Duane Morris Government Strategies

We are deeply saddened to share that our Managing Director, Eric Martins, has passed away after a short illness. Eric was a defining force in building DMGS into the firm it is today - with government affairs capabilities across the entire country. A respected leader, trusted advisor, and consummate professional, he brought integrity, thoughtfulness, and a rare ability to bring people together across differences. His impact on our firm, our clients, and our broader public policy community cannot be overstated. Beyond his professional accomplishments, which were many, Eric was a generous colleague and a steady presence whose guidance and friendship meant a great deal to so many of us. He will be profoundly missed, and we remain committed to honoring his legacy through the continued dedication and service he championed for our clients and community. Our thoughts are with his wife Dee, his sons Eric and Owen, and his entire family during this difficult time. pepplerfh.com/obituaries/eri…

By a 113-0 vote, the #Florida Legislature has passed a measure that attempts to stop people from being harmed by two commonly-abused street drugs: xylazine and nitrous oxide. floridapolitics.com/archives/78417…

Two state lawmakers have filed legislation to alter Louisiana’s new party primaries, even though the first election using them hasn’t taken place yet. lailluminator.com/2026/03/09/clo…

In a legislative effort to save people money and help them generate their own electricity, if only a small amount, bills allowing for portable solar generation devices are nearing the finish line to be sent to the governor’s desk in Virginia. virginiamercury.com/2026/03/10/plu…

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon signed into law Monday a measure that would ban abortions in Wyoming in all but the earliest weeks of pregnancy. The governor affirmed in a letter his “pro-life” commitment but also cautioned that the new law will likely land in court again. wyofile.com/abortions-in-a…

Nebraska policy-makers have talked “ad nauseam” about a statewide housing and worker shortage and the need to do something about it, State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln said Monday, echoing the sentiment of several colleagues. nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/03/09/mea…

#ICYMI: Pennsylvania is emerging as one of the most important states for AI data center legislation. Lawmakers are debating bills on energy load, water use, zoning, and AI infrastructure as ~$90B in investment flows into the state. Here’s what companies should know ⬇️ statecapitallobbyist.com/artificial-int…

A bill changing several penalties for Utah drivers is now headed to the governor to be signed into law. HB24 changes the penalties for some drivers caught speeding in school zones, driving without insurance, or driving distracted behind the wheel. It received near-unanimous support among lawmakers. ksltv.com/politics-elect…

Outstanding rundown of Data Center & AI policy in the Pennsylvania Legislature by @DMGSLLC. Thoughtful policy is required for the Keystone State to lead the way!

#NEW: #Pennsylvania has quietly become one of the most consequential states in the country for #AI and data center policy. The General Assembly is moving fast on bills that affect energy reporting, local zoning authority, ratepayer cost allocation, and more, which we explore in our latest rundown: ⬇️ statecapitallobbyist.com/artificial-int…

Big technology companies scored a win in Olympia on Monday, as a sweeping bill to regulate data centers lapsed in the Washington state Legislature. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/03/02/its…

New York State lawmakers are the highest paid state legislature in the country, thanks to a $32,000 raise in 2022 that pushed their annual pay to $142,000. Despite the nation-leading pay, one state lawmaker just introduced legislation to raise salaries again. New York State lawmakers are the highest paid state legislature in the country, thanks to a $32,000 raise in 2022 that pushed their annual pay to $142,000. Despite the nation-leading pay, one state lawmaker just introduced legislation to raise salaries again.

A Minnesota bill would allow schools to send those students with disciplinary problems home for a maximum of one partial day and one full day after an incident. kstp.com/kstp-news/top-…

More than 50 Republican state lawmakers are calling on the White House to stop efforts to prevent the passage of state AI laws, as the Trump administration takes aim at a Utah measure. thehill.com/policy/technol…

Gov. Tony Evers announced Monday that he’s signed off on bringing Wisconsin’s PFAS and lead regulations in line with federal standards. wpr.org/news/gov-tony-…

The New Jersey Senate Education Committee approved legislation that would codify a requirement that high school students be taught how to manage their own finances in a unanimous vote Monday. newjerseymonitor.com/briefs/high-sc…

Anyone that possesses, creates or shares child sexual abuse material created with artificial intelligence in Alaska would face new state felony charges under legislation advanced by the Alaska House of Representatives on Friday — plus AI companies and social media companies could face state penalties too. alaskabeacon.com/2026/03/02/ala…

Ohio House lawmakers have approved a measure aimed at banning ranked choice voting. Under the bill, no state election may be conducted with ranked choice and any local government that decides to use a ranked choice system would forfeit state dollars. ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/03/02/ohi…

Oregon tenants whose landlords leak confidential information such as their immigration status or medical records could soon have a pathway to collect up to twice their monthly rent as a form of recourse. oregoncapitalchronicle.com/briefs/oregon-…

After multiple debates and meetings between stakeholders, a compromise has been reached on how Virginia can begin to monitor the presence of “forever chemicals,” in biosolids that are used as fertilizer on farms across the commonwealth. virginiamercury.com/2026/03/02/vir…

The Alabama House of Representatives approved a bill on Tuesday that criminalizes disrupting a church service. HB 363, sponsored by Rep. Greg Barnes, R-Curry, prohibits interrupting a worship service by participating in riots, unlawful protest or disorderly conduct. alabamareflector.com/2026/02/25/ala…