State Futures Launches Federal Response Coalition and Federal Response Bill Tracker
New Tools Connect and Empower State Lawmakers Confronting Harmful Federal Actions
Washington, D.C. – March 16, 2026 — State Futures today announced the launch of two major initiatives designed to strengthen coordination amongst state lawmakers and track state-level legislation responding to harmful federal actions: the Federal Response Coalition and Federal Response Bill Tracker.
Federal Response Coalition
The Federal Response Coalition is a new cross-state initiative bringing together nearly 100 state legislators from 34 states to coordinate responses to federal overreach. The Coalition is a public-facing effort to strengthen visibility and solidarity, enabling legislators to act together to defend civil liberties, uphold the rule of law, and protect communities.
The Coalition includes 100 members from 34 states, which together are home to 241 million people — about 80% of the U.S. population. It is a broad and powerful coalition of state leaders working together across state lines.
The Co-Chairs of the Federal Response Coalition are Rep. Eleanor Chávez (NM), Sen. Patricia Fahy (NY), Sen. Graciela Guzman (IL), Sen. Tiara Mack (RI), Del. Michelle Lopes Maldonado (VA), Rep. Kelly Moller (MN), Del. David Moon (MD), Sen. Cora Neumann (MT), Rep. Justin Pearson (TN), and Sen. Mike Weissman (CO).
“As Washington harms communities and violates the rule of law, states are taking action,” said Gaby Goldstein, Founder and President of State Futures. “We are seeing a groundswell of legislation from state lawmakers who are fed up with the chaos and damage done by the federal government. What has been missing is a way for those leaders to act in concert. The Federal Response Coalition and Federal Response Bill Tracker connect values-aligned legislators so they can amplify their impact together and ensure their work is seen, supported, and sustained.”
Multiple Co-Chairs emphasized the importance of the Coalition:
Co-Chair Rep. Eleanor Chávez (NM): “New Mexico made a clear choice: our communities are safer when families trust the police—not when local officers are turned into federal immigration agents. That’s why we banned 287(g) agreements in our state. Across the country, lawmakers are stepping up in similar ways to protect our communities and our values. The Federal Response Coalition is where state lawmakers from across the country come together to share strategies, learn from one another, and push back when Washington overreaches.”
Co-Chair Sen. Graciela Guzmán (IL): “When federal policies threaten people’s rights and safety, states don’t have to sit on the sidelines. In Illinois, we passed protections to keep immigration enforcement out of K-12 schools, hospitals, daycares, courts and higher education, as well as provided a private right of action for individuals affected, because families deserve to live without fear. The Federal Response Coalition brings lawmakers together across states so we can link arms, share strategies, and defend our communities and our democracy—together.”
Co-Chair Sen. Tiara Mack (RI): “When federal agents are disrupting our communities, state lawmakers can’t afford to operate in silos. We need to be connected, coordinated, and ready to respond. The Federal Response Coalition is where legislators across the country come together to share strategies, move quickly, and protect the people we serve.”
Co-Chair Rep. Kelly Moller (MN): “Minnesotans have seen firsthand how aggressive federal enforcement and authoritarian tactics can devastate communities. At a time when civil liberties and the rule of law are under attack, state leaders have a responsibility to respond—and we are stepping up. The Federal Response Coalition is the forum where lawmakers across the country work together to fight back. With our constitutional freedoms on the line, we will continue standing shoulder to shoulder to safeguard our rights, our democracy, and our communities.”
Co-Chair Sen. Cora Neumann (MT): “Montanans do not stand for federal overreach. We’ve pushed back when Washington has overstepped before, and we are at another critical juncture. Whether it’s federal immigration enforcement violating civil rights or attempts to interfere with our elections, states have a responsibility to act. The Federal Response Coalition is the forum where lawmakers across the country work together to defend the rights of our communities.”
Federal Response Bill Tracker
State Futures also announced the publication of its Federal Response Bill Tracker: a new, publicly available catalog of over 200 pieces of state-level legislation related to rule of law and immigration policy. Covering legislation from 31 states and updated periodically, the Federal Response Bill Tracker is the largest free database of its kind. It allows lawmakers, advocates, and members of the public to monitor developments in real time and supports the growing demand for cross-state collaboration. The Federal Response Bill Tracker is available now on State Future’s website.
Press Briefing: April 1, 2026
To support ongoing coverage, State Futures will host a mid-session press briefing to provide an overview of federal response legislation advancing across states, highlight emerging trends, and connect press with lawmakers leading these efforts. Details will be announced soon.
About State Futures
State Futures is a national nonprofit that supports a network of 750+ values-aligned state policymakers, including legislators and State Financial Officers. We support bold, values-aligned state leaders by convening them, equipping them with tools and resources, and empowering collective action to achieve impact beyond any single state.
Media Contact:
Carl Kaase, Communications
info@statefutures.org
www.statefutures.org
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