The Council of State Governments

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New updates from the @CSGWest Forging a Resilient West dashboard highlight two wildfire-related bills signed into law during Oregon’s 2026 legislative session. csg.org/2026/04/23/ore…

Join @CSGMidwest for a free webinar exploring state legislative options to boost housing, featuring experts from @pewtrusts & @NEMAupdates. csgmidwest.org/event/removing…

🚔 May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, and this week is #NationalPoliceWeek. We work with law enforcement agencies across the country to improve how they respond to people in crisis and to support the mental health of officers themselves. Learn more: hubs.la/Q04fT1yR0 #CrisisResponse #PoliceWeek

CSG South concluded its 2026 state visit season last week in Raleigh, North Carolina. Our team met with state officials and staff to discuss policy needs, emerging priorities, and nonpartisan resources that support legislative work. Thank you to the North Carolina General Assembly (@NCLeg) for the thoughtful discussions and collaboration during the final stop of this year’s state visit season. #CSGSouth #StateVisits2026

Utah just recently passed a State-Endorsed Digital Identity Program, a first-of-its-kind the Digital Identity Bill of Rights. @CSGWest spoke with Utah Rep. Paul Cutler and Utah Chief Privacy Officer Christopher Bramwell about the state's innovative approach to the new digital era. csg.org/2026/05/01/pro…

Maryland Sen. Cory McCray, who now serves as the deputy majority whip, discusses how apprenticeship led him to public service. csg.org/2026/04/27/how…

Happy to share my perspective on America and Maryland’s 250th #America250 🇺🇸 ❤️🖤💛

Energy systems across the South continue to operate under sustained demand growth and changing infrastructure conditions. On July 11 in Lexington, the Regional Energy Summit, in coordination with @CEAorg , convenes policymakers and industry leaders for a one-day forum on energy systems, infrastructure, and innovation. Registration is separate from SLC. Attend the Summit, SLC, or both. View the agenda and register: ➡️bit.ly/4r9HXHh #EnergyPolicy #CSGSouthRES

During #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we partnered with @RivCoDA to co-host county exec teams for an “Aligning Health & Safety” training on improving outcomes for people with behavioral health needs in the justice system. Learn more about the Aligning Health & Safety initiative and California’s efforts: hubs.la/Q04fJ-Bh0

Through its ongoing Under the Dome program, @CSGMidwest delivered an interactive session to the Minnesota Capitol in April on “Creating a Culture of Excellence and Civility,” featuring J. Scott Raecker, executive director of The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University and co-executive director of the school’s Olson Institute for Public Democracy. csg.org/2026/04/27/leg…

Passenger rail is receiving increased attention as Southern states assess its role in transportation systems, economic development and regional mobility. A recent @CSGSouth webinar explored how states across the region are approaching passenger rail infrastructure, focusing on planning, coordination and long-term investment strategies. csg.org/2026/04/24/all…

Data center growth is accelerating across the South, raising new questions around energy, water, and long-term sustainability. The 2026 Policy Masterclass includes expert insights, peer exchange, and on-site learning at data center and infrastructure facilities. All program expenses covered for accepted participants. Submit your interest by May 20. ➡️ bit.ly/4aNoMOG #PublicPolicy #DigitalInfrastructure

Last month, we met w/ NJ Attorney General Jen Davenport to discuss the expansion of community crisis response teams across the state. "The authority of the @NewJerseyOAG gives us a unique ability to bring diverse partners to the table in ways other states can’t. We need to keep asking: What more can we do to redefine which calls law enforcement currently handles—and which ones don’t have to be theirs at all?” Learn more about our work w/ NJ to make sure people get the right kind of help in difficult moments: hubs.la/Q04fggXC0 #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

“Apprenticeship is one of Maryland’s most effective tools for connecting residents with meaningful careers and helping employers shape the workforce they need to grow,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu earlier this year. National Apprenticeship Week, celebrated April 26-May 2, provides a platform to highlight how apprenticeship programs can help states address their distinct workforce challenges. This article highlights CSG workforce policy portfolio efforts to bolster apprenticeships across the country as states move toward increasing the number of active apprentices. Read the full story: csg.org/2026/04/27/inv…

This #SecondChanceMonth, we highlighted why reentry matters—and how states are reducing recidivism. Our national #Reentry2030 initiative aims to accelerate states' progress and reduce recidivism 30% by 2030. Is your state ready to join? hubs.la/Q04dpWKz0

Drug overdose deaths ⬇️ more than 25% nationwide in 2024. Despite this progress, overdose rates remain above pre-pandemic levels. ➡️ Check the newly updated data to see how your state compares: hubs.la/Q04bG0p70

States are examining how campaign finance laws apply to personal security expenses following safety concerns involving elected officials. Recent actions across the South include enacted laws, ethics rulings and proposed legislation defining when security costs may be permitted. This snapshot highlights state approaches. #CSGSouth #StatePolicy #CampaignFinance

Statement on political violence from Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green, 2026 CSG National President, and California Assemblymember Mike Gipson, 2026 CSG National Chair.

A recent @CSGSouth webinar examined how government staff can strengthen communication with executive leadership and how to provide guidance that supports effective decision-making. csg.org/2026/04/15/exe…