2023 State Legislative Trends Report

This report presents an analysis of state legislative activity in 2023, detailing the introduction and enactment of bills across various states. As of July 31, 2023, over 104,000 bills have been introduced, with approximately 14,500 enacted, indicating a significant level of legislative engagement despite a slower pace at the federal level. The report compares legislative activity between the first and second years of sessions, noting that the first year typically sees heightened activity. It highlights specific states like Minnesota, which experienced a notable increase in bills introduced due to a new political trifecta, and Florida, which saw a decrease attributed to fewer special sessions. The report also discusses strategies for public affairs teams to effectively track and engage with legislative developments, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder mapping, social media monitoring, and adapting to legislative trends. Additionally, it examines the performance of states in enacting bills, with Colorado leading in the percentage of bills passed, while Massachusetts is noted for its slow legislative pace despite a Democratic trifecta.