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.
There’s currently no law against making ghost guns; the new law would ban the ownership, sale and shipping of ghost gun parts in New York
The bill called for changing the standard for releasing police K-9s to bite someone, which would make it the same standard for officers using deadly force
Under the law, the sale of drug paraphernalia, such as glass tubes for smoking fentanyl, is a civil infraction. But possession is not banned
Thomas Homan, ICE acting chief, said the Justice Department is looking into a potential obstruction of justice against Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf.
The Cook County Criminal Court is still on paper while nearby suburban areas have modernized records. With accusations flying among officials, some say paper records are more ‘feature’ than state legal delay.
The drop in gun homicide rates are the subject of much debate as gun control conversations and mass shooting incidents increase. Here’s five things to know about firearms in the United States.
Philadelphia is talking to potential operators of a safe injection site for IV drug users as a way to reduce opioid overdose deaths, but there are many legal and social questions.
By retroactively applying new state marijuana decriminalization laws, thousands of San Francisco residents could see their criminal convictions completely erased without having to do a thing.
U.S. District Judge Dan Polster will oversee negotiations over 250+ Federal opioid lawsuits filed against the pharmaceutical industry in state courts. He’s called the opioid epidemic “man-made.”
After the death of Mayor Ed Lee, London Breed, the city’s Board of Supervisors president, served as interim mayor. But the board voted to replace her with mayoral candidate Mark Farrell.
Is it time to address home sharing in your town? Learn about and access short term rental regulations from small towns and cities
Mayors weigh in on changes with the Trump Administration’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Many report the relationship between the federal government and cities is rapidly devolving.
On a site proposed for Amazon HQ2, developers receive zoning approval to begin transforming protected industrial land along the Chicago River into a massive mixed use development.
Here are some basic issues local governments need to think about in developing policies and choosing solutions that reduce liabilities from employee text messaging.
The cities of Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon, and others have adopted resolutions, passed zoning provisions and created partnerships to establish tiny house villages to shelter the homeless
Every state legislature that has introduced restrictive voting bills in 2018 has also introduced expansive bills. The voter laws frenzy happens every year, according to the NYU center that tracks it.
The new HHS division will enforce religious freedom; announcement featured political leader, health workers, academics and religious leaders that addressed religious discrimination in healthcare workplaces.
A study of urban foraging in Baltimore outlines what is needed to approach public policies governing foraging.
A legislative proposal, the Uniting and Securing America (USA Act), could protect some DACA recipients from deportation, as it addresses border security and migration.
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