These 8 States Passed Legislation to Limit Public Health Officials’ Authority
Anger over responses to the pandemic led some legislators to limit health officials’ role in public health emergency mandates.
States Look to Ban Police From Lying During Interrogations
Lawmakers in Illinois approved legislation that would prohibit police from lying to minors during interrogations, and similar proposals are underway in other states.
Ohio Lawmakers Approve Bill to Allow Teleworkers to Seek Commuter Tax Refunds
The issue of how to tax remote workers has been debated in several states, including New Hampshire, which filed a federal lawsuit against Massachusetts over the practice.
Some States Update Child Neglect Laws to Allow 'Reasonable Independence' For Kids
A handful of states have clarified neglect laws to allow parents to permit their children to walk to school and play outside alone without fear of intervention from police or Child Protective Services.
Multiple States Offer Bonuses to Entice Residents Back to Work
The payments, largely funded by federal coronavirus relief money, are designed to address a labor shortage that some economists say is due to slow wage growth.
America’s Bluest State Loves Its Republican Governor
Vermont has weathered the pandemic better than any other state, making Phil Scott a surprising star in Bernie Sanders's backyard.
As States Ease Covid-19 Mandates, (Some) Legislative Buildings Reopen
State capitols and legislative chambers are beginning to reopen their doors to the public amid increasing vaccination rates and shifting health guidelines.
Cities, States Providing Legal Aid to Stave off Post-Covid Evictions
Louisville, Kentucky became the latest city to pass a right to counsel law that will guarantee legal representation for low-income renters. At least 11 states are considering similar measures.
Most States Held Off Draining Savings in Response to Pandemic
Only 15 tapped rainy day funds in fiscal 2020 and reserves remained near record levels. Now, better-than-expected tax revenues and federal aid could limit the need for further withdrawals.
South Carolina Brings Back the Firing Squad for Executions
Amid a lethal injection drug shortage, the state has put no inmates to death in a decade. Those on death row must now choose between the electric chair and firing squad if drugs are unavailable.
Texas Moves to Ban Police From Participating in Reality Shows
The legislation came after a Black man died in police custody in 2019 while being filmed for a documentary TV series. The footage was destroyed, and details of his death emerged only after local news outlets pushed for answers.
Not All Jobs Are Coming Back Post Covid: How States Can Help Retrain Workers
Rhode Island’s Back to Work program focuses reskilling workers through partnerships with local industries for in-demand jobs.
There Has Never Been a Black Woman Governor. Will Virginia Change That?
Former state delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy is picking up high-profile endorsements from groups that support women and people of color, including Higher Heights. But the Democratic primary hasn’t been easy.
His Son Died by Suicide. So This City Employee Made Suicide Prevention His Job.
Rick Padilla, suicide prevention administrator for Denver, works to help kids speak—and be heard—about their struggles with mental health. His efforts have lead to city initiatives and state legislation.
New Mexico Must Provide Internet, Devices to At-Risk Remote Learners, Court Rules
The ruling is the latest development in a years-long case alleging that the state’s education department failed to provide uniform public education to Native Americans, low-income children and others.
States, Cities Begin to Order Workers Back to the Office
The ACLU is challenging a directive from South Carolina’s governor that requires state employees to return to in-person work. Other state and local orders are under fire as well.
One State’s Proposal to Regulate—or Recall—Obscene License Plates
Three bills under consideration in Maine would broaden the state’s authority to reject vulgar or obscene vanity license plates, and to recall those already on the road.
One State’s Plan to Ease the ‘Invisible’ Diaper Gap for Families
A third of families nationwide experience diaper need, regardless of age, race or income, data shows. Washington state will allocate funding for diaper banks in its latest budget to help close that gap.
North Carolina Just Can’t Divorce Adultery Law
A legislative committee deadlocked on a proposal to abolish a law that allows residents to sue a person for having an affair with their spouse. Only six states permit the practice.
Why States Should Modernize and Future Proof Aging IT Systems
COMMENTARY | States have largely ignored IT modernization efforts because they are complex, lengthy and require significant investment dollars. With additional federal aid on the way, states have the opportunity to update IT systems to be more effective and efficient.
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