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.
The bill creates a federal prison ombudsman to collect complaints via a hotline and online form, then investigate and report dangerous conditions to the AG and Congress
The bill would end a requirement that Medicare patients be transported to emergency facilities for providers to receive reimbursement
During a congressional hearing, Kimberly Cheatle said the Secret Service was told about a suspicious person two to five times before the shooting at the Trump rally
A federal judge ruled the U.S. Justice Department overstepped its bounds when it withheld millions of dollars in funding to state and local agencies
Two sheriffs said the order violates citizen’s First Amendment rights and will not be enforced despite state officials’ statements that sheriffs don’t have the authority to go against the order
As May approaches, states are putting together plans for safely reopening their economies; here’s where they are so far
Breaking down the tax benefits, and eligibility cutoffs for stimulus payments outlined by The CARES Act
Front-line workers can find information on PPE, priority testing, alternative housing, discounts and donations, self-care and childcare on the website
Four sheriffs in the northwestern Lower Peninsula called governor’s orders a “vague framework of emergency laws” that are frustrating citizens
A Change.org petition, in honor of Santa Rosa Police Detective Marylou Armer, has received more than 6,500 signatures in the past four days
The legislation would make first responders who become disabled or die from COVID-19 eligible for compensation under the Public Safety Officer Benefit program
The bill guarantees that people in high-risk jobs who contract COVID-19 will be eligible for workers’ compensation without having to prove the infection was a direct result of their jobs
The defense department will invest $133 million to increase domestic N95 production capacity
Police departments are instituting new measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 while working under unclear directives from state leaders
The presidents of the AAA, IAFC and NAEMT closed ranks to advocate for EMS needs, and to take them to the national spotlight
The move follows pushback from the union that represents city sanitation workers over not doing enough to protect workers from COVID-19
The proposal would shield EMS providers, healthcare workers and hospitals from civil lawsuits as they make difficult decisions during the pandemic
The new state rule creates the assumption that first responders diagnosed with or quarantined for the disease were exposed while on duty
All 50 states and Washington, D.C., have declared a state of emergency; compare state actions to reduce the spread of the virus
