Governor signs package of bills covering education, health, public safety and economic incentives

The governor signed a wide-ranging package of bills in a ceremonial event that included legislators, tribal representatives and invited guests.

The bills signed on the record included measures to expand civil remedies, update consumer‑protection penalties, boost school supplies funding, protect libraries, extend semiconductor tax incentives and authorize new local infrastructure and environmental programs. The governor repeatedly thanked sponsoring legislators and noted guests from affected communities.

Among the measures, the governor said House Bill 1958 ‘‘allows victims of stealthing to sue the perpetrator for damages and any other relief the court deems appropriate’’ and thanked Representative Berry for leadership on the measure. The governor also described House Bill 2494 as increasing per‑pupil funding for materials and operating costs by $21, saying the adjustment ‘‘will help schools offset rising costs and particularly the steep rise in insurance.’’ For consumer protection the governor noted a bill increasing penalties for antitrust violations, saying a corporation could be required to disgorge up to three times the profit made in some cases.

Votes at a glance (all described in the signing ceremony as signed by the governor): • HB 1958 — permits civil claims for victims of stealthing; outcome: signed. (SEG 076) • HB 1985 — cost‑of‑living adjustment for PERS Plan 1 and…