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 bills also make it possible for anyone sentenced for a serious crime as a child to be given the option of parole after 10 years
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
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has banned banks from requiring customers to use mediators for disputes, opening the door for class actions.
The Bay State is passing a law that lets local voters decide to ban recreational marijuana, which won statewide approval through a 2016 voter referendum.
A California court found that the Metropolitan Water District breached its contract with San Diego region water authorities and charged unlawful rates.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel dismissed a city commissioner after an investigation uncovered sexist and racist emails circulating within the department.
The front-end reform means any misdemeanor defendant remaining in jail due to bail affordability receives a bail review within 14 days of arraignment.
The goal of the intervention court is to get arrested opioid users into treatment quickly, go to counseling and report daily to judges for a month.
Bay State lawmakers aren’t agreeing on changes to a 2016 referendum that legalized adult use of recreational marijuana, blowing their self-imposed deadline.
A Syracuse, N.Y., ordinance proposes a limit of three small cells per pole and disallows the units on ornamental streetlights.
Local governments comply when they don’t ask for immigration status. DOJ confirmed 8 U.S.C. § 1373 does not require compliance with ICE detainer requests.
High profile residential businesses have been violating Vancouver ordinances making commercial short term rentals illegal. One paid $24,000 in fines.
Sheriff blasts Mass. bill that would ban out-of-state prisoner work for ignoring existing regional agreements and targeting a U.S. Mexico border wall.
Revamping pre-existing conditions coverage could be couched in a state waiver program, but repeal could take healthcare law out of budget reconciliation.
Airbnb is making more short term rental tax agreements with states, cities and counties, but large cities face concerns from neighborhood and hotel groups.
Broken promises and conditions at Fyre Festival led to bad press and a pending lawsuit. Cities can avoid problematic music festivals with this checklist.
Can cities and counties face civil liabilities when they hold court-released individuals under federal immigration detainer requests?
Governor labels a Texas Sanctuary Cities ban a legislative priority. Cities face fines of $25K for noncompliance with detainer requests.
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