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 bipartisan agreement would avoid making the state the second in the U.S. to decriminalize the possession of controlled substances
People with small amounts of methamphetamine, heroin and LSD are subject to non-criminal violations and given the choice to call a statewide hotline or pay a $100 fine
“I was handed, when I took over, what I believed were politically based and politically motivated prosecutions against police officers.”
An impending Supreme Court decision could limit local governments and states from restricting sales of certain vacant waterfront lots in the coastal zone.
Senator Rand Paul wheeled a copy machine from the Senate to the House of Representatives -- with press in tow -- to demand a bill colleagues in Capitol Hill were working on. Would that behavior fly at City Hall?
The March 6, 2017, Trump travel ban coincides with the 10th anniversary of an ICE immigration raid that apprehended 361 illegal workers at a factory.
A new Republican bill being called Obamacare Lite by other Republicans is introduced as an ACA repeal and replacement plan.
Here’s how sanctuary-minded cities can implement Safe City policies and programs that enable public agencies to not ask residents about immigration status.
Charlottsville’s GO workforce program has made great strides in addressing employment barriers since 2010, and county residents want in.
Who regulates food trucks? Learn the fire safety risks local governments should be aware of and access downloadable permitting resources and guidelines.
Sustainability
The air around Northern Metals in North Minneapolis -- a metal recycler not permitted to release particulates -- had elevated levels of lead and more.
Community paramedicine can assist opioid addicts after discharges, teach families to use naloxone and share harm reduction techniques.
Politico surveyed mostly Democratic mayors about the Trump agenda, and here is a summary of the results.
The de Beaumont Foundation analyzed 40 cities’ public health policies and Tobacco 21 ordinances.
Mass. Governor Charlie Baker, once appointed to lead a healthcare insurer out of bankruptcy, wrote to Trump’s administration about the ACA replacement.
Lexington ordinance was aimed at public safety and ensuring free flow of traffic, but court said it singled out panhandling, or begging, as criminal.
This California bill assures the right for EMS workers to rest and eat, protections against on-duty assault and access to mental health care.
Federal court rules Alabama legislature must redraw districts that were racially gerrymandered: districts 20, 26, 28, 32, 53, 54, 70, 71, 77, 82, 85 and 99.
Massachusetts legislators seek to prevent Bristol County Sheriff from sending prisoners to build Trump’s proposed 2,000-mile Mexico border wall.
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