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Saying the state has to “think creatively,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Wednesday to let hospitals build housing for people experiencing homelessness, a measure that supporters say represents an important step toward better health care. The idea is that permanent, stable housing is a key to good health. People who are homeless are more likely to be hospitalized more often, to stay in the hospital longer once they’re there, and to require more care during treatment. Providing affordable housing near hospitals could help head that off. Several New Jersey hospitals have been moving forward with plans for partnerships and pilot programs. (Gammage, 7/1)

The mayor of Sacramento on Wednesday announced a plan to legally obligate California’s capital city to house its growing homeless population, a policy shift that would open a new front in the state’s struggle to address what has become a signature California social ill. Californians “are becoming homeless faster than we can get people the help they need,” said the mayor, Darrell Steinberg, as he proposed a municipal “right to housing” and a parallel “obligation” for homeless people to accept shelter when it is offered. (Hubler, 6/30)

Marking a victory for colleges and universities that shut down campuses last year during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Tuesday shielding the schools from lawsuits seeking refunds for students because of the closures. Campuses closed in March 2020 in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, with students forced to learn online. (Dailey, 6/30)

Maine Gov. Janet Mills vetoed legislation that would have made the state the first in the nation to fight sex trafficking by partially decriminalizing prostitution. The measure, which passed the state Legislature along party lines, would have reduced prostitution penalties for people who have been sold into the sex trade and provide them social services and opportunities. It would have also increased punishment for pimps and traffickers who coerce often vulnerable people into the underground network. (Crampton, 6/30)

Texas’ power grid troubles aren’t just causing problems for consumers’ electricity price and supply, they also may be contributing to the state’s notorious air quality problems. According to atmospheric scientists, record levels of ozone in the Dallas area earlier this month may be proof of a cyclical link between rising temperatures, smog and demand. June 16 marked the first time since 2012 that the Dallas area observed Code Purple ozone pollution, meaning that ozone levels exceeded measurements greater than .106 parts per million. The last time ozone levels were as high was in 2007. Ozone, an air pollutant and one of the main ingredients in smog, can make it more difficult for people to breathe. Smog, which increases in intensity as temperatures rise, can also trap heat, exacerbating its effects and making people more likely to ramp up their air conditioners. (O'Hanlon, 6/30)

Anti-Asian hate crimes more than doubled in California in 2020, according to a report from the state attorney general, underscoring fears among Asian Americans about being targeted during the coronavirus pandemic. Overall, hate crimes reported to law enforcement rose 31% in the state last year, with attacks against Asians up by 107%, according to the report released Wednesday. Hate crimes against Black people, which constituted a majority of racially motivated attacks last year, increased by 88%. Anti-Latino crimes rose 38%. (Do, 6/30)