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.
New standards include the use of soft restraints, rather than metal cuffs; the routine involvement of health professionals; and regular checks on restrained inmates
The “clean slate” bill would automatically seal most recent convictions — 3 years after serving time or parole for a misdemeanor, and 8 years for felony convictions
LEOs interviewed said the law decriminalizing small amounts of heroin and other street drugs is ineffective and they believe it negatively affects public safety
The city council in Boulder, Colorado, has banned certain assault weapons. The NRA reported that a residents groups quickly filed a lawsuit challenging the local law in court.
‘Women with PTSD’ has been called a silent epidemic. If left untreated, it can lead to mental and physical illnesses and opioid abuse. Learn about treatments and community intervention opportunities.
The Davidson County Judge ruled that city of Memphis did not violate Tennessee law removing three Confederate statues from two city parks late last year.
The Senate’s net neutrality repeal vote cannot overcome a presidential veto and there is much opposition in the House of Representatives to overturning FCC’s decision to do away with its 2015 rule.
Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson settled with the city of Philadelphia in an April 2018 racial profiling incident at Starbucks that led to their arrest. They asked for a $200,000 entrepreneur program for public high school students. No charges were filed, and their arrest record will be expunged.
Deerfield, Illinois, is the second Chicago suburb to pass an assault weapons ban by local ordinance. While retired police are exempt, anyone possessing a banned gun in the village’s jurisdiction after June 13, 2018, will be fined $1,000 per day.
The Marion County Election Board previously offered two to four early voting locations in the past, but ended early voting options.
The primaries for the 2018 Mid-Term Elections are here. Get the schedule and find out which types of voters may cast primary ballots.
While opioid funding took many of the 2018 Omnibus Spending Bill headlines, there were more wins for local government, and some notable absences.
Boston-based voting technology startup Voatz is helping West Virginia pilot the country’s first blockchain-based mobile voting platform for overseas military.
Arkansas, 72 counties and 210 cities filed a joint suit in the Circuit Court of Crittenden County against opioid manufacturers, citing an overwhelming impact on public safety resources.
President Donald Trump visited Manchester, New Hampshire, to meet with the fire chief addressing the opioid crisis, announce Crisisnextdoor.gov, and talk about the death penalty for drug traffickers -- as well as Sanctuary Cities that harbor them.
President Trump said that Lawrence, Massachusetts, and Boston are sanctuary cities that harbor drug traffickers responsible for a fentanyl epidemic in southern New Hampshire. City leaders say he is criminalizing immigrant communities.
The state of Maryland and the city of Baltimore differ in how they want to pursue Baltimore police reform, further investigating police corruption and changing extensive due process rights for police officers under state law.
The law requires use of the Interstate Voter Registration Crosscheck system developed by Kansas; the injunction claims violation of the National Voting Rights Act (NVRA).
While marijuana is illegal in the state of Georgia, Savannah City Council votes unanimously to decriminalize marijuana possession.
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