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Private sector partners share the latest technology advancements and contributions
The following has been submitted directly from private sector partners of The Council of State Governments. This content is shared directly and without any editorial contributions or changes by Capitol Ideas. The content and viewpoints are those of the authors alone.
Bayer | Innovation with Purpose
Submitted by Dave Tierney, head of U.S. State and Local Government Affairs for Bayer
When you hear the name Bayer, the first thing you might think of is that little pill with the cross on it—Bayer® Aspirin. But it might surprise you to learn that Bayer is not just in the business of discovering new medicines. Did you know that we’re also a world-class agricultural enterprise? Bayer is a true life sciences company, driven by a powerful mission— Science for A Better Life—to create and deliver advances that tackle society’s most pressing issues. With over 20,000 employees in the United States and three business divisions (Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health and Crop Science) we’re a huge innovation engine, proud to carry out our mission every day in the hopes of achieving a bold vision: Health for all; Hunger for none. I am excited and humbled by this vision. For me, it encapsulates our mandate to not simply innovate, but to innovate with purpose. In agriculture, our purpose is three-fold: Serving farmers. Ask a thousand farmers what they need, and you’ll get a thousand different answers—all starting with “HELP!” Help fighting pests, managing risk, reducing costs, increasing yields, improving efficiencies… the list goes on. Bayer serves farmers by bringing a broad suite of tools to the farmgate—crop protection products, seeds, traits, advanced data analytics and digital tools—offering tailored solutions to meet their unique needs. To us, there’s nothing more satisfying than helping solve farmers’ toughest challenges. From the discovery of the world’s newest broad-spectrum herbicide molecule to the invention of next-generation trait solutions like ThryvOn™ for cotton, Bayer’s innovations deliver groundbreaking benefits to farmers.
Improving sustainability. At Bayer, we believe every investment in innovation should also be an investment in sustainability. Our newest innovations not only help farmers tackle agronomic challenges, but also help them preserve soil health, protect wildlife habitat, foster biodiversity and more. Take for example our Climate FieldView™ digital agriculture platform, which supports farmers in making data-driven crop management decisions that lead to using more precise amounts of inputs only where they’re needed. This is truly innovation with a purpose, benefiting farms, fields and our planet. Producing more with less. By 2050, the global population is expected to increase by 30% and food demand by 70%. Farmers must meet this critical challenge using shrinking amounts of land, water and other resources—all while contending with floods, droughts and other ravages of our changing climate. Bayer scientists are making great strides in developing new approaches that both boost crop yields AND preserve resources. An exciting example of this is our short-stature corn—a hybrid developed to be much shorter than more common varieties. With sturdy stalks, more upright leaves and smaller tassels, these plants produce a healthy, high-yielding crop that is less susceptible to wind and other environmental pressures, promising to both increase yields and reduce crop losses.
Innovating for Our Future Bayer employees proudly contribute to advancements in healthcare and agriculture that promise to benefit the world for generations to come, and we welcome the chance to share our work with anyone who will listen. Thanks to Capitol Ideas for providing the opportunity to share it with you.
Esri | Data, the Catalyst for Innovation
Submitted by Richard Leadbeater, global manager of State & Provincial Governments for Esri
There is quite a bit written these days about how data is the catalyst for innovation. Though recently, the conversation has turned, and we now realize that understanding innovation requires us to get our data conversations right. Let's call it the “Data Gap,” or that space between a state's desired outcome and their ability to implement evidence-based policies, practices and workflow improvements. All states collect treasure troves of data; data that provides a better understanding of the challenges they face, data from local jurisdictions, or data they pay consultants to collect. Unfortunately, this valuable asset is typically siloed in departments and not accessible to the entire state organization. This need to quickly locate the most current data on any topic is most acutely felt during natural disasters, such as wildfires, weather events and even the flu. States are caught in a scramble to locate the right data needed to respond effectively with each new event. So, authoritative data that is centrally available could save a lot more than just time. Having integrated data would help in developing new and innovative approaches, solutions and policies. States already have the technology to unlock the value of their authoritative data holdings. Since most data has a spatial component, agencies with the ArcGIS platform already have access to the tools to access existing data and GIS efforts that allows them to integrate, analyze and visualize the data. Many states have already started to capitalize on their authoritative data with ArcGIS software. They can do this with software already licensed to rapidly implement solutions at no additional cost using ArcGIS Hub, a community engagement hub that allows organizations to present one authoritative source for data, rapidly enable all departments with applications and tools, improve feedback mechanisms and enhance collaboration between departments and citizens. As an example, I'd like to introduce you to the California State Geoportal. The effort to launch the gis-california.opendata.arcgis.com started in the Fall of 2019. More than 40 of California’s state agencies use GIS and maintained data and ArcGIS Hub sites, but these activities were disjointed and a duplication of effort. The state decided to create one authoritative statewide hub that would make all data and tools more centrally accessible. Someone looking for data would no longer have to know which agency was responsible for that data in order to easily find it. The California State Geoportal Allows various departments, and most importantly, California's residents to access just one site to answer questions such as:
• What is the sales tax in my area? • What state parks are near me? • What are the fishing regulations for a specific stream? Ultimately, the California State Geoportal could allow not only access to data the state has already amassed, but also combine it with data from both federal and local governments in analyses that will more comprehensively inform government decisions.
Access the Esri COVID-19 GIS Hub: The COVID-19 GIS Hub provides valuable, ready-to-use demographic and other support data from authoritative sources and our user community. You will find practical apps that immediately aid better understanding and decision making. This includes a collection of datasets, applications and other useful content for your planning response.
Submitted by Ritchie Engelhardt director of Government Affairs for Ancestry
Ancestry is the world’s leading family history and consumer genomics company. We believe a deeper understanding of yourself, your heritage and your history helps create deeper connections across generations and uncovers shared experiences that bind us together. That’s why at Ancestry, our mission is to empower journeys of personal discovery to enrich lives. Ancestry is one of the world’s largest archives, with over 24 billion digital records that enable our members to make meaningful discoveries. We continuously add new and relevant content to our website, working with federal, state and local governments and historical societies to digitize archival records. Aside from helping our customers engage in journeys into their past that link to their present, these efforts also provide a significant benefit to state and local governments. When Ancestry digitizes newly released archival records, we provide a copy of the digitized records to the jurisdiction that provided them. These public-private partnerships have saved the government millions of dollars in digitization costs to date and have provided more people greater access to the vital records of their ancestors from around the world. To help millions more accelerate their personal journeys of discovery and make more connections than ever before, we created AncestryDNA, innovating and investing to provide more granular insights on ethnicity, communities, and inherited traits. To date, more than 16 million people have explored their personal genetic profiles and what their genetics have to say about their family history. Most recently, we introduced AncestryHealth to help our customers better understand how their family health history and their genes influence their health. Our goal is to empower people to take proactive steps to improve their well-being. Our customers choose to make us the repository for their most personal information. We take that trust and responsibility seriously. Protecting our customers’ privacy and being good stewards of their data is Ancestry’s highest priority. In 2018, after more than a year of work with peer companies and the Future of Privacy forum, we published Privacy Best Practices for Consumer Genetic Testing Services. These best practices provide, in addition to the commitments we make to our customers in our terms and conditions and privacy statement, reassurance that our customers remain in control of their personal data, including their genetic information. We also don’t share genetic data with insurance companies, employers or third-party marketers and we never share their data, even for scientific research purposes, without their express opt-in consent. Ancestry, 23andMe, Helix, MyHeritage, Habit, African Ancestry, and Living DNA are all signatories to the Best Practices—representing most available consumer genetic testing services. As a member of the Coalition for Genetic Data Privacy, we are committed to educating policymakers about the Best Practices and our commitment to our customer’s privacy. With science and technology rapidly advancing and an average of two million new records added to our site every day, we are at the beginning of all that is possible to empower people to learn about their family heritage and health. To learn more about Ancestry’s privacy philosophy and practices, visit ancestry.com/privacyphilosophy.
CTA | How Technology Keeps You Connected During Social Distancing
Submitted by Nathan Trail, director of Technology, Policy and State Legislative Affairs for Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA®) is North America’s largest technology trade association. Our members range from the world’s largest and most well-known companies, to small businesses and startups, all of which span the full range of consumer-focused technology and innovations. While our members offer a broad scope of products and services, together, their innovations contribute to the progression and wellbeing of our society. In a time of distancing, technology helps connect us to family and friends, distribute valuable information, provide care to the sick and keep industries running. Earlier this month, CTA introduced a new set of industry-created, voluntary principles for virtual care. These recommendations address the use of virtual care tools including telemedicine, remote patient monitoring and real-time communication between patients and clinicians, at a time when the CDC calls for increased use of telehealth to evaluate, triage and care for patients in the fight against pandemics. In addition, CTA member companies are leading the way in providing remote health solutions to individuals. Remote patient monitoring devices and apps such as Care Predict, BioIntelliSense and Omron can help maintain health while remote and provide data to doctors and caregivers. Immediate remote support from a physician is now accessible from Doctor on Demand, 98point6, Ginger and Simple Health. Likewise, remote patient monitoring enables earlier — and more accurate — diagnoses. As many states are preparing for possible overcrowding in our medical facilities, Humetrix has developed a new COVID-19 severe infection risk screening and warning feature for both consumer and provider users of their iBlueButton platform, which specifically serves the higher
risk Medicare patient population. Blue Spark Technologies is aiding in healthcare organization by remotely monitoring patients’ temperature with COVID-19 with their TempTraq wearable thermometer. On Feb. 25, CTA launched the first-ever industry-led standard for the use of AI in health care, developed by more than 50 organizations. The standard will create a base for the growing use of AI in health care, which will better diagnose diseases, monitor patients and help us live healthier lives. Broadband connectivity offered by CTA’s member companies is keeping our businesses running and helping government officials distribute pressing information to its citizens. Staying connected to constituents and distributing information is critical. To keep our society connected, CTA member companies like Verizon have waived late fees for residential and small business customers impacted by COVID-19, and now offers free international calling to CDC level 3 countries. It’s important for all of us—lawmakers, industry and individuals—to remain united during this time. By joining together and staying connected, we can create a positive outcome and future for our nation. States are already helping carve the way toward more innovations and advancements that will improve—and even save—lives. CTA’s 2020 Innovation Scorecard, released earlier this year, ranked more states as Innovation Champions than ever before. CTA and our member companies look forward to continuing to work with the Council of State Governments and their members to keep innovating and creating a better, healthier and more connected future.
The Hawthorne Gardening Company | Supporting LED Research and Horticulture Technology
Submitted by Brian Herrington, director of Government Affairs for the Hawthorne Gardening Company
Hawthorne Gardening Company is North America’s largest manufacturer and distributor of indoor and hydroponic growing products. Built to serve growers of all sizes, from commercial needs to home hobbyists, Hawthorne houses best-in-class brands – including Gavita, General Hydroponics and Sun System – across lighting, nutrients, growing environment, growing media, hardware, and many more. Hawthorne strives to be the full-service, one-stop partner for both large and small growers. Our newest innovation comes in the form of the Gavita 1700e LED fixture, a full-term light fixture that provides consistent, energy-efficient results for many different plants. The fixture is listed with the Design Lighting Consortium, a non-profit that certifies energy efficient LED lighting, and has a high efficiency of 2.6 μmol s-1 per watt output. This new light was also designed to meet UL8800 certification standards addressing unique worker and facility safety issues applicable to horticulture. The fixture is IP66 wet rated, meaning the fixture is water resistant against powerful water streams making it suitable for horticultural settings. LEDs are an emerging technology for horticulture that is still being improved to successfully and consistently grow plants that deliver profitable crop yields. Plants use light very differently than we do in commercial offices or homes, so regulation and policy need a different strategy especially in emerging industries. In addition, the costs for a single LED fixture are usually hundreds of dollars more expensive versus a conventional horticulture light. Energy efficiency policy continues to evolve across the globe for horticulture, as opposed to residential and commercial office standards which have been refined for years. With legal cannabis markets coming online in states around the country, energy policy has also been a major focal point. Policymakers must understand that LEDs are an emerging technology in this industry, in part due to the lack of available research and because of federal restrictions. Cultivation requires an extraordinary amount of skill, and switching to LED lighting from traditional horticultural lighting requires a different skill set. Within a facility, light positioning needs to be modified and refined. LEDs give off very little radiant heat compared to legacy technologies requiring climate alterations, and cultivators usually have to adjust or renovate their HVAC systems as well. In addition, the LED fixture itself is an expensive asset at this point. States should encourage utility companies to offer energy rebate services to growers who are interested in installing LEDs and any additional necessary infrastructure. Until growers develop the skills to use LEDs and the technology costs come down, double ended high pressure sodium (HPS) fixtures are the most efficient of the legacy technologies. Our brand Gavita led the way with this technology as well. Horticultural LED technology has experienced major developments but is still being refined and is years behind where LED acceptance is in the home and office lighting space. States can balance energy efficiency standards while maintaining a healthy industry by engaging manufacturers like Hawthorne, growers and energy experts to build policies that support LED research, accessibility to growers and affordability.
The East
CT • DE • MA • MD • ME • NH • NJ • NY • PA • RI • VT • NB • NS • ON • PE • PR • QC • VI
IMPROVING HEALTH MEASURES
The Commonwealth Fund, a nonpartisan foundation that provides analyses on health systems, recognized Rhode Island for improving on 21 of 45 health indicators — the most of any state — in its 2019 Scorecard on State Health System Performance. In its profile of Rhode Island, the foundation highlighted that the state ranked highly on assisting children who need mental health services and had improved on meeting the needs of adults with mental illness.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced the launch of an innovative program designed to encourage graduates of the state’s higher education institutions to build their careers and stay in Connecticut after receiving their diplomas. Launching as a pilot program in Stamford this spring, the Governor’s Innovation Fellowship will expand statewide by 2022 and provides recent and upcoming college graduates the opportunity to start their careers with job placement at a growing, Connecticut-based company. Participants receive access to mentors and a $5,000 grant to help them embark on post-college lives.
JUSTICE FOR SURVIVORS
The New York Assembly passed legislation to assure that judges determining the division of property in a divorce must consider the effect domestic violence has had on the survivor. Current law does not expressly list domestic violence as a factor for the court to consider. The proposal builds on a comprehensive package of legislation the Assembly passed in 2019 to protect and support survivors of domestic violence. That legislation allows survivors of domestic violence to terminate leases and other legal contracts that may bind them to their abuser, protect their privacy when seeking physical or mental health services and ensure they are informed of their rights.
MEDICAID TO SCHOOLS
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu signed legislation creating the Medicaid to Schools program, which makes school districts eligible for Medicaid reimbursement for health care services that schools provide to students enrolled in Medicaid. Services eligible for federal reimbursement include behavioral health services, personal care and rehabilitation therapy services such as physical therapy. The bill was drafted by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services in coordination with the governor’s office, a bipartisan group of legislators, the New Hampshire Department of Education and the New Hampshire Association of Special Education Administrators.
SCIENCE EDUCATION
Pennsylvania is making progress on updating the state’s science education standards. The state’s Department of Education identified 60 education professionals to serve as content experts to draft new standards. A draft of the revised benchmarks will be available publicly in the fall. As part of his commitment to science and technology education, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf launched the PAsmart initiative to support K-12 computer science and STEM education, registered apprenticeships and job training.
States Working to Lower Carbon Emissions
Connecticut is among 12 northeastern states participating in the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), whose state agencies, together with officials from the District of Columbia, are working to devise a cap-and-invest program for tailpipe emissions. The intent is to transition the region’s transportation system toward electrification and dramatically lower climate-warming pollution from the transportation sector, the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions nationwide. The program is also expected to enhance public health and lead to new jobs in the clean-energy economy. TCI would limit emissions from the transportation sector and lower that limit, or cap, over time. Bulk fuel suppliers would hold an “allowance” for each ton of pollution they were responsible for. The allowances would be auctioned, and states would have the flexibility to invest the proceeds as they wished. In a draft proposal released in late 2019, participating states said TCI would prioritize issues around equity. Specifically, the program seeks to expand low-carbon and clean-mobility options in historically underserved communities or those heavily affected by transportation pollution. TCI expects to release a final memorandum of understanding (MOU) this spring. Each jurisdiction will then decide whether to sign and participate in the program. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont emphasized the need for a state like Connecticut, which is heavily reliant on natural gas imports from outside the region, to collaborate with its neighbors as it seeks to reduce harmful transportation pollution along the Interstate 96 corridor and promote an offshore wind sector. In 2019, Lamont signed a bill calling for Connecticut to have a carbon-free electric grid by 2040. That came on the heels of historic state legislation in New York setting the same 2040 target for zero-carbon grid power and a goal of reaching carbon neutrality from all sectors of the economy by 2050. A number of other states, including Maine, are aiming to get all of their power from zero-carbon sources by midcentury and to accelerate their carbon reduction goals.
The South
AL • AR • FL • GA • KY • LA • MO • MS • NC • OK • SC • TN • TX • VA • WV
New App Aims to Reduce Recidivism and Support Re-Entry Programs
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety introduced a new app, called Pokket, intended to help reduce recidivism in the state, according to reporting from Government Technology. The app, part of a broader effort to support the prison system’s re-entry programs, is introduced to inmates six months before their scheduled release date. They will continue using it for six months to a year after release. Pokket helps inmates better understand their first months following release from prison, develops a schedule of required appointments and offers a list of resources that are available in their local communities. It also helps inmates track their progress, download important documents and communicate with their probation officers. The introduction of Pokket will begin with a pilot program that includes 500 inmates at prisons in Wake, Orange, Caldwell, Davidson and Lincoln counties. The state will deploy tablets on which Pokket is downloaded at re-entry prison facilities in the five counties. The re-entry facilities are the final holding systems for inmates soon to be released, providing various educational and vocational resources designed to facilitate re-entry in the community. The tablets can be used only in common areas, and there are strict limits on their usage. During the trial program, North Carolina research institute RTI International, a nonprofit organization, will conduct a five-year study of the app’s effectiveness, funded by the National Institute of Justice. If successful, the program could serve as a model for other states interested in using the Pokket app. A previous study from 2015 showed that about half of released inmates in North Carolina were arrested within two years of leaving prison. The state is hopeful that new technology like the Pokket app can reduce the recidivism rate by giving inmates more opportunities to actively plan for re-entry following their release from prison.
DIGITAL DOCUMENTS
Oklahoma launched a new mobile application, myOklahoma, that will allow residents to request birth certificates and renew vehicle registrations online, according to The Oklahoman. The state is working with PayIt, a digital government startup, which has developed similar programs for Texas and Kansas. The new digital tool will help Oklahomans prepare for the state’s transition to REAL ID driver’s licenses, which must be implemented by Oct. 1, 2021 and will require proof of citizenship or legal resident status as well as a Social Security number to obtain a REAL ID-compliant card. The myOklahoma app is the latest effort by state officials to put more services online and facilitate further digitalization at state agencies.
RURAL/URBAN EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam initiated a new exchange program to foster better understanding and respect between different regions of the state, The Roanoke Times reported. The initiative, known as the Virginia Local Government Exchange Program, is an attempt to address regional disagreements that have arisen between rural areas, which largely are represented by Republicans, and urban and suburban areas, which increasingly are represented by Democrats. The pilot program will include delegations of local officials from Northern Virginia and Southwest Virginia visiting each other’s regions to gain firsthand knowledge of different issues, challenges and cultures.
CYBERSECURITY EDUCATION
The Augusta Chronicle reported that the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education signed a memorandum of understanding with Fort Gordon’s Cyber Center of Excellence in Augusta, Georgia, allowing U.S. Army personnel to receive education at South Carolina’s post-secondary institutions. Under the signed agreement, U.S. Army personnel can enroll in degree-enhancing coursework for cybersecurity programs in South Carolina. Participating schools include Clemson University, The Citadel, South Carolina State University, Trident Technical College and the University of South Carolina. The collaboration is part of a broader ongoing effort between Georgia and South Carolina to utilize each other’s resources to improve workforce development.
ELECTION SECURITY
The Georgia Secretary of State’s office announced a new partnership with the Georgia Cyber Center and Augusta University School of Computer and Cyber Sciences to ensure the state’s new electronic voting systems are secure, according to The Augusta Chronicle. Under the partnership, cybersecurity experts will examine the state’s election system, identify potential vulnerabilities and provide state officials with solutions to avoid any intrusions during elections. Georgia is implementing a new voting system that includes secure touchscreens, balloting machines, printers and scanners, a process the Georgia Secretary of State’s office called “the largest onetime transition of elections systems in U.S. history.”
COASTAL RESTORATION
Louisiana received more than $155 million in fiscal year 2019 from Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act revenue-sharing funds for coastal restoration efforts, according to the Baton Rouge Business Report. The funds, derived from offshore energy production, are used to support coastal conservation and restoration projects, hurricane protection programs, and activities to implement marine, coastal or conservation management plans. The four Gulf oil and gas producing states — Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas — received a total of $353 million in fiscal year 2019, an increase of 64.2% over the previous year.
The Midwest
IA • IL • IN • KS • MI • MN • ND • NE • OH • SD • WI • AB • MB • ON • SK
UPSKILLING WORKERS
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB 2 earlier this year, deepening the state’s commitment to upskilling the state’s workforce, a policy objective that lawmakers say will help employers fill high-demand jobs and prepare individuals for better-paying jobs. The new law codifies TechCred, a state initiative launched in September 2019 that reimburses employers ($2,000 per worker) for the costs associated with a worker earning an industry-recognized, technology-focused credential if it is completed in one year — something known as “micro-credentialing.” Additionally, the state will establish the Individual Microcredential Assistance Program to reimburse postsecondary schools and others for training programs.
SUICIDE PREVENTION
Wisconsin will provide grants for peer-to-peer suicide prevention programs in schools under new legislation signed by Gov. Tony Evers in February. Wisconsin currently has a 14.8 suicide mortality rate (deaths per 100,000 residents), which is above the national rate of 14.2. The Department of Public Instruction will establish a competitive grant program to award grants to support an existing peer-to-peer suicide prevention program or to implement a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program at a high school. Selected high schools will receive up to $1,000 and the grant can be renewed for up to three additional school years.
HELP FOR STUDENTS
Minnesota is one of a handful of states that passed legislation last year to help college students experiencing homelessness. The state appropriated more than $500,000 for a matching grant program between the state and postsecondary schools. That money will be used to meet immediate student needs that could otherwise result in a student not completing the term of his or her program. Legislators also allocated $3.5 million over the next two years for Homework Starts at Home, which provides housing assistance to students experience or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
OPPORTUNITY ZONES
In early March, Wisconsin became one of the first states to expand incentives for private investments in federally designated Opportunity Zones, a designation created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allowing for certain investments in lower income areas to have tax advantages. The new law signed by Gov. Tony Evers would double tax credits for investors supporting projects in financially strapped, low-income communities across the state. In Wisconsin, which has 120 designated zones, lawmakers saw an opportunity to build on the federal program. This legislation doubles the state’s Opportunity Zone tax exclusion for investors who invest in an Opportunity Fund. Investors receive an additional 10% state capital gains tax reduction if they hold an investment in an Wisconsin Qualified Opportunity Fund for at least five years, and an additional 15% after seven years.
EDUCATION POLICY
During North Dakota’s last legislative session — held in 2019 as the state’s sessions are only held in odd-numbered years — passed legislation established a K-12 Education Coordinating Council, an 18-member council that works to identify opportunities for greater collaboration, reviews the delivery of education services and recommends policy changes. In 2020, members of this council, including teachers, legislators, school administrators, school board members, the state executive branch and others will be meeting to discuss these objectives and help improve collaboration on the state’s education policy.
Michigan Legalizes Sports Betting
In late 2019, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation legalizing sports betting, making the state the fourth in the Midwest to allow these measures. The package of legislation marked the culmination of years of work by lawmakers to change state policy on sports betting and internet gaming. Now Michigan residents will be able to wager on sports events — amateur and professional — and participate in online, casino-style gaming such as poker through the state’s commercial and tribal casinos. According to Whitmer’s office, the Michigan Department of Treasury is estimating a gain in state revenues of $19 million — close to half of which will go to the School Aid Fund ($4.8 million) and a fund ($4 million) that provides financial assistance to firefighters who have developed certain cancers as the result of smoke inhalation and exposure to chemicals. Casinos will pay a state tax rate of 8.4% on their adjusted gross receipts from sports betting; Detroit casinos also will pay a city tax of 1.25%. Mobile sports wagering will be allowed through the state’s licensed casinos.
Michigan is the 20th U.S. state to legalize sports betting; Illinois, Indiana and Iowa passed laws in the early part of 2019. In Iowa, through the first five months of fiscal year 2020, 18 state-licensed casinos had handled a total of $212 million in sports wagering, yielding $1.3 million in tax revenue (based on a state tax rate of 6.75%), according to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. A little more than half of this activity in Iowa occurred via the internet (mobile phones or other devices). Indiana had collected $3.9 million in taxes from sports betting as of the end of 2019 (the tax rate is 9.5%), with close to 70% of the $162 million in total wagers being made through internet sportsbooks that have partnered with casinos, according to the Indiana Gaming Commission. Michigan is the first state in the Midwest, and fifth in the U.S., to authorize its casinos to offer online poker and other games.
The west
AK • AZ • CA • CO • HI • ID • MT • NM • NV • OR • UT • WA • WY • AB • AS • BC • CNMI • GU
Alaska Expands Telehealth Coverage to Physician Assistants, Prescriptions and Better Insurance Coverage
With a new focus on telemedicine and an increased need for remote services through the COVID-19 pandemic, many states are expanding the services and coverages that can be accessed through telemedical sources. Alaska is at the forefront of providing telehealth services for urban, rural, aging and the underserved communities across the state, primarily through Medicaid and tribal health care. Alaska has expanded telemedicine across the state by allowing certain insurance providers to be reimbursed for telemedicine services without an initial in person visit. Intended to enhance access to health care services, primarily mental health and primary care, for Alaskans who have insurance plans regulated by the state, providers who contract with insurers regulated by the state are allowed to reimburse for services delivered through telehealth. In 2016, the Alaska State Medical Board adopted regulations and guidelines for physicians rendering a diagnosis, providing treatment or prescribing, dispensing or administering a prescription drug to a person utilizing telemedical services and without conducting a physical examination. However, the legislation providing that framework only addressed physicians and neglected to provide provisions for physician assistants. Recent legislation amended this law, aligning it with the intent of the Medicaid Reform Bill and clarifying that physician assistants can provide telemedicine services. The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services can also update the Medicaid Preferred Drug List each quarter to take advantage of potential cost savings and improve prescription drug options for patients. This is expected to save the state $2-3 million each year in pharmacy costs.
WILDLIFE SALVAGE PERMITS
Approval to establish a pilot program in California allows the Department of Fish and Wildlife to issue wildlife salvage permits through a user- and mobile-friendly web-based portal to people who want to recover, possess, use or transport wild game meat. People can salvage meat for human consumption of any deer, elk, pronghorn antelope or wild pig that has been accidentally killed as a result of a vehicle collision on a roadway within California.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEMS
The Wyoming state legislature recently passed a bill that will strengthen behavioral health treatment and programming for people in the criminal justice system with evidencebased practices and robust quality assurance measures. As part of the state’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative, this helps develop standardized, evidence-based practices and guidelines for behavioral health programming in the criminal justice system, requires behavioral health providers and the Department of Corrections to share assessments of substance addiction and mental health and creates a quality improvement unit within the DOC to monitor the use and application of these assessments statewide.
ACCESS TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Colorado has increased consumer access to electric motor vehicles by allowing manufacturers to sell their own electric motor vehicles directly to consumers. The state senate passed legislation creating an exception that allows a vehicle manufacturer that makes electric motor vehicles and has no franchised dealers to sell directly to consumers. During this year’s session, New York and Pennsylvania put forth copies of this bill and it is expected that Texas, Georgia and Washington will have similar bills next session.
DISPARITIES IN HOME OWNERSHIP
A bill introduced to the Oregon House of Representatives would authorize the state’s Housing and Community Services Department to provide grants, loans and technical assistance to organizations working to increase homeownership program access to persons of color. Mortgage loan originators would be required to undergo implicit bias training and an implicit bias component would be added to the real estate licensing exam and continuing education credits. This legislation would also establish a joint task force on Addressing Racial Disparities in Home Ownership.
MENTAL HEALTH
Jake’s Law, signed by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey in March, requires health care insurers to cover mental health without additional barriers in the same way that they cover an annual physical. This new law also creates the Children’s Behavioral Health Services Fund and provides $8 billion for behavioral health services for children who are uninsured or underinsured. It also establishes two other committees to advocate for mental health and suicide awareness including the Mental Health Parity Advisory Committee and the Suicide Mortality Review Team.
