111.  Largely because of his efforts, California became the first state to require that legislative information be published online, and some other states soon followed.

112.  Last month, Alabama became the first state to revive chain gangs.

113.  Last month, California became the first state in the nation to require the use of safety needles as protection against needle sticks.

114.  Last year, North Carolina became the first state to adopt legislation requiring law enforcement officials to collect racial data on traffic stops.

115.  Last year, Dean, a doctor, also signed a landmark law that made Vermont the first state to extend the right of marriage to gay couples.

116.  Lawmakers also made California one of the first states to allow mothers to anonymously abandon newborn babies at hospital emergency rooms without fear of criminal prosecution.

117.  Louisiana is the first state to reach such an agreement.

118.  Louisiana in particular has been trying to position itself as among the first states to vote.

119.  Maine is the first state to help a utility buy an independent power plant.

120.  Maryland is close to becoming the first state to require all new welfare recipients to take a drug test or lose their benefits.