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Resource Special Report: A Look at 2025’s Trending Legislative Topics

NCSL Forecast 2025
Updated November 11, 2024 | State Legislatures News

In state legislatures nationwide, the great American experiment evolves with every new legislative session.

When it comes to getting things done—even in today's fraught political environment—nobody does it better than state legislatures.

As always, NCSL has the facts, the figures and the forecast to help legislators and staff prepare for the new session. From education to the environment, from elections to energy, the stories in this State Legislatures News special report offer insights from NCSL experts on what lies ahead for state lawmakers in 2025.

What’s trending for the new year? Explore the topics below to see what’s in the forecast.

A Powerful Dilemma: Reducing Energy Emissions While Meeting Rising Demand

Energy

In 2025, lawmakers will also pursue geothermal and nuclear power options and harden the grid against natural and human-caused threats.

Balancing State and Federal Support for Service Members and Veterans

Military and Veteran Affairs

The top legislative issues for states include suicide prevention, military spouse employment and National Guard benefits.

States Steering Toward Alternatives as Gas Tax Revenue Dips

Transportation

Other priorities in transportation legislation include improving railroad safety and combatting distracted driving.

Efforts to Provide Affordable Housing and Child Care Continue

Human Services

In many markets, housing and child care both can be costly and hard to come by. The economy is paying the price.

Keeping Pace With Rapid Changes in Technology and Communications

Technology and Communication

Legislative priorities for 2025 include balancing AI’s risks and rewards, protecting consumer privacy and expanding broadband access.

Workforce Shortages Top the List of Health Policy Priorities

Health

Legislative concerns for 2025 also include Medicaid, youth mental health, AI and prescription drug costs.

Disaster Risks and PFAS Remediation Will Shape Environmental Policy

Environment and Natural Resources

Legislative priorities for 2025 also include efforts to regulate foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land.

Tax Cuts Are Still on the Agenda Even as Revenues Slow

Fiscal

Priorities for 2025 also include tax incentives for business investments and budgeting for natural disasters.

Chamber Administrators Will Continue to Mull the Risks, Rewards of AI

Center for Legislative Strengthening

Priorities in legislative operations for 2025 also include legislator compensation, chamber rules and staff recruitment.

New Medicaid Options Can Help Inmates Transition out of the Justice System

Civil and Criminal Justice

Lawmakers in 2025 will also continue efforts to improve prison oversight and conditions, reduce barriers to reentry, and address the behavioral health crisis.

Lifting Students at Both Ends of the Educational Journey

Education

Lawmakers in 2025 will consider systemic educational changes while reducing pandemic learning loss and helping older students afford higher education.

AI and the Courts Will Factor in Next Year’s Election Laws

Elections

Top issues in elections and redistricting for 2025 legislative sessions include artificial intelligence; noncitizen voting, ranked choice voting and anything related to election officials

Seeking Workers, States Increasingly Will Favor Skills Over Degrees for Some Jobs

Labor and Employment

Hot topics in employment and retirement legislation for 2025 include skills-based hiring, reemployment after retirement and employee benefits programs.

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