State of the States MASSACHUSETTS
LAW RESTRICTS TEEN GUN OWNERS A group of Second Amendment advocates, including the National Rifle Association, is taking aim at a new law restricting gun ownership for people under 21. The group has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the law, arguing that it infringes on constitutional rights. While people under 21 can
have a firearm identification card, they cannot purchase or carry handguns or semiautomatic weapons because under Massachusetts law that would require a separate license to carry. “Massachusetts’ new gun
control law is one of the most severe attacks on the right to
keep and bear arms in our nation’s history,” said John Commerford from the NRA Institute for Legislative Action. “Vindicating the rights of
young adults is just our first step towards dismantling this unconstitutional law.”
TEXAS
FAITH CURRICULUM GATHERS STEAM School districts in Texas are adopting the Bluebonnet curriculum, a Bible-based lesson system for kindergarten through fifth grade. It features mentions of
Bible stories and is focused on Christian teaching in English and language arts. Schools will get an additional $20 per
student if they accept the curriculum. School districts in
San Antonio have already signed on, with many others considering the new system. “Bluebonnet has a strong
component of American exceptionalism that is woven throughout the curriculum,” said Nicole May, a Conroe Independent School District board member.
LOUISIANA
VACCINE DRIVES DROPPED The Department of Health will no longer promote vaccinations, according to the Louisiana surgeon general. Citing government
overreach, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D., and his deputy, Wyche T. Coleman III, M.D., say that many health departments are stuck in pandemic mode. Restoring public trust
States Prepare for Wildfire Season
With California still struggling to recover from the devastating January blazes that killed 29 people and destroyed thousands of homes, oficials in Western states are bracing for another wildfire season that threatens lives and property. These states are at the highest risk:
Housing Units at Risk % of State’s Housing
“requires returning medical decisions to the doctor- patient relationship, where informed, personalized care is guided by compassion and expertise rather than blanket government mandates,” oficials said in a press release. Critics worry about a
measles outbreak in Texas that could affect the state in light of the new policy. “I’m really worried about
measles, especially because it’s the most infectious disease,” said Paul Ofit, M.D., director of the Vaccine Education Center, “and it’s going to seek out those who aren’t vaccinated.”
FLORIDA SOURCE: Statista
DYNAMIC TOLL PRICING STARTS The Florida Department of
18 NEWSMAX | APRIL 2025
Transportation (FDOT) is implementing dynamic pricing on tolls for express lanes on Interstate 4 from Orange to Seminole counties.
Dynamic pricing will be
based on congestion and how many cars are using the express lanes. More cars on the road equals a higher price. FDOT says that drivers
should expect to see a small increase during busier times, from 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Electronic signs overhead will inform commuters about the cost.
INDIANA
BOUNDARY CHANGE UNDER
CONSIDERATION A bill proposing to redraw the Illinois and Indiana state boundary has passed the Indiana House. More than 30 counties
have passed referendums expressing a desire to sever ties with Illinois over what they believe to be a stark difference in values and ideals from those of Cook County, where a plurality of the state’s population resides and most of the state’s political power is centered. “To all of our neighbors
in the West, we hear your frustrations and invite you to join us in low-cost, low-tax Indiana,” said Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, who authored the bill. He believes that parts of Michigan, Kentucky, and Ohio should also consider joining Indiana, citing the state’s low debt, AAA rating, and balanced budget. Gov. J.B. Pritzker, D-Ill.,
described the bill as a “stunt” and added it will never happen. The U.S. Congress would have to approve any boundary change.
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