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.
LEOs interviewed said the law decriminalizing small amounts of heroin and other street drugs is ineffective and they believe it negatively affects public safety
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
Texas sheriffs, constables and police chiefs are subject to a Class A misdemeanor for noncompliance under the state’s 2017 Sanctuary Cities ban. Some lawmakers in tears over the ‘Show Me Your Papers’ language.
Trump promises a revised healthcare bill would lower premiums and cover pre-existing conditions.
From football players to those with MS, patients want lawmakers to consider the research on marijuana for pain management and use as an anti-inflammatory.
The Tumbleweed Express Drive-Thru marijuana shop is set to open in Parachute, Colo.
It’s not just what’s inside, it’s what the recreational marijuana edibles labels read and how they are packaged.
Evan’s Law would require drivers to give police their cell phones and enable officers to use textalyzer technology, which looks at use not content, at auto accident scenes.
America’s leading solar cities are those that have adopted strong pro-solar public policies, according to the PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center.
Local government leaders are finding both support and opposition for keeping backyard chickens as part of a larger urban agricultural movement.
Houston lawmakers will consider two ordinances to address the city’s homeless camps as the state Department of Transportation increases roadway inspections.
Internet privacy protections against allowing ISPs to sell individuals’ browsing histories may have been repealed, but members of Congress and consumer advocates are fighting back.
How cities, counties and towns can use agreements and alliances or merge governments and workforces to save money, improve services and better compete.
The Trump Administration wants to delay court decisions on EPA’s Clean Power Plan, but the Supreme Court requires the agency to regulate carbon emissions.
Sustainability
With a two-stage zoning update, Boston residents became able to operate aquaculture, hydroponics, farmers markets and commercial farms
While urban farming was catching on in many cities, changes to a Boston ordinance -- Article 89 -- allowed urban farmers to sell direct.
A critical public health tool for cities -- the Prevention & Public Health Fund in the ACA -- is not replaced by the American Health Care Act.
The response to our poll about the appropriateness of Senator Rand Paul’s healthcare law publicity stunt is just as polarized as Congress and the GOP.
MOST POPULAR
- Domestic violence calls increased amid the pandemic – but answers haven’t gotten easier
- PDs nationwide struggling with ‘recruiting crisis’, surge in retirements
- New Orleans voters approve 2nd attempt at sales tax for more police patrols
- NC city declares emergency before releasing bodycam video of deadly shooting
- NYC mayor announces FDNY-social worker mental health teams will be rolled out citywide