 2021 with No Income Tax After Repealing the Hall Tax”, Americans for Prosperity, December 2020, https://americansforprosperity.org/press-release/tennessee-begins-2021-with-no-income-tax/
15. Mike Palazzo,” State Shared Sales Tax Reform”, City of Germantown, March 2023, https://www.germantown-tn.gov/Home/Components/News/News/7894/30?arch=1
16. Tennessee Department of Revenue, ”2016-2017 Annual Report”, 2017, https://digitaltennessee.tnsos.gov/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=revenue_annual_reports.
17. Ibid.

The post Question of the Month, May appeared first on CSG South.

Welcome to the April issue of Southern Pulse, your monthly source for updates and insights from the Southern region, tailored for state legislators and staff. Keep scrolling to discover all the essential updates in this month’s issue.

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The post Southern Pulse Newsletter, April appeared first on CSG South.

Kratom Conundrum: What is kratom, and which drug schedule does it belong to?

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The post Question of the Month, April appeared first on CSG South.

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Each month, a roundup of news featured in Southern Focus is compiled. These articles serve as a resource to keep you informed about the Southern region and do not reflect the views of CSG South.

Agriculture

National

• Timber Industry Optimistic About Trump Administration’s Executive Order

Alabama

• Christina Woerner McInnis Announces Bid for Alabama Ag Commissioner

Georgia 

• Georgia Lawmakers Move to Restrict Hemp Products, Ban THC-Infused Drinks

Louisiana 

• Tariffs Affecting Farmers and Consumers Across Louisiana
• What Do Tariffs Mean for Louisiana Lumber?

Mississippi

• • Mississippi Lawmakers Aim to Expand Seafood Labeling Law
  • Mississippi Passes Bill Banning Lab-Grown Meat – Established Farm Family Asks, “Is Farming Really Worth It?”
  • Senator Wicker Introduces Bill to Establish Mississippi River Basin Fisheries

North Carolina

• NC Farmers Take Precautions to Reduce Spread of Bird Flu
• Loan Deficiency Payments Now Available for Cotton Producers in North Carolina
• USDA Cuts Local Produce Funding, Impacting NC Food Banks

Tennessee

• Committee In Tennessee Signs Off On Proposal To Tighten Restrictions On Hemp Industry
• Tennessee Farmers Express Frustrations Over Tariff

West Virginia 

• West Virginia Farmers Face Financial Uncertainty as $1 Billion Program Ends

Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs

Alabama 

• Alabama Roads Ranked 2nd Nationwide Amid Debate Over Truck Weight Limits

Louisiana

• Computer System at Louisiana OMVs Keeps Crashing—Here’s How It’s Affecting Service

Mississippi

• Mississippi House Panel Approves Casino Tax Increase
• Officials Want Mississippi’s Multi-Billion Dollar Tourism Industry to Have Its Own Department
• Mississippi Lawmakers Keep Mobile Sports Betting Alive, But It Faces Roadblock in the Senate

Missouri

• Launch of Missouri Sports Betting Delayed Until Fall After Emergency Rules Were Rejected

North Carolina

• I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
• NC House Bill Aims to Raise State Minimum Wage Starting in 2026

Tennessee

• • I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
  • Canadian Airline Cancels Flights to Tennessee as Other US Routes Suspended
  • Bill to Allow 36% Borrowing Rate at Tennessee Money Lending Places at Governor’s Desk

Texas

• Gov. Abbott Announces Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to SpaceX

West Virginia 

• West Virginia House Bill Would Mandate 3-Second Pause at Stoplights

Education

Alabama

• Superintendent Mackey Reassures Board of Education Amid Federal Cuts

Louisiana

• Louisiana State Education Board Adds Gulf of America to Social Studies Standards

Mississippi

• Senate’s Attempt to Revive Its Education Agenda DOA in Mississippi House

North Carolina

• North Carolina Teacher Salaries Could Increase by $9,000 to $12,000 if New Bill Passes
• NC Bill Eliminates Standardized Testing Requirements to Become a Licensed Teacher

Tennessee

• Tennessee House Passes Bill Requiring Schools to Adopt Policies Prohibiting Cell Phones and Computers in Class
• Bill to Charge Public School Tuition to Undocumented Students Advances in Tennessee, Despite Some Dissenting Republicans
• Gov. Lee’s ‘Education Freedom Scholarship’ Program Sees Early Interest From 162 Schools Statewide

Texas

• Texas May Change How Schools Select Library Books. Critics Say It Could Lead to More Bans. 
• Texas Senate Approves Bill Changing How Schools Select Library Books
• Different Pace and Priorities Separate Texas Senate and House on School Vouchers

Energy and Environment

Regional 

• Wildfires Are Burning Across the South. Here’s Why More Could Be on the Way

Georgia

• Massive $9.7 Billion Data Center Proposed Near LaGrange 

Louisiana

• New Meta Facility in Louisiana May Require 10,000 Acre Solar Farm

Mississippi

• Pedro Cherry Named President of Mississippi Power

Missouri

• Massive Utility Legislation Expected to Boost Missouri Power Generation — and Energy Bills

Tennessee

• Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee Wants to Spend $92M More on Nuclear Industry Before Grant Fund Spent
• TDEC: $100M Duck River Budget Ask Could Be Used Toward Regional Tennessee River Pipeline

Texas

• Supreme Court Takes Up Nuclear Waste in Texas
• With Texas Facing Soaring Electricity Demand, the Politics of Energy Quietly Shift at the Capitol
• Energy Company to Bring 30 Nuclear Reactors to Texas to Power Wave of Data Centers
• Texas Lawmakers to Debate Saving State’s Water Supply After Key Legislation Introduced
• Bills Seek to Improve State’s Response to Wildfires a Year After Devastation in Panhandle

Virginia

• Virginia Could Soon Be Home to the World’s First Fusion Power Plant

West Virginia

• Coal Supporters Celebrate Advance of Legislation; PSC Chairwoman Questions What It Does 
• Power Company Says Bill Focused on Grid Reliability Could Have Another Consequence: Higher Rates

Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Each month, a roundup of news featured in Southern Focus is compiled. These articles serve as a resource to keep you informed about the Southern region and do not reflect the views of CSG South.

Agriculture

National

• Timber Industry Optimistic About Trump Administration’s Executive Order

Alabama

• Christina Woerner McInnis Announces Bid for Alabama Ag Commissioner

Georgia 

• Georgia Lawmakers Move to Restrict Hemp Products, Ban THC-Infused Drinks

Louisiana 

• Tariffs Affecting Farmers and Consumers Across Louisiana
• What Do Tariffs Mean for Louisiana Lumber?

Mississippi

• • Mississippi Lawmakers Aim to Expand Seafood Labeling Law
  • Mississippi Passes Bill Banning Lab-Grown Meat – Established Farm Family Asks, “Is Farming Really Worth It?”
  • Senator Wicker Introduces Bill to Establish Mississippi River Basin Fisheries

North Carolina

• NC Farmers Take Precautions to Reduce Spread of Bird Flu
• Loan Deficiency Payments Now Available for Cotton Producers in North Carolina
• USDA Cuts Local Produce Funding, Impacting NC Food Banks

Tennessee

• Committee In Tennessee Signs Off On Proposal To Tighten Restrictions On Hemp Industry
• Tennessee Farmers Express Frustrations Over Tariff

West Virginia 

• West Virginia Farmers Face Financial Uncertainty as $1 Billion Program Ends

Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs

Alabama 

• Alabama Roads Ranked 2nd Nationwide Amid Debate Over Truck Weight Limits

Louisiana

• Computer System at Louisiana OMVs Keeps Crashing—Here’s How It’s Affecting Service

Mississippi

• Mississippi House Panel Approves Casino Tax Increase
• Officials Want Mississippi’s Multi-Billion Dollar Tourism Industry to Have Its Own Department
• Mississippi Lawmakers Keep Mobile Sports Betting Alive, But It Faces Roadblock in the Senate

Missouri

• Launch of Missouri Sports Betting Delayed Until Fall After Emergency Rules Were Rejected

North Carolina

• I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
• NC House Bill Aims to Raise State Minimum Wage Starting in 2026

Tennessee

• • I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
  • Canadian Airline Cancels Flights to Tennessee as Other US Routes Suspended
  • Bill to Allow 36% Borrowing Rate at Tennessee Money Lending Places at Governor’s Desk

Texas

• Gov. Abbott Announces Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to SpaceX

West Virginia 

• West Virginia House Bill Would Mandate 3-Second Pause at Stoplights

Education

Alabama

• Superintendent Mackey Reassures Board of Education Amid Federal Cuts

Louisiana

• Louisiana State Education Board Adds Gulf of America to Social Studies Standards

Mississippi

• Senate’s Attempt to Revive Its Education Agenda DOA in Mississippi House

North Carolina

• North Carolina Teacher Salaries Could Increase by $9,000 to $12,000 if New Bill Passes
• NC Bill Eliminates Standardized Testing Requirements to Become a Licensed Teacher

Tennessee

• Tennessee House Passes Bill Requiring Schools to Adopt Policies Prohibiting Cell Phones and Computers in Class
• Bill to Charge Public School Tuition to Undocumented Students Advances in Tennessee, Despite Some Dissenting Republicans
• Gov. Lee’s ‘Education Freedom Scholarship’ Program Sees Early Interest From 162 Schools Statewide

Texas

• Texas May Change How Schools Select Library Books. Critics Say It Could Lead to More Bans. 
• Texas Senate Approves Bill Changing How Schools Select Library Books
• Different Pace and Priorities Separate Texas Senate and House on School Vouchers

Energy and Environment

Regional 

• Wildfires Are Burning Across the South. Here’s Why More Could Be on the Way

Georgia

• Massive $9.7 Billion Data Center Proposed Near LaGrange 

Louisiana

• New Meta Facility in Louisiana May Require 10,000 Acre Solar Farm

Mississippi

• Pedro Cherry Named President of Mississippi Power

Missouri

• Massive Utility Legislation Expected to Boost Missouri Power Generation — and Energy Bills

Tennessee

• Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee Wants to Spend $92M More on Nuclear Industry Before Grant Fund Spent
• TDEC: $100M Duck River Budget Ask Could Be Used Toward Regional Tennessee River Pipeline

Texas

• Supreme Court Takes Up Nuclear Waste in Texas
• With Texas Facing Soaring Electricity Demand, the Politics of Energy Quietly Shift at the Capitol
• Energy Company to Bring 30 Nuclear Reactors to Texas to Power Wave of Data Centers
• Texas Lawmakers to Debate Saving State’s Water Supply After Key Legislation Introduced
• Bills Seek to Improve State’s Response to Wildfires a Year After Devastation in Panhandle

Virginia

• Virginia Could Soon Be Home to the World’s First Fusion Power Plant

West Virginia

• Coal Supporters Celebrate Advance of Legislation; PSC Chairwoman Questions What It Does 
• Power Company Says Bill Focused on Grid Reliability Could Have Another Consequence: Higher Rates

Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Each month, a roundup of news featured in Southern Focus is compiled. These articles serve as a resource to keep you informed about the Southern region and do not reflect the views of CSG South.

Agriculture

National

• Timber Industry Optimistic About Trump Administration’s Executive Order

Alabama

• Christina Woerner McInnis Announces Bid for Alabama Ag Commissioner

Georgia 

• Georgia Lawmakers Move to Restrict Hemp Products, Ban THC-Infused Drinks

Louisiana 

• Tariffs Affecting Farmers and Consumers Across Louisiana
• What Do Tariffs Mean for Louisiana Lumber?

Mississippi

• • Mississippi Lawmakers Aim to Expand Seafood Labeling Law
  • Mississippi Passes Bill Banning Lab-Grown Meat – Established Farm Family Asks, “Is Farming Really Worth It?”
  • Senator Wicker Introduces Bill to Establish Mississippi River Basin Fisheries

North Carolina

• NC Farmers Take Precautions to Reduce Spread of Bird Flu
• Loan Deficiency Payments Now Available for Cotton Producers in North Carolina
• USDA Cuts Local Produce Funding, Impacting NC Food Banks

Tennessee

• Committee In Tennessee Signs Off On Proposal To Tighten Restrictions On Hemp Industry
• Tennessee Farmers Express Frustrations Over Tariff

West Virginia 

• West Virginia Farmers Face Financial Uncertainty as $1 Billion Program Ends

Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs

Alabama 

• Alabama Roads Ranked 2nd Nationwide Amid Debate Over Truck Weight Limits

Louisiana

• Computer System at Louisiana OMVs Keeps Crashing—Here’s How It’s Affecting Service

Mississippi

• Mississippi House Panel Approves Casino Tax Increase
• Officials Want Mississippi’s Multi-Billion Dollar Tourism Industry to Have Its Own Department
• Mississippi Lawmakers Keep Mobile Sports Betting Alive, But It Faces Roadblock in the Senate

Missouri

• Launch of Missouri Sports Betting Delayed Until Fall After Emergency Rules Were Rejected

North Carolina

• I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
• NC House Bill Aims to Raise State Minimum Wage Starting in 2026

Tennessee

• • I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
  • Canadian Airline Cancels Flights to Tennessee as Other US Routes Suspended
  • Bill to Allow 36% Borrowing Rate at Tennessee Money Lending Places at Governor’s Desk

Texas

• Gov. Abbott Announces Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to SpaceX

West Virginia 

• West Virginia House Bill Would Mandate 3-Second Pause at Stoplights

Education

Alabama

• Superintendent Mackey Reassures Board of Education Amid Federal Cuts

Louisiana

• Louisiana State Education Board Adds Gulf of America to Social Studies Standards

Mississippi

• Senate’s Attempt to Revive Its Education Agenda DOA in Mississippi House

North Carolina

• North Carolina Teacher Salaries Could Increase by $9,000 to $12,000 if New Bill Passes
• NC Bill Eliminates Standardized Testing Requirements to Become a Licensed Teacher

Tennessee

• Tennessee House Passes Bill Requiring Schools to Adopt Policies Prohibiting Cell Phones and Computers in Class
• Bill to Charge Public School Tuition to Undocumented Students Advances in Tennessee, Despite Some Dissenting Republicans
• Gov. Lee’s ‘Education Freedom Scholarship’ Program Sees Early Interest From 162 Schools Statewide

Texas

• Texas May Change How Schools Select Library Books. Critics Say It Could Lead to More Bans. 
• Texas Senate Approves Bill Changing How Schools Select Library Books
• Different Pace and Priorities Separate Texas Senate and House on School Vouchers

Energy and Environment

Regional 

• Wildfires Are Burning Across the South. Here’s Why More Could Be on the Way

Georgia

• Massive $9.7 Billion Data Center Proposed Near LaGrange 

Louisiana

• New Meta Facility in Louisiana May Require 10,000 Acre Solar Farm

Mississippi

• Pedro Cherry Named President of Mississippi Power

Missouri

• Massive Utility Legislation Expected to Boost Missouri Power Generation — and Energy Bills

Tennessee

• Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee Wants to Spend $92M More on Nuclear Industry Before Grant Fund Spent
• TDEC: $100M Duck River Budget Ask Could Be Used Toward Regional Tennessee River Pipeline

Texas

• Supreme Court Takes Up Nuclear Waste in Texas
• With Texas Facing Soaring Electricity Demand, the Politics of Energy Quietly Shift at the Capitol
• Energy Company to Bring 30 Nuclear Reactors to Texas to Power Wave of Data Centers
• Texas Lawmakers to Debate Saving State’s Water Supply After Key Legislation Introduced
• Bills Seek to Improve State’s Response to Wildfires a Year After Devastation in Panhandle

Virginia

• Virginia Could Soon Be Home to the World’s First Fusion Power Plant

West Virginia

• Coal Supporters Celebrate Advance of Legislation; PSC Chairwoman Questions What It Does 
• Power Company Says Bill Focused on Grid Reliability Could Have Another Consequence: Higher Rates

Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Each month, a roundup of news featured in Southern Focus is compiled. These articles serve as a resource to keep you informed about the Southern region and do not reflect the views of CSG South.

Agriculture

National

• Timber Industry Optimistic About Trump Administration’s Executive Order

Alabama

• Christina Woerner McInnis Announces Bid for Alabama Ag Commissioner

Georgia 

• Georgia Lawmakers Move to Restrict Hemp Products, Ban THC-Infused Drinks

Louisiana 

• Tariffs Affecting Farmers and Consumers Across Louisiana
• What Do Tariffs Mean for Louisiana Lumber?

Mississippi

• • Mississippi Lawmakers Aim to Expand Seafood Labeling Law
  • Mississippi Passes Bill Banning Lab-Grown Meat – Established Farm Family Asks, “Is Farming Really Worth It?”
  • Senator Wicker Introduces Bill to Establish Mississippi River Basin Fisheries

North Carolina

• NC Farmers Take Precautions to Reduce Spread of Bird Flu
• Loan Deficiency Payments Now Available for Cotton Producers in North Carolina
• USDA Cuts Local Produce Funding, Impacting NC Food Banks

Tennessee

• Committee In Tennessee Signs Off On Proposal To Tighten Restrictions On Hemp Industry
• Tennessee Farmers Express Frustrations Over Tariff

West Virginia 

• West Virginia Farmers Face Financial Uncertainty as $1 Billion Program Ends

Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs

Alabama 

• Alabama Roads Ranked 2nd Nationwide Amid Debate Over Truck Weight Limits

Louisiana

• Computer System at Louisiana OMVs Keeps Crashing—Here’s How It’s Affecting Service

Mississippi

• Mississippi House Panel Approves Casino Tax Increase
• Officials Want Mississippi’s Multi-Billion Dollar Tourism Industry to Have Its Own Department
• Mississippi Lawmakers Keep Mobile Sports Betting Alive, But It Faces Roadblock in the Senate

Missouri

• Launch of Missouri Sports Betting Delayed Until Fall After Emergency Rules Were Rejected

North Carolina

• I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
• NC House Bill Aims to Raise State Minimum Wage Starting in 2026

Tennessee

• • I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
  • Canadian Airline Cancels Flights to Tennessee as Other US Routes Suspended
  • Bill to Allow 36% Borrowing Rate at Tennessee Money Lending Places at Governor’s Desk

Texas

• Gov. Abbott Announces Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to SpaceX

West Virginia 

• West Virginia House Bill Would Mandate 3-Second Pause at Stoplights

Education

Alabama

• Superintendent Mackey Reassures Board of Education Amid Federal Cuts

Louisiana

• Louisiana State Education Board Adds Gulf of America to Social Studies Standards

Mississippi

• Senate’s Attempt to Revive Its Education Agenda DOA in Mississippi House

North Carolina

• North Carolina Teacher Salaries Could Increase by $9,000 to $12,000 if New Bill Passes
• NC Bill Eliminates Standardized Testing Requirements to Become a Licensed Teacher

Tennessee

• Tennessee House Passes Bill Requiring Schools to Adopt Policies Prohibiting Cell Phones and Computers in Class
• Bill to Charge Public School Tuition to Undocumented Students Advances in Tennessee, Despite Some Dissenting Republicans
• Gov. Lee’s ‘Education Freedom Scholarship’ Program Sees Early Interest From 162 Schools Statewide

Texas

• Texas May Change How Schools Select Library Books. Critics Say It Could Lead to More Bans. 
• Texas Senate Approves Bill Changing How Schools Select Library Books
• Different Pace and Priorities Separate Texas Senate and House on School Vouchers

Energy and Environment

Regional 

• Wildfires Are Burning Across the South. Here’s Why More Could Be on the Way

Georgia

• Massive $9.7 Billion Data Center Proposed Near LaGrange 

Louisiana

• New Meta Facility in Louisiana May Require 10,000 Acre Solar Farm

Mississippi

• Pedro Cherry Named President of Mississippi Power

Missouri

• Massive Utility Legislation Expected to Boost Missouri Power Generation — and Energy Bills

Tennessee

• Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee Wants to Spend $92M More on Nuclear Industry Before Grant Fund Spent
• TDEC: $100M Duck River Budget Ask Could Be Used Toward Regional Tennessee River Pipeline

Texas

• Supreme Court Takes Up Nuclear Waste in Texas
• With Texas Facing Soaring Electricity Demand, the Politics of Energy Quietly Shift at the Capitol
• Energy Company to Bring 30 Nuclear Reactors to Texas to Power Wave of Data Centers
• Texas Lawmakers to Debate Saving State’s Water Supply After Key Legislation Introduced
• Bills Seek to Improve State’s Response to Wildfires a Year After Devastation in Panhandle

Virginia

• Virginia Could Soon Be Home to the World’s First Fusion Power Plant

West Virginia

• Coal Supporters Celebrate Advance of Legislation; PSC Chairwoman Questions What It Does 
• Power Company Says Bill Focused on Grid Reliability Could Have Another Consequence: Higher Rates

Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Each month, a roundup of news featured in Southern Focus is compiled. These articles serve as a resource to keep you informed about the Southern region and do not reflect the views of CSG South.

Agriculture

National

• Timber Industry Optimistic About Trump Administration’s Executive Order

Alabama

• Christina Woerner McInnis Announces Bid for Alabama Ag Commissioner

Georgia 

• Georgia Lawmakers Move to Restrict Hemp Products, Ban THC-Infused Drinks

Louisiana 

• Tariffs Affecting Farmers and Consumers Across Louisiana
• What Do Tariffs Mean for Louisiana Lumber?

Mississippi

• • Mississippi Lawmakers Aim to Expand Seafood Labeling Law
  • Mississippi Passes Bill Banning Lab-Grown Meat – Established Farm Family Asks, “Is Farming Really Worth It?”
  • Senator Wicker Introduces Bill to Establish Mississippi River Basin Fisheries

North Carolina

• NC Farmers Take Precautions to Reduce Spread of Bird Flu
• Loan Deficiency Payments Now Available for Cotton Producers in North Carolina
• USDA Cuts Local Produce Funding, Impacting NC Food Banks

Tennessee

• Committee In Tennessee Signs Off On Proposal To Tighten Restrictions On Hemp Industry
• Tennessee Farmers Express Frustrations Over Tariff

West Virginia 

• West Virginia Farmers Face Financial Uncertainty as $1 Billion Program Ends

Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs

Alabama 

• Alabama Roads Ranked 2nd Nationwide Amid Debate Over Truck Weight Limits

Louisiana

• Computer System at Louisiana OMVs Keeps Crashing—Here’s How It’s Affecting Service

Mississippi

• Mississippi House Panel Approves Casino Tax Increase
• Officials Want Mississippi’s Multi-Billion Dollar Tourism Industry to Have Its Own Department
• Mississippi Lawmakers Keep Mobile Sports Betting Alive, But It Faces Roadblock in the Senate

Missouri

• Launch of Missouri Sports Betting Delayed Until Fall After Emergency Rules Were Rejected

North Carolina

• I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
• NC House Bill Aims to Raise State Minimum Wage Starting in 2026

Tennessee

• • I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
  • Canadian Airline Cancels Flights to Tennessee as Other US Routes Suspended
  • Bill to Allow 36% Borrowing Rate at Tennessee Money Lending Places at Governor’s Desk

Texas

• Gov. Abbott Announces Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to SpaceX

West Virginia 

• West Virginia House Bill Would Mandate 3-Second Pause at Stoplights

Education

Alabama

• Superintendent Mackey Reassures Board of Education Amid Federal Cuts

Louisiana

• Louisiana State Education Board Adds Gulf of America to Social Studies Standards

Mississippi

• Senate’s Attempt to Revive Its Education Agenda DOA in Mississippi House

North Carolina

• North Carolina Teacher Salaries Could Increase by $9,000 to $12,000 if New Bill Passes
• NC Bill Eliminates Standardized Testing Requirements to Become a Licensed Teacher

Tennessee

• Tennessee House Passes Bill Requiring Schools to Adopt Policies Prohibiting Cell Phones and Computers in Class
• Bill to Charge Public School Tuition to Undocumented Students Advances in Tennessee, Despite Some Dissenting Republicans
• Gov. Lee’s ‘Education Freedom Scholarship’ Program Sees Early Interest From 162 Schools Statewide

Texas

• Texas May Change How Schools Select Library Books. Critics Say It Could Lead to More Bans. 
• Texas Senate Approves Bill Changing How Schools Select Library Books
• Different Pace and Priorities Separate Texas Senate and House on School Vouchers

Energy and Environment

Regional 

• Wildfires Are Burning Across the South. Here’s Why More Could Be on the Way

Georgia

• Massive $9.7 Billion Data Center Proposed Near LaGrange 

Louisiana

• New Meta Facility in Louisiana May Require 10,000 Acre Solar Farm

Mississippi

• Pedro Cherry Named President of Mississippi Power

Missouri

• Massive Utility Legislation Expected to Boost Missouri Power Generation — and Energy Bills

Tennessee

• Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee Wants to Spend $92M More on Nuclear Industry Before Grant Fund Spent
• TDEC: $100M Duck River Budget Ask Could Be Used Toward Regional Tennessee River Pipeline

Texas

• Supreme Court Takes Up Nuclear Waste in Texas
• With Texas Facing Soaring Electricity Demand, the Politics of Energy Quietly Shift at the Capitol
• Energy Company to Bring 30 Nuclear Reactors to Texas to Power Wave of Data Centers
• Texas Lawmakers to Debate Saving State’s Water Supply After Key Legislation Introduced
• Bills Seek to Improve State’s Response to Wildfires a Year After Devastation in Panhandle

Virginia

• Virginia Could Soon Be Home to the World’s First Fusion Power Plant

West Virginia

• Coal Supporters Celebrate Advance of Legislation; PSC Chairwoman Questions What It Does 
• Power Company Says Bill Focused on Grid Reliability Could Have Another Consequence: Higher Rates

Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Each month, a roundup of news featured in Southern Focus is compiled. These articles serve as a resource to keep you informed about the Southern region and do not reflect the views of CSG South.

Agriculture

National

• Timber Industry Optimistic About Trump Administration’s Executive Order

Alabama

• Christina Woerner McInnis Announces Bid for Alabama Ag Commissioner

Georgia 

• Georgia Lawmakers Move to Restrict Hemp Products, Ban THC-Infused Drinks

Louisiana 

• Tariffs Affecting Farmers and Consumers Across Louisiana
• What Do Tariffs Mean for Louisiana Lumber?

Mississippi

• • Mississippi Lawmakers Aim to Expand Seafood Labeling Law
  • Mississippi Passes Bill Banning Lab-Grown Meat – Established Farm Family Asks, “Is Farming Really Worth It?”
  • Senator Wicker Introduces Bill to Establish Mississippi River Basin Fisheries

North Carolina

• NC Farmers Take Precautions to Reduce Spread of Bird Flu
• Loan Deficiency Payments Now Available for Cotton Producers in North Carolina
• USDA Cuts Local Produce Funding, Impacting NC Food Banks

Tennessee

• Committee In Tennessee Signs Off On Proposal To Tighten Restrictions On Hemp Industry
• Tennessee Farmers Express Frustrations Over Tariff

West Virginia 

• West Virginia Farmers Face Financial Uncertainty as $1 Billion Program Ends

Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs

Alabama 

• Alabama Roads Ranked 2nd Nationwide Amid Debate Over Truck Weight Limits

Louisiana

• Computer System at Louisiana OMVs Keeps Crashing—Here’s How It’s Affecting Service

Mississippi

• Mississippi House Panel Approves Casino Tax Increase
• Officials Want Mississippi’s Multi-Billion Dollar Tourism Industry to Have Its Own Department
• Mississippi Lawmakers Keep Mobile Sports Betting Alive, But It Faces Roadblock in the Senate

Missouri

• Launch of Missouri Sports Betting Delayed Until Fall After Emergency Rules Were Rejected

North Carolina

• I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
• NC House Bill Aims to Raise State Minimum Wage Starting in 2026

Tennessee

• • I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
  • Canadian Airline Cancels Flights to Tennessee as Other US Routes Suspended
  • Bill to Allow 36% Borrowing Rate at Tennessee Money Lending Places at Governor’s Desk

Texas

• Gov. Abbott Announces Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to SpaceX

West Virginia 

• West Virginia House Bill Would Mandate 3-Second Pause at Stoplights

Education

Alabama

• Superintendent Mackey Reassures Board of Education Amid Federal Cuts

Louisiana

• Louisiana State Education Board Adds Gulf of America to Social Studies Standards

Mississippi

• Senate’s Attempt to Revive Its Education Agenda DOA in Mississippi House

North Carolina

• North Carolina Teacher Salaries Could Increase by $9,000 to $12,000 if New Bill Passes
• NC Bill Eliminates Standardized Testing Requirements to Become a Licensed Teacher

Tennessee

• Tennessee House Passes Bill Requiring Schools to Adopt Policies Prohibiting Cell Phones and Computers in Class
• Bill to Charge Public School Tuition to Undocumented Students Advances in Tennessee, Despite Some Dissenting Republicans
• Gov. Lee’s ‘Education Freedom Scholarship’ Program Sees Early Interest From 162 Schools Statewide

Texas

• Texas May Change How Schools Select Library Books. Critics Say It Could Lead to More Bans. 
• Texas Senate Approves Bill Changing How Schools Select Library Books
• Different Pace and Priorities Separate Texas Senate and House on School Vouchers

Energy and Environment

Regional 

• Wildfires Are Burning Across the South. Here’s Why More Could Be on the Way

Georgia

• Massive $9.7 Billion Data Center Proposed Near LaGrange 

Louisiana

• New Meta Facility in Louisiana May Require 10,000 Acre Solar Farm

Mississippi

• Pedro Cherry Named President of Mississippi Power

Missouri

• Massive Utility Legislation Expected to Boost Missouri Power Generation — and Energy Bills

Tennessee

• Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee Wants to Spend $92M More on Nuclear Industry Before Grant Fund Spent
• TDEC: $100M Duck River Budget Ask Could Be Used Toward Regional Tennessee River Pipeline

Texas

• Supreme Court Takes Up Nuclear Waste in Texas
• With Texas Facing Soaring Electricity Demand, the Politics of Energy Quietly Shift at the Capitol
• Energy Company to Bring 30 Nuclear Reactors to Texas to Power Wave of Data Centers
• Texas Lawmakers to Debate Saving State’s Water Supply After Key Legislation Introduced
• Bills Seek to Improve State’s Response to Wildfires a Year After Devastation in Panhandle

Virginia

• Virginia Could Soon Be Home to the World’s First Fusion Power Plant

West Virginia

• Coal Supporters Celebrate Advance of Legislation; PSC Chairwoman Questions What It Does 
• Power Company Says Bill Focused on Grid Reliability Could Have Another Consequence: Higher Rates

Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Each month, a roundup of news featured in Southern Focus is compiled. These articles serve as a resource to keep you informed about the Southern region and do not reflect the views of CSG South.

Agriculture

National

• Timber Industry Optimistic About Trump Administration’s Executive Order

Alabama

• Christina Woerner McInnis Announces Bid for Alabama Ag Commissioner

Georgia 

• Georgia Lawmakers Move to Restrict Hemp Products, Ban THC-Infused Drinks

Louisiana 

• Tariffs Affecting Farmers and Consumers Across Louisiana
• What Do Tariffs Mean for Louisiana Lumber?

Mississippi

• • Mississippi Lawmakers Aim to Expand Seafood Labeling Law
  • Mississippi Passes Bill Banning Lab-Grown Meat – Established Farm Family Asks, “Is Farming Really Worth It?”
  • Senator Wicker Introduces Bill to Establish Mississippi River Basin Fisheries

North Carolina

• NC Farmers Take Precautions to Reduce Spread of Bird Flu
• Loan Deficiency Payments Now Available for Cotton Producers in North Carolina
• USDA Cuts Local Produce Funding, Impacting NC Food Banks

Tennessee

• Committee In Tennessee Signs Off On Proposal To Tighten Restrictions On Hemp Industry
• Tennessee Farmers Express Frustrations Over Tariff

West Virginia 

• West Virginia Farmers Face Financial Uncertainty as $1 Billion Program Ends

Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs

Alabama 

• Alabama Roads Ranked 2nd Nationwide Amid Debate Over Truck Weight Limits

Louisiana

• Computer System at Louisiana OMVs Keeps Crashing—Here’s How It’s Affecting Service

Mississippi

• Mississippi House Panel Approves Casino Tax Increase
• Officials Want Mississippi’s Multi-Billion Dollar Tourism Industry to Have Its Own Department
• Mississippi Lawmakers Keep Mobile Sports Betting Alive, But It Faces Roadblock in the Senate

Missouri

• Launch of Missouri Sports Betting Delayed Until Fall After Emergency Rules Were Rejected

North Carolina

• I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
• NC House Bill Aims to Raise State Minimum Wage Starting in 2026

Tennessee

• • I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
  • Canadian Airline Cancels Flights to Tennessee as Other US Routes Suspended
  • Bill to Allow 36% Borrowing Rate at Tennessee Money Lending Places at Governor’s Desk

Texas

• Gov. Abbott Announces Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to SpaceX

West Virginia 

• West Virginia House Bill Would Mandate 3-Second Pause at Stoplights

Education

Alabama

• Superintendent Mackey Reassures Board of Education Amid Federal Cuts

Louisiana

• Louisiana State Education Board Adds Gulf of America to Social Studies Standards

Mississippi

• Senate’s Attempt to Revive Its Education Agenda DOA in Mississippi House

North Carolina

• North Carolina Teacher Salaries Could Increase by $9,000 to $12,000 if New Bill Passes
• NC Bill Eliminates Standardized Testing Requirements to Become a Licensed Teacher

Tennessee

• Tennessee House Passes Bill Requiring Schools to Adopt Policies Prohibiting Cell Phones and Computers in Class
• Bill to Charge Public School Tuition to Undocumented Students Advances in Tennessee, Despite Some Dissenting Republicans
• Gov. Lee’s ‘Education Freedom Scholarship’ Program Sees Early Interest From 162 Schools Statewide

Texas

• Texas May Change How Schools Select Library Books. Critics Say It Could Lead to More Bans. 
• Texas Senate Approves Bill Changing How Schools Select Library Books
• Different Pace and Priorities Separate Texas Senate and House on School Vouchers

Energy and Environment

Regional 

• Wildfires Are Burning Across the South. Here’s Why More Could Be on the Way

Georgia

• Massive $9.7 Billion Data Center Proposed Near LaGrange 

Louisiana

• New Meta Facility in Louisiana May Require 10,000 Acre Solar Farm

Mississippi

• Pedro Cherry Named President of Mississippi Power

Missouri

• Massive Utility Legislation Expected to Boost Missouri Power Generation — and Energy Bills

Tennessee

• Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee Wants to Spend $92M More on Nuclear Industry Before Grant Fund Spent
• TDEC: $100M Duck River Budget Ask Could Be Used Toward Regional Tennessee River Pipeline

Texas

• Supreme Court Takes Up Nuclear Waste in Texas
• With Texas Facing Soaring Electricity Demand, the Politics of Energy Quietly Shift at the Capitol
• Energy Company to Bring 30 Nuclear Reactors to Texas to Power Wave of Data Centers
• Texas Lawmakers to Debate Saving State’s Water Supply After Key Legislation Introduced
• Bills Seek to Improve State’s Response to Wildfires a Year After Devastation in Panhandle

Virginia

• Virginia Could Soon Be Home to the World’s First Fusion Power Plant

West Virginia

• Coal Supporters Celebrate Advance of Legislation; PSC Chairwoman Questions What It Does 
• Power Company Says Bill Focused on Grid Reliability Could Have Another Consequence: Higher Rates

Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Each month, a roundup of news featured in Southern Focus is compiled. These articles serve as a resource to keep you informed about the Southern region and do not reflect the views of CSG South.

Agriculture

National

• Timber Industry Optimistic About Trump Administration’s Executive Order

Alabama

• Christina Woerner McInnis Announces Bid for Alabama Ag Commissioner

Georgia 

• Georgia Lawmakers Move to Restrict Hemp Products, Ban THC-Infused Drinks

Louisiana 

• Tariffs Affecting Farmers and Consumers Across Louisiana
• What Do Tariffs Mean for Louisiana Lumber?

Mississippi

• • Mississippi Lawmakers Aim to Expand Seafood Labeling Law
  • Mississippi Passes Bill Banning Lab-Grown Meat – Established Farm Family Asks, “Is Farming Really Worth It?”
  • Senator Wicker Introduces Bill to Establish Mississippi River Basin Fisheries

North Carolina

• NC Farmers Take Precautions to Reduce Spread of Bird Flu
• Loan Deficiency Payments Now Available for Cotton Producers in North Carolina
• USDA Cuts Local Produce Funding, Impacting NC Food Banks

Tennessee

• Committee In Tennessee Signs Off On Proposal To Tighten Restrictions On Hemp Industry
• Tennessee Farmers Express Frustrations Over Tariff

West Virginia 

• West Virginia Farmers Face Financial Uncertainty as $1 Billion Program Ends

Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs

Alabama 

• Alabama Roads Ranked 2nd Nationwide Amid Debate Over Truck Weight Limits

Louisiana

• Computer System at Louisiana OMVs Keeps Crashing—Here’s How It’s Affecting Service

Mississippi

• Mississippi House Panel Approves Casino Tax Increase
• Officials Want Mississippi’s Multi-Billion Dollar Tourism Industry to Have Its Own Department
• Mississippi Lawmakers Keep Mobile Sports Betting Alive, But It Faces Roadblock in the Senate

Missouri

• Launch of Missouri Sports Betting Delayed Until Fall After Emergency Rules Were Rejected

North Carolina

• I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
• NC House Bill Aims to Raise State Minimum Wage Starting in 2026

Tennessee

• • I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
  • Canadian Airline Cancels Flights to Tennessee as Other US Routes Suspended
  • Bill to Allow 36% Borrowing Rate at Tennessee Money Lending Places at Governor’s Desk

Texas

• Gov. Abbott Announces Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to SpaceX

West Virginia 

• West Virginia House Bill Would Mandate 3-Second Pause at Stoplights

Education

Alabama

• Superintendent Mackey Reassures Board of Education Amid Federal Cuts

Louisiana

• Louisiana State Education Board Adds Gulf of America to Social Studies Standards

Mississippi

• Senate’s Attempt to Revive Its Education Agenda DOA in Mississippi House

North Carolina

• North Carolina Teacher Salaries Could Increase by $9,000 to $12,000 if New Bill Passes
• NC Bill Eliminates Standardized Testing Requirements to Become a Licensed Teacher

Tennessee

• Tennessee House Passes Bill Requiring Schools to Adopt Policies Prohibiting Cell Phones and Computers in Class
• Bill to Charge Public School Tuition to Undocumented Students Advances in Tennessee, Despite Some Dissenting Republicans
• Gov. Lee’s ‘Education Freedom Scholarship’ Program Sees Early Interest From 162 Schools Statewide

Texas

• Texas May Change How Schools Select Library Books. Critics Say It Could Lead to More Bans. 
• Texas Senate Approves Bill Changing How Schools Select Library Books
• Different Pace and Priorities Separate Texas Senate and House on School Vouchers

Energy and Environment

Regional 

• Wildfires Are Burning Across the South. Here’s Why More Could Be on the Way

Georgia

• Massive $9.7 Billion Data Center Proposed Near LaGrange 

Louisiana

• New Meta Facility in Louisiana May Require 10,000 Acre Solar Farm

Mississippi

• Pedro Cherry Named President of Mississippi Power

Missouri

• Massive Utility Legislation Expected to Boost Missouri Power Generation — and Energy Bills

Tennessee

• Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee Wants to Spend $92M More on Nuclear Industry Before Grant Fund Spent
• TDEC: $100M Duck River Budget Ask Could Be Used Toward Regional Tennessee River Pipeline

Texas

• Supreme Court Takes Up Nuclear Waste in Texas
• With Texas Facing Soaring Electricity Demand, the Politics of Energy Quietly Shift at the Capitol
• Energy Company to Bring 30 Nuclear Reactors to Texas to Power Wave of Data Centers
• Texas Lawmakers to Debate Saving State’s Water Supply After Key Legislation Introduced
• Bills Seek to Improve State’s Response to Wildfires a Year After Devastation in Panhandle

Virginia

• Virginia Could Soon Be Home to the World’s First Fusion Power Plant

West Virginia

• Coal Supporters Celebrate Advance of Legislation; PSC Chairwoman Questions What It Does 
• Power Company Says Bill Focused on Grid Reliability Could Have Another Consequence: Higher Rates

Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Each month, a roundup of news featured in Southern Focus is compiled. These articles serve as a resource to keep you informed about the Southern region and do not reflect the views of CSG South.

Agriculture

National

• Timber Industry Optimistic About Trump Administration’s Executive Order

Alabama

• Christina Woerner McInnis Announces Bid for Alabama Ag Commissioner

Georgia 

• Georgia Lawmakers Move to Restrict Hemp Products, Ban THC-Infused Drinks

Louisiana 

• Tariffs Affecting Farmers and Consumers Across Louisiana
• What Do Tariffs Mean for Louisiana Lumber?

Mississippi

• • Mississippi Lawmakers Aim to Expand Seafood Labeling Law
  • Mississippi Passes Bill Banning Lab-Grown Meat – Established Farm Family Asks, “Is Farming Really Worth It?”
  • Senator Wicker Introduces Bill to Establish Mississippi River Basin Fisheries

North Carolina

• NC Farmers Take Precautions to Reduce Spread of Bird Flu
• Loan Deficiency Payments Now Available for Cotton Producers in North Carolina
• USDA Cuts Local Produce Funding, Impacting NC Food Banks

Tennessee

• Committee In Tennessee Signs Off On Proposal To Tighten Restrictions On Hemp Industry
• Tennessee Farmers Express Frustrations Over Tariff

West Virginia 

• West Virginia Farmers Face Financial Uncertainty as $1 Billion Program Ends

Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs

Alabama 

• Alabama Roads Ranked 2nd Nationwide Amid Debate Over Truck Weight Limits

Louisiana

• Computer System at Louisiana OMVs Keeps Crashing—Here’s How It’s Affecting Service

Mississippi

• Mississippi House Panel Approves Casino Tax Increase
• Officials Want Mississippi’s Multi-Billion Dollar Tourism Industry to Have Its Own Department
• Mississippi Lawmakers Keep Mobile Sports Betting Alive, But It Faces Roadblock in the Senate

Missouri

• Launch of Missouri Sports Betting Delayed Until Fall After Emergency Rules Were Rejected

North Carolina

• I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
• NC House Bill Aims to Raise State Minimum Wage Starting in 2026

Tennessee

• • I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
  • Canadian Airline Cancels Flights to Tennessee as Other US Routes Suspended
  • Bill to Allow 36% Borrowing Rate at Tennessee Money Lending Places at Governor’s Desk

Texas

• Gov. Abbott Announces Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to SpaceX

West Virginia 

• West Virginia House Bill Would Mandate 3-Second Pause at Stoplights

Education

Alabama

• Superintendent Mackey Reassures Board of Education Amid Federal Cuts

Louisiana

• Louisiana State Education Board Adds Gulf of America to Social Studies Standards

Mississippi

• Senate’s Attempt to Revive Its Education Agenda DOA in Mississippi House

North Carolina

• North Carolina Teacher Salaries Could Increase by $9,000 to $12,000 if New Bill Passes
• NC Bill Eliminates Standardized Testing Requirements to Become a Licensed Teacher

Tennessee

• Tennessee House Passes Bill Requiring Schools to Adopt Policies Prohibiting Cell Phones and Computers in Class
• Bill to Charge Public School Tuition to Undocumented Students Advances in Tennessee, Despite Some Dissenting Republicans
• Gov. Lee’s ‘Education Freedom Scholarship’ Program Sees Early Interest From 162 Schools Statewide

Texas

• Texas May Change How Schools Select Library Books. Critics Say It Could Lead to More Bans. 
• Texas Senate Approves Bill Changing How Schools Select Library Books
• Different Pace and Priorities Separate Texas Senate and House on School Vouchers

Energy and Environment

Regional 

• Wildfires Are Burning Across the South. Here’s Why More Could Be on the Way

Georgia

• Massive $9.7 Billion Data Center Proposed Near LaGrange 

Louisiana

• New Meta Facility in Louisiana May Require 10,000 Acre Solar Farm

Mississippi

• Pedro Cherry Named President of Mississippi Power

Missouri

• Massive Utility Legislation Expected to Boost Missouri Power Generation — and Energy Bills

Tennessee

• Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee Wants to Spend $92M More on Nuclear Industry Before Grant Fund Spent
• TDEC: $100M Duck River Budget Ask Could Be Used Toward Regional Tennessee River Pipeline

Texas

• Supreme Court Takes Up Nuclear Waste in Texas
• With Texas Facing Soaring Electricity Demand, the Politics of Energy Quietly Shift at the Capitol
• Energy Company to Bring 30 Nuclear Reactors to Texas to Power Wave of Data Centers
• Texas Lawmakers to Debate Saving State’s Water Supply After Key Legislation Introduced
• Bills Seek to Improve State’s Response to Wildfires a Year After Devastation in Panhandle

Virginia

• Virginia Could Soon Be Home to the World’s First Fusion Power Plant

West Virginia

• Coal Supporters Celebrate Advance of Legislation; PSC Chairwoman Questions What It Does 
• Power Company Says Bill Focused on Grid Reliability Could Have Another Consequence: Higher Rates

Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Each month, a roundup of news featured in Southern Focus is compiled. These articles serve as a resource to keep you informed about the Southern region and do not reflect the views of CSG South.

Agriculture

National

• Timber Industry Optimistic About Trump Administration’s Executive Order

Alabama

• Christina Woerner McInnis Announces Bid for Alabama Ag Commissioner

Georgia 

• Georgia Lawmakers Move to Restrict Hemp Products, Ban THC-Infused Drinks

Louisiana 

• Tariffs Affecting Farmers and Consumers Across Louisiana
• What Do Tariffs Mean for Louisiana Lumber?

Mississippi

• • Mississippi Lawmakers Aim to Expand Seafood Labeling Law
  • Mississippi Passes Bill Banning Lab-Grown Meat – Established Farm Family Asks, “Is Farming Really Worth It?”
  • Senator Wicker Introduces Bill to Establish Mississippi River Basin Fisheries

North Carolina

• NC Farmers Take Precautions to Reduce Spread of Bird Flu
• Loan Deficiency Payments Now Available for Cotton Producers in North Carolina
• USDA Cuts Local Produce Funding, Impacting NC Food Banks

Tennessee

• Committee In Tennessee Signs Off On Proposal To Tighten Restrictions On Hemp Industry
• Tennessee Farmers Express Frustrations Over Tariff

West Virginia 

• West Virginia Farmers Face Financial Uncertainty as $1 Billion Program Ends

Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs

Alabama 

• Alabama Roads Ranked 2nd Nationwide Amid Debate Over Truck Weight Limits

Louisiana

• Computer System at Louisiana OMVs Keeps Crashing—Here’s How It’s Affecting Service

Mississippi

• Mississippi House Panel Approves Casino Tax Increase
• Officials Want Mississippi’s Multi-Billion Dollar Tourism Industry to Have Its Own Department
• Mississippi Lawmakers Keep Mobile Sports Betting Alive, But It Faces Roadblock in the Senate

Missouri

• Launch of Missouri Sports Betting Delayed Until Fall After Emergency Rules Were Rejected

North Carolina

• I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
• NC House Bill Aims to Raise State Minimum Wage Starting in 2026

Tennessee

• • I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
  • Canadian Airline Cancels Flights to Tennessee as Other US Routes Suspended
  • Bill to Allow 36% Borrowing Rate at Tennessee Money Lending Places at Governor’s Desk

Texas

• Gov. Abbott Announces Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to SpaceX

West Virginia 

• West Virginia House Bill Would Mandate 3-Second Pause at Stoplights

Education

Alabama

• Superintendent Mackey Reassures Board of Education Amid Federal Cuts

Louisiana

• Louisiana State Education Board Adds Gulf of America to Social Studies Standards

Mississippi

• Senate’s Attempt to Revive Its Education Agenda DOA in Mississippi House

North Carolina

• North Carolina Teacher Salaries Could Increase by $9,000 to $12,000 if New Bill Passes
• NC Bill Eliminates Standardized Testing Requirements to Become a Licensed Teacher

Tennessee

• Tennessee House Passes Bill Requiring Schools to Adopt Policies Prohibiting Cell Phones and Computers in Class
• Bill to Charge Public School Tuition to Undocumented Students Advances in Tennessee, Despite Some Dissenting Republicans
• Gov. Lee’s ‘Education Freedom Scholarship’ Program Sees Early Interest From 162 Schools Statewide

Texas

• Texas May Change How Schools Select Library Books. Critics Say It Could Lead to More Bans. 
• Texas Senate Approves Bill Changing How Schools Select Library Books
• Different Pace and Priorities Separate Texas Senate and House on School Vouchers

Energy and Environment

Regional 

• Wildfires Are Burning Across the South. Here’s Why More Could Be on the Way

Georgia

• Massive $9.7 Billion Data Center Proposed Near LaGrange 

Louisiana

• New Meta Facility in Louisiana May Require 10,000 Acre Solar Farm

Mississippi

• Pedro Cherry Named President of Mississippi Power

Missouri

• Massive Utility Legislation Expected to Boost Missouri Power Generation — and Energy Bills

Tennessee

• Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee Wants to Spend $92M More on Nuclear Industry Before Grant Fund Spent
• TDEC: $100M Duck River Budget Ask Could Be Used Toward Regional Tennessee River Pipeline

Texas

• Supreme Court Takes Up Nuclear Waste in Texas
• With Texas Facing Soaring Electricity Demand, the Politics of Energy Quietly Shift at the Capitol
• Energy Company to Bring 30 Nuclear Reactors to Texas to Power Wave of Data Centers
• Texas Lawmakers to Debate Saving State’s Water Supply After Key Legislation Introduced
• Bills Seek to Improve State’s Response to Wildfires a Year After Devastation in Panhandle

Virginia

• Virginia Could Soon Be Home to the World’s First Fusion Power Plant

West Virginia

• Coal Supporters Celebrate Advance of Legislation; PSC Chairwoman Questions What It Does 
• Power Company Says Bill Focused on Grid Reliability Could Have Another Consequence: Higher Rates

Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Each month, a roundup of news featured in Southern Focus is compiled. These articles serve as a resource to keep you informed about the Southern region and do not reflect the views of CSG South.

Agriculture

National

• Timber Industry Optimistic About Trump Administration’s Executive Order

Alabama

• Christina Woerner McInnis Announces Bid for Alabama Ag Commissioner

Georgia 

• Georgia Lawmakers Move to Restrict Hemp Products, Ban THC-Infused Drinks

Louisiana 

• Tariffs Affecting Farmers and Consumers Across Louisiana
• What Do Tariffs Mean for Louisiana Lumber?

Mississippi

• • Mississippi Lawmakers Aim to Expand Seafood Labeling Law
  • Mississippi Passes Bill Banning Lab-Grown Meat – Established Farm Family Asks, “Is Farming Really Worth It?”
  • Senator Wicker Introduces Bill to Establish Mississippi River Basin Fisheries

North Carolina

• NC Farmers Take Precautions to Reduce Spread of Bird Flu
• Loan Deficiency Payments Now Available for Cotton Producers in North Carolina
• USDA Cuts Local Produce Funding, Impacting NC Food Banks

Tennessee

• Committee In Tennessee Signs Off On Proposal To Tighten Restrictions On Hemp Industry
• Tennessee Farmers Express Frustrations Over Tariff

West Virginia 

• West Virginia Farmers Face Financial Uncertainty as $1 Billion Program Ends

Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs

Alabama 

• Alabama Roads Ranked 2nd Nationwide Amid Debate Over Truck Weight Limits

Louisiana

• Computer System at Louisiana OMVs Keeps Crashing—Here’s How It’s Affecting Service

Mississippi

• Mississippi House Panel Approves Casino Tax Increase
• Officials Want Mississippi’s Multi-Billion Dollar Tourism Industry to Have Its Own Department
• Mississippi Lawmakers Keep Mobile Sports Betting Alive, But It Faces Roadblock in the Senate

Missouri

• Launch of Missouri Sports Betting Delayed Until Fall After Emergency Rules Were Rejected

North Carolina

• I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
• NC House Bill Aims to Raise State Minimum Wage Starting in 2026

Tennessee

• • I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
  • Canadian Airline Cancels Flights to Tennessee as Other US Routes Suspended
  • Bill to Allow 36% Borrowing Rate at Tennessee Money Lending Places at Governor’s Desk

Texas

• Gov. Abbott Announces Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to SpaceX

West Virginia 

• West Virginia House Bill Would Mandate 3-Second Pause at Stoplights

Education

Alabama

• Superintendent Mackey Reassures Board of Education Amid Federal Cuts

Louisiana

• Louisiana State Education Board Adds Gulf of America to Social Studies Standards

Mississippi

• Senate’s Attempt to Revive Its Education Agenda DOA in Mississippi House

North Carolina

• North Carolina Teacher Salaries Could Increase by $9,000 to $12,000 if New Bill Passes
• NC Bill Eliminates Standardized Testing Requirements to Become a Licensed Teacher

Tennessee

• Tennessee House Passes Bill Requiring Schools to Adopt Policies Prohibiting Cell Phones and Computers in Class
• Bill to Charge Public School Tuition to Undocumented Students Advances in Tennessee, Despite Some Dissenting Republicans
• Gov. Lee’s ‘Education Freedom Scholarship’ Program Sees Early Interest From 162 Schools Statewide

Texas

• Texas May Change How Schools Select Library Books. Critics Say It Could Lead to More Bans. 
• Texas Senate Approves Bill Changing How Schools Select Library Books
• Different Pace and Priorities Separate Texas Senate and House on School Vouchers

Energy and Environment

Regional 

• Wildfires Are Burning Across the South. Here’s Why More Could Be on the Way

Georgia

• Massive $9.7 Billion Data Center Proposed Near LaGrange 

Louisiana

• New Meta Facility in Louisiana May Require 10,000 Acre Solar Farm

Mississippi

• Pedro Cherry Named President of Mississippi Power

Missouri

• Massive Utility Legislation Expected to Boost Missouri Power Generation — and Energy Bills

Tennessee

• Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee Wants to Spend $92M More on Nuclear Industry Before Grant Fund Spent
• TDEC: $100M Duck River Budget Ask Could Be Used Toward Regional Tennessee River Pipeline

Texas

• Supreme Court Takes Up Nuclear Waste in Texas
• With Texas Facing Soaring Electricity Demand, the Politics of Energy Quietly Shift at the Capitol
• Energy Company to Bring 30 Nuclear Reactors to Texas to Power Wave of Data Centers
• Texas Lawmakers to Debate Saving State’s Water Supply After Key Legislation Introduced
• Bills Seek to Improve State’s Response to Wildfires a Year After Devastation in Panhandle

Virginia

• Virginia Could Soon Be Home to the World’s First Fusion Power Plant

West Virginia

• Coal Supporters Celebrate Advance of Legislation; PSC Chairwoman Questions What It Does 
• Power Company Says Bill Focused on Grid Reliability Could Have Another Consequence: Higher Rates

Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Each month, a roundup of news featured in Southern Focus is compiled. These articles serve as a resource to keep you informed about the Southern region and do not reflect the views of CSG South.

Agriculture

National

• Timber Industry Optimistic About Trump Administration’s Executive Order

Alabama

• Christina Woerner McInnis Announces Bid for Alabama Ag Commissioner

Georgia 

• Georgia Lawmakers Move to Restrict Hemp Products, Ban THC-Infused Drinks

Louisiana 

• Tariffs Affecting Farmers and Consumers Across Louisiana
• What Do Tariffs Mean for Louisiana Lumber?

Mississippi

• • Mississippi Lawmakers Aim to Expand Seafood Labeling Law
  • Mississippi Passes Bill Banning Lab-Grown Meat – Established Farm Family Asks, “Is Farming Really Worth It?”
  • Senator Wicker Introduces Bill to Establish Mississippi River Basin Fisheries

North Carolina

• NC Farmers Take Precautions to Reduce Spread of Bird Flu
• Loan Deficiency Payments Now Available for Cotton Producers in North Carolina
• USDA Cuts Local Produce Funding, Impacting NC Food Banks

Tennessee

• Committee In Tennessee Signs Off On Proposal To Tighten Restrictions On Hemp Industry
• Tennessee Farmers Express Frustrations Over Tariff

West Virginia 

• West Virginia Farmers Face Financial Uncertainty as $1 Billion Program Ends

Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs

Alabama 

• Alabama Roads Ranked 2nd Nationwide Amid Debate Over Truck Weight Limits

Louisiana

• Computer System at Louisiana OMVs Keeps Crashing—Here’s How It’s Affecting Service

Mississippi

• Mississippi House Panel Approves Casino Tax Increase
• Officials Want Mississippi’s Multi-Billion Dollar Tourism Industry to Have Its Own Department
• Mississippi Lawmakers Keep Mobile Sports Betting Alive, But It Faces Roadblock in the Senate

Missouri

• Launch of Missouri Sports Betting Delayed Until Fall After Emergency Rules Were Rejected

North Carolina

• I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
• NC House Bill Aims to Raise State Minimum Wage Starting in 2026

Tennessee

• • I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
  • Canadian Airline Cancels Flights to Tennessee as Other US Routes Suspended
  • Bill to Allow 36% Borrowing Rate at Tennessee Money Lending Places at Governor’s Desk

Texas

• Gov. Abbott Announces Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to SpaceX

West Virginia 

• West Virginia House Bill Would Mandate 3-Second Pause at Stoplights

Education

Alabama

• Superintendent Mackey Reassures Board of Education Amid Federal Cuts

Louisiana

• Louisiana State Education Board Adds Gulf of America to Social Studies Standards

Mississippi

• Senate’s Attempt to Revive Its Education Agenda DOA in Mississippi House

North Carolina

• North Carolina Teacher Salaries Could Increase by $9,000 to $12,000 if New Bill Passes
• NC Bill Eliminates Standardized Testing Requirements to Become a Licensed Teacher

Tennessee

• Tennessee House Passes Bill Requiring Schools to Adopt Policies Prohibiting Cell Phones and Computers in Class
• Bill to Charge Public School Tuition to Undocumented Students Advances in Tennessee, Despite Some Dissenting Republicans
• Gov. Lee’s ‘Education Freedom Scholarship’ Program Sees Early Interest From 162 Schools Statewide

Texas

• Texas May Change How Schools Select Library Books. Critics Say It Could Lead to More Bans. 
• Texas Senate Approves Bill Changing How Schools Select Library Books
• Different Pace and Priorities Separate Texas Senate and House on School Vouchers

Energy and Environment

Regional 

• Wildfires Are Burning Across the South. Here’s Why More Could Be on the Way

Georgia

• Massive $9.7 Billion Data Center Proposed Near LaGrange 

Louisiana

• New Meta Facility in Louisiana May Require 10,000 Acre Solar Farm

Mississippi

• Pedro Cherry Named President of Mississippi Power

Missouri

• Massive Utility Legislation Expected to Boost Missouri Power Generation — and Energy Bills

Tennessee

• Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee Wants to Spend $92M More on Nuclear Industry Before Grant Fund Spent
• TDEC: $100M Duck River Budget Ask Could Be Used Toward Regional Tennessee River Pipeline

Texas

• Supreme Court Takes Up Nuclear Waste in Texas
• With Texas Facing Soaring Electricity Demand, the Politics of Energy Quietly Shift at the Capitol
• Energy Company to Bring 30 Nuclear Reactors to Texas to Power Wave of Data Centers
• Texas Lawmakers to Debate Saving State’s Water Supply After Key Legislation Introduced
• Bills Seek to Improve State’s Response to Wildfires a Year After Devastation in Panhandle

Virginia

• Virginia Could Soon Be Home to the World’s First Fusion Power Plant

West Virginia

• Coal Supporters Celebrate Advance of Legislation; PSC Chairwoman Questions What It Does 
• Power Company Says Bill Focused on Grid Reliability Could Have Another Consequence: Higher Rates

Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Each month, a roundup of news featured in Southern Focus is compiled. These articles serve as a resource to keep you informed about the Southern region and do not reflect the views of CSG South.

Agriculture

National

• Timber Industry Optimistic About Trump Administration’s Executive Order

Alabama

• Christina Woerner McInnis Announces Bid for Alabama Ag Commissioner

Georgia 

• Georgia Lawmakers Move to Restrict Hemp Products, Ban THC-Infused Drinks

Louisiana 

• Tariffs Affecting Farmers and Consumers Across Louisiana
• What Do Tariffs Mean for Louisiana Lumber?

Mississippi

• • Mississippi Lawmakers Aim to Expand Seafood Labeling Law
  • Mississippi Passes Bill Banning Lab-Grown Meat – Established Farm Family Asks, “Is Farming Really Worth It?”
  • Senator Wicker Introduces Bill to Establish Mississippi River Basin Fisheries

North Carolina

• NC Farmers Take Precautions to Reduce Spread of Bird Flu
• Loan Deficiency Payments Now Available for Cotton Producers in North Carolina
• USDA Cuts Local Produce Funding, Impacting NC Food Banks

Tennessee

• Committee In Tennessee Signs Off On Proposal To Tighten Restrictions On Hemp Industry
• Tennessee Farmers Express Frustrations Over Tariff

West Virginia 

• West Virginia Farmers Face Financial Uncertainty as $1 Billion Program Ends

Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs

Alabama 

• Alabama Roads Ranked 2nd Nationwide Amid Debate Over Truck Weight Limits

Louisiana

• Computer System at Louisiana OMVs Keeps Crashing—Here’s How It’s Affecting Service

Mississippi

• Mississippi House Panel Approves Casino Tax Increase
• Officials Want Mississippi’s Multi-Billion Dollar Tourism Industry to Have Its Own Department
• Mississippi Lawmakers Keep Mobile Sports Betting Alive, But It Faces Roadblock in the Senate

Missouri

• Launch of Missouri Sports Betting Delayed Until Fall After Emergency Rules Were Rejected

North Carolina

• I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
• NC House Bill Aims to Raise State Minimum Wage Starting in 2026

Tennessee

• • I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
  • Canadian Airline Cancels Flights to Tennessee as Other US Routes Suspended
  • Bill to Allow 36% Borrowing Rate at Tennessee Money Lending Places at Governor’s Desk

Texas

• Gov. Abbott Announces Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to SpaceX

West Virginia 

• West Virginia House Bill Would Mandate 3-Second Pause at Stoplights

Education

Alabama

• Superintendent Mackey Reassures Board of Education Amid Federal Cuts

Louisiana

• Louisiana State Education Board Adds Gulf of America to Social Studies Standards

Mississippi

• Senate’s Attempt to Revive Its Education Agenda DOA in Mississippi House

North Carolina

• North Carolina Teacher Salaries Could Increase by $9,000 to $12,000 if New Bill Passes
• NC Bill Eliminates Standardized Testing Requirements to Become a Licensed Teacher

Tennessee

• Tennessee House Passes Bill Requiring Schools to Adopt Policies Prohibiting Cell Phones and Computers in Class
• Bill to Charge Public School Tuition to Undocumented Students Advances in Tennessee, Despite Some Dissenting Republicans
• Gov. Lee’s ‘Education Freedom Scholarship’ Program Sees Early Interest From 162 Schools Statewide

Texas

• Texas May Change How Schools Select Library Books. Critics Say It Could Lead to More Bans. 
• Texas Senate Approves Bill Changing How Schools Select Library Books
• Different Pace and Priorities Separate Texas Senate and House on School Vouchers

Energy and Environment

Regional 

• Wildfires Are Burning Across the South. Here’s Why More Could Be on the Way

Georgia

• Massive $9.7 Billion Data Center Proposed Near LaGrange 

Louisiana

• New Meta Facility in Louisiana May Require 10,000 Acre Solar Farm

Mississippi

• Pedro Cherry Named President of Mississippi Power

Missouri

• Massive Utility Legislation Expected to Boost Missouri Power Generation — and Energy Bills

Tennessee

• Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee Wants to Spend $92M More on Nuclear Industry Before Grant Fund Spent
• TDEC: $100M Duck River Budget Ask Could Be Used Toward Regional Tennessee River Pipeline

Texas

• Supreme Court Takes Up Nuclear Waste in Texas
• With Texas Facing Soaring Electricity Demand, the Politics of Energy Quietly Shift at the Capitol
• Energy Company to Bring 30 Nuclear Reactors to Texas to Power Wave of Data Centers
• Texas Lawmakers to Debate Saving State’s Water Supply After Key Legislation Introduced
• Bills Seek to Improve State’s Response to Wildfires a Year After Devastation in Panhandle

Virginia

• Virginia Could Soon Be Home to the World’s First Fusion Power Plant

West Virginia

• Coal Supporters Celebrate Advance of Legislation; PSC Chairwoman Questions What It Does 
• Power Company Says Bill Focused on Grid Reliability Could Have Another Consequence: Higher Rates

Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Each month, a roundup of news featured in Southern Focus is compiled. These articles serve as a resource to keep you informed about the Southern region and do not reflect the views of CSG South.

Agriculture

National

• Timber Industry Optimistic About Trump Administration’s Executive Order

Alabama

• Christina Woerner McInnis Announces Bid for Alabama Ag Commissioner

Georgia 

• Georgia Lawmakers Move to Restrict Hemp Products, Ban THC-Infused Drinks

Louisiana 

• Tariffs Affecting Farmers and Consumers Across Louisiana
• What Do Tariffs Mean for Louisiana Lumber?

Mississippi

• • Mississippi Lawmakers Aim to Expand Seafood Labeling Law
  • Mississippi Passes Bill Banning Lab-Grown Meat – Established Farm Family Asks, “Is Farming Really Worth It?”
  • Senator Wicker Introduces Bill to Establish Mississippi River Basin Fisheries

North Carolina

• NC Farmers Take Precautions to Reduce Spread of Bird Flu
• Loan Deficiency Payments Now Available for Cotton Producers in North Carolina
• USDA Cuts Local Produce Funding, Impacting NC Food Banks

Tennessee

• Committee In Tennessee Signs Off On Proposal To Tighten Restrictions On Hemp Industry
• Tennessee Farmers Express Frustrations Over Tariff

West Virginia 

• West Virginia Farmers Face Financial Uncertainty as $1 Billion Program Ends

Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs

Alabama 

• Alabama Roads Ranked 2nd Nationwide Amid Debate Over Truck Weight Limits

Louisiana

• Computer System at Louisiana OMVs Keeps Crashing—Here’s How It’s Affecting Service

Mississippi

• Mississippi House Panel Approves Casino Tax Increase
• Officials Want Mississippi’s Multi-Billion Dollar Tourism Industry to Have Its Own Department
• Mississippi Lawmakers Keep Mobile Sports Betting Alive, But It Faces Roadblock in the Senate

Missouri

• Launch of Missouri Sports Betting Delayed Until Fall After Emergency Rules Were Rejected

North Carolina

• I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
• NC House Bill Aims to Raise State Minimum Wage Starting in 2026

Tennessee

• • I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
  • Canadian Airline Cancels Flights to Tennessee as Other US Routes Suspended
  • Bill to Allow 36% Borrowing Rate at Tennessee Money Lending Places at Governor’s Desk

Texas

• Gov. Abbott Announces Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to SpaceX

West Virginia 

• West Virginia House Bill Would Mandate 3-Second Pause at Stoplights

Education

Alabama

• Superintendent Mackey Reassures Board of Education Amid Federal Cuts

Louisiana

• Louisiana State Education Board Adds Gulf of America to Social Studies Standards

Mississippi

• Senate’s Attempt to Revive Its Education Agenda DOA in Mississippi House

North Carolina

• North Carolina Teacher Salaries Could Increase by $9,000 to $12,000 if New Bill Passes
• NC Bill Eliminates Standardized Testing Requirements to Become a Licensed Teacher

Tennessee

• Tennessee House Passes Bill Requiring Schools to Adopt Policies Prohibiting Cell Phones and Computers in Class
• Bill to Charge Public School Tuition to Undocumented Students Advances in Tennessee, Despite Some Dissenting Republicans
• Gov. Lee’s ‘Education Freedom Scholarship’ Program Sees Early Interest From 162 Schools Statewide

Texas

• Texas May Change How Schools Select Library Books. Critics Say It Could Lead to More Bans. 
• Texas Senate Approves Bill Changing How Schools Select Library Books
• Different Pace and Priorities Separate Texas Senate and House on School Vouchers

Energy and Environment

Regional 

• Wildfires Are Burning Across the South. Here’s Why More Could Be on the Way

Georgia

• Massive $9.7 Billion Data Center Proposed Near LaGrange 

Louisiana

• New Meta Facility in Louisiana May Require 10,000 Acre Solar Farm

Mississippi

• Pedro Cherry Named President of Mississippi Power

Missouri

• Massive Utility Legislation Expected to Boost Missouri Power Generation — and Energy Bills

Tennessee

• Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee Wants to Spend $92M More on Nuclear Industry Before Grant Fund Spent
• TDEC: $100M Duck River Budget Ask Could Be Used Toward Regional Tennessee River Pipeline

Texas

• Supreme Court Takes Up Nuclear Waste in Texas
• With Texas Facing Soaring Electricity Demand, the Politics of Energy Quietly Shift at the Capitol
• Energy Company to Bring 30 Nuclear Reactors to Texas to Power Wave of Data Centers
• Texas Lawmakers to Debate Saving State’s Water Supply After Key Legislation Introduced
• Bills Seek to Improve State’s Response to Wildfires a Year After Devastation in Panhandle

Virginia

• Virginia Could Soon Be Home to the World’s First Fusion Power Plant

West Virginia

• Coal Supporters Celebrate Advance of Legislation; PSC Chairwoman Questions What It Does 
• Power Company Says Bill Focused on Grid Reliability Could Have Another Consequence: Higher Rates

Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

The post Southern Focus Monthly Recap, March appeared first on CSG South.

Each month, a roundup of news featured in Southern Focus is compiled. These articles serve as a resource to keep you informed about the Southern region and do not reflect the views of CSG South.

Agriculture

National

• Timber Industry Optimistic About Trump Administration’s Executive Order

Alabama

• Christina Woerner McInnis Announces Bid for Alabama Ag Commissioner

Georgia 

• Georgia Lawmakers Move to Restrict Hemp Products, Ban THC-Infused Drinks

Louisiana 

• Tariffs Affecting Farmers and Consumers Across Louisiana
• What Do Tariffs Mean for Louisiana Lumber?

Mississippi

• • Mississippi Lawmakers Aim to Expand Seafood Labeling Law
  • Mississippi Passes Bill Banning Lab-Grown Meat – Established Farm Family Asks, “Is Farming Really Worth It?”
  • Senator Wicker Introduces Bill to Establish Mississippi River Basin Fisheries

North Carolina

• NC Farmers Take Precautions to Reduce Spread of Bird Flu
• Loan Deficiency Payments Now Available for Cotton Producers in North Carolina
• USDA Cuts Local Produce Funding, Impacting NC Food Banks

Tennessee

• Committee In Tennessee Signs Off On Proposal To Tighten Restrictions On Hemp Industry
• Tennessee Farmers Express Frustrations Over Tariff

West Virginia 

• West Virginia Farmers Face Financial Uncertainty as $1 Billion Program Ends

Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs

Alabama 

• Alabama Roads Ranked 2nd Nationwide Amid Debate Over Truck Weight Limits

Louisiana

• Computer System at Louisiana OMVs Keeps Crashing—Here’s How It’s Affecting Service

Mississippi

• Mississippi House Panel Approves Casino Tax Increase
• Officials Want Mississippi’s Multi-Billion Dollar Tourism Industry to Have Its Own Department
• Mississippi Lawmakers Keep Mobile Sports Betting Alive, But It Faces Roadblock in the Senate

Missouri

• Launch of Missouri Sports Betting Delayed Until Fall After Emergency Rules Were Rejected

North Carolina

• I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
• NC House Bill Aims to Raise State Minimum Wage Starting in 2026

Tennessee

• • I-40 Near NC-Tennessee Line to Reopen Saturday with Unusual Conditions, NCDOT Says
  • Canadian Airline Cancels Flights to Tennessee as Other US Routes Suspended
  • Bill to Allow 36% Borrowing Rate at Tennessee Money Lending Places at Governor’s Desk

Texas

• Gov. Abbott Announces Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to SpaceX

West Virginia 

• West Virginia House Bill Would Mandate 3-Second Pause at Stoplights

Education

Alabama

• Superintendent Mackey Reassures Board of Education Amid Federal Cuts

Louisiana

• Louisiana State Education Board Adds Gulf of America to Social Studies Standards

Mississippi

• Senate’s Attempt to Revive Its Education Agenda DOA in Mississippi House

North Carolina

• North Carolina Teacher Salaries Could Increase by $9,000 to $12,000 if New Bill Passes
• NC Bill Eliminates Standardized Testing Requirements to Become a Licensed Teacher

Tennessee

• Tennessee House Passes Bill Requiring Schools to Adopt Policies Prohibiting Cell Phones and Computers in Class
• Bill to Charge Public School Tuition to Undocumented Students Advances in Tennessee, Despite Some Dissenting Republicans
• Gov. Lee’s ‘Education Freedom Scholarship’ Program Sees Early Interest From 162 Schools Statewide

Texas

• Texas May Change How Schools Select Library Books. Critics Say It Could Lead to More Bans. 
• Texas Senate Approves Bill Changing How Schools Select Library Books
• Different Pace and Priorities Separate Texas Senate and House on School Vouchers

Energy and Environment

Regional 

• Wildfires Are Burning Across the South. Here’s Why More Could Be on the Way

Georgia

• Massive $9.7 Billion Data Center Proposed Near LaGrange 

Louisiana

• New Meta Facility in Louisiana May Require 10,000 Acre Solar Farm

Mississippi

• Pedro Cherry Named President of Mississippi Power

Missouri

• Massive Utility Legislation Expected to Boost Missouri Power Generation — and Energy Bills

Tennessee

• Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee Wants to Spend $92M More on Nuclear Industry Before Grant Fund Spent
• TDEC: $100M Duck River Budget Ask Could Be Used Toward Regional Tennessee River Pipeline

Texas

• Supreme Court Takes Up Nuclear Waste in Texas
• With Texas Facing Soaring Electricity Demand, the Politics of Energy Quietly Shift at the Capitol
• Energy Company to Bring 30 Nuclear Reactors to Texas to Power Wave of Data Centers
• Texas Lawmakers to Debate Saving State’s Water Supply After Key Legislation Introduced
• Bills Seek to Improve State’s Response to Wildfires a Year After Devastation in Panhandle

Virginia

• Virginia Could Soon Be Home to the World’s First Fusion Power Plant

West Virginia

• Coal Supporters Celebrate Advance of Legislation; PSC Chairwoman Questions What It Does 
• Power Company Says Bill Focused on Grid Reliability Could Have Another Consequence: Higher Rates

Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations

Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

Alabama

• Bill Requiring Increased Job Contacts for Unemployed Individuals Advances to Senate
• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty

Mississippi

• Mississippi Tax Collections Exceed Estimates in February
• Fifth Circuit Affirms Decision Striking Down Mississippi Mail-In Ballot Law
• Doctors, Advocates Rally at Capitol: ‘Defend and Expand Medicaid’

Missouri

• Bill Banning State From Seizing Foster Kids’ Benefits Clears Missouri Senate

North Carolina

• North Carolina Removes Additional Fee on Retirement Plans
• North Carolina Signs Contract With Musk’s SpaceX to Buy Starlink Products, Fill Internet Gaps

Texas

• Texas House and Senate Lawmakers Have Laid Out Their Property Tax Cut Proposals. How Do They Compare?
• Texas Governor Requiring State Employees to Return to Office Full Time: ‘Present and Engaged’

Health Services and Public Safety

Alabama

• Alabama House Passes Bill to Exempt Nursing Mothers From Jury Duty
  
• Alabama’s Hospitals Contribute Over $25 Billion Annually to State Economy

Arkansas

• Arkansas Veterans Union Braces for Impact Potential Job Cuts Could Have on Patients, Employees
• Arkansas Legislators Vote for Ivermectin Over-the-Counter Sales, Heads to Governor’s Desk

Georgia

• Georgia Considers Stiffer Penalties for Fentanyl Possession and Trafficking

Mississippi

• Urging Passage of Paid Parental Leave for Mississippi State Workers

Missouri

• Kids Stay in Foster Care Longer Than the Federal Standard in Most Missouri Counties

North Carolina

• Lawmakers Propose Higher Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for NC Dentists

Tennessee

• Lawmaker Wants to Make June 2025 ‘Nuclear Family Month’ in Tennessee
• The Week in Politics: Will Gov. Lee Find $25 Million to Save Victim Services from Crisis?
• Bill to Clear Homeless Encampments Passes Tennessee Senate
• New “Sober DUI” Bill Aims for Transparency

Texas

• Obstacles Slow Texas Effort to Improve Conditions at Substance Abuse Recovery Homes

West Virginia 

• Bill Creating Monetary Reward for Those Who Tip Off Police on Drug Activity Advances in WV Senate
• As Cabinet Secretary Declines Study of Child Welfare System, Senators Say Responsibility Is His 

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