Capital Punishment
Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D) | Georgia Rep. Bill Werkheiser (R)
Explore how lawmakers view the complex debate over capital punishment, considering its costs, appeals process and place in modern justice.
School Vaccines
Connecticut Rep. Josh Elliott (D) | Utah Rep. Stephanie Gricius (R)
Utah and Connecticut lawmakers discuss the balance between individual choice and community safety.
Income Taxes
Washington Rep. April Berg (D) | Arkansas Rep. Carlton Wing (R)
When it comes to state income taxes, there's a significant debate about their role and impact. Two lawmakers discuss the pros and cons.
Sports Betting
Nevada Sen. Dina Neal (D) | Georgia Rep. Marcus Wiedower (R)
As of 2025, sports betting is legal in 38 states and the District of Columbia. Two legislators discuss the impact of economic gains and social concerns of online gambling.
Higher Education
Illinois Rep. La Shawn K. Ford (D) | Alabama Sen. Arthur Orr (R)
Higher education faces numerous challenges today. Two lawmakers discuss rising tuition costs, the need for more innovative learning models and more.
Cellphones in Schools
Vermont Rep. Erin Brady (D) | Indiana Sen. Jeff Raatz (R)
As more states consider banning cellphones in classrooms, policymakers weigh the impact on student learning and social interaction.
Minimum Wage
Oregon Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin (D) | Tennessee Sen. Becky Duncan Massey (R)
The debate over states having the flexibility to set their own minimum wage laws is nuanced. Two lawmakers share their views on the hot topic.
Disaster Resilience
Washington Rep. Cindy Ryu (D) | Hawaii Rep. Lauren Matsumoto (R)
With the frequency and severity of natural disasters on the rise, states seek federal recovery aid that’s easier to apply for and spend.
Election Security
Maryland Sen. Cheryl Kagan (D) | Missouri Rep. Peggy McGaugh (R)
As states continue to enhance their election security measures, transparency and collaboration remain key to maintaining public trust. Watch two lawmakers share measures their states are taking to ensure safe and fair elections.
Social Media and Children
Colorado Sen. Chris Hansen (D) | Utah Rep. Jordan Teuscher (R)
As concerns surrounding mental health, privacy and parental consent continue to grow, state legislatures are exploring new regulations to protect children on social media. Hansen and Teushcer discuss how state governments are working to balance parents’ and children’s rights, enhance privacy protections for minors on social media and more.
Immigration
Arizona Rep. Leo Biasiucci (R) | Rhode Island Rep. Leonela Felix (D)
Immigration is historically a federal issue, but an increase in the number of people coming to the U.S. has brought renewed attention to the way immigration affects state policies. Listen in as two representatives offer their views on how states should approach immigration issues.
Artificial Intelligence
Texas Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R) | California Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D)
Legislators in 31 states introduced at least 191 bills focused on artificial intelligence in 2023, with 14 of those bills becoming laws. Two legislators discuss the benefits and risks of the technology and how states are addressing the many issues surrounding it.
Housing Costs
Minnesota Rep. Esther Agbaje (D) | North Carolina Sen. Paul Newton (R)
Affordable housing is a key issue for state legislatures in 2024, and the topic takes center stage in this episode of “State of Play.” Listen in as two legislators discuss the roles states play in housing policy, how their states are tackling rising housing costs and more.
Voter ID
North Carolina Sen. Warren Daniel (R) | Maryland Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (D)
As the primary season heats up across the country, voter ID laws are a point of focus as Americans hit the polls. Two legislators discuss how the laws can be written in a way that balances the need for election security while ensuring all eligible voters can vote and more.