Legal
Legal matters are a core focus for local and state government agencies, encompassing the creation, interpretation, and enforcement of laws and regulations that govern public affairs. Legal frameworks ensure that government actions are consistent with the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights. Though by no means a perfect system – enforcement inequities continue to make the headlines – local leaders strive to create laws that work fairly for all.
If passed, the new bill would make disarming or attempting to disarm an officer a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison
Senate Bill 241 would penalize municipalities that unsuccessfully challenge Palumbo Act cancer claims
House Bill 1597 creates a misdemeanor for bystanders who fail to back off at least 25 feet when ordered to do so by a first responder performing their duty
Trump administration officials say this practice is needed to safeguard ICE officers and their families from being harassed or threatened in public and online
A longtime Danville city councilmember was doused in gasoline and set on fire inside a magazine office by a man with a personal grievance, not linked to politics
The complaint argues suppressors are commonly used for lawful purposes such as hearing protection, hunting and home defense, and are legal in 42 states
ICE officials have defended the practice of officers wearing masks, saying immigration agents have faced harassment as they have gone about their enforcement
The county blocked delivery of key rescue equipment to Spokane after accusing the city of ending emergency preparedness agreements
Two of three judges agreed the law “meaningfully constrains” the constitutional right to keep arms by forcing gun owners to get rechecked before each purchase of bullets
The proposed legislation is named in honor of fallen Kansas City firefighter/paramedic Graham Hoffman, who was fatally stabbed by a patient
Waco’s police and fire chiefs are requesting a dedicated staff psychologist to support the mental health of more than 500 public safety personnel
After an investigation revealed years-long delays in Public Safety Officers’ Benefits claims, Sen. Chuck Grassley is demanding leadership changes and accountability at the DOJ
“We are taking bold steps now to protect our people and our skies before tragedy strikes,” Gov. Jeff Landry said
Forty-eight active shooter incidents were reported in 2023; in 2024, the FBI identified 24 incidents
The National Sheriffs’ Association president said the DHS list was issued without input on how to object to the designation, calling it arbitrary and damaging to trust
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. admitted it was a mistake to cut staff from the World Trade Center Health Program but stopped short of promising to fully restore staffing
Amid a whiplash of staffing changes, several NIOSH employees received a notice labeled “Recession of Previous Notice of Reduction in Force”
Nearly all of the 16 federal workers cut from the 9/11 health program have been rehired after intense criticism forced the Trump administration to reverse course on controversial cuts
Mount Pleasant, N.C. was set to receive $4 million for storm protection and revitalization before FEMA scrapped the BRIC program, leaving critical projects in limbo nationwide.
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