As the 2022 legislative cycle approaches, lawmakers across the South are preparing and pre-filing legislation to address pressing policy issues in their states. With its regional focus, The Council of State Governments Southern Office (CSG South) is uniquely positioned to research and identify current and emerging policy issues and trends.
This report, prepared by the CSG South policy team, previews issues and trends anticipated to emerge during the 2022 legislative term. State actions referenced in this report may represent appropriate policy options for Southern lawmakers to consider and may include bills or policies originating outside the CSG South region.
Current and emerging trends, which are relevant to policymakers across the South, have been identified under the purview of CSG South’s six standing committees. The Agriculture and Rural Development preview discusses precision agriculture and “right to repair” laws, while the Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs preview examines issues related to logistics infrastructure, tribal sovereignty, and the federal Build Back Better plan. In Education policy, the equitable implementation of learning pods, models for hybrid co-teaching, and the use of datacasting to bridge digital divides are trends to watch for the 2022 legislative term, while infrastructure development for electric vehicles and strategies for improving the reliability of the power grid are important issues in the Energy and Environment arena. The Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations preview discusses alternative funding models for transportation infrastructure, efforts to repeal and reform civil asset forfeiture laws, and cryptocurrency regulation, while the Human Services and Public Safety preview examines tax exemptions for feminine hygiene products, the implications of ongoing opioid lawsuits, police reform, and legislative solutions to eradicate human trafficking.
Additional information about these or other issues that may be addressed in 2022 is available by contacting CSG South. Staff are available throughout the year to provide expert assistance on various policy issues important to state legislatures and, when needed, can leverage the organization’s resources to provide additional support for both legislators and staff.
2022 Issues to Watch