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 bill bars cities and counties from reducing their law enforcement budgets by more than 5% in one year, or cumulatively across five years
The settlement is the largest in the city’s history involving a civil rights lawsuit and the Santa Rosa Police Department
A federal jury ruled that the firing of Kansas City Firefighter Jyan Harris, who is Black, was in retaliation for reporting harassment
A city program in Richmond, California, gives its most violent offenders a stipend to keep their noses clean. Could it work in Baltimore?
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has vetoed a bill that would have expanded the city’s ban on sitting and lying down on sidewalks
In a climactic political showdown, Nebraska’s lawmakers overrode a veto and banned the death penalty
Honolulu is expanding its ban on sitting and lying down in public places to additional parts of the city, despite Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s veto
Atlantic City is suing to get back $3 million it gave to the company that has failed to run the Community Loan Program
Local governments in Michigan would be prohibited from setting minimum wages or other employer requirements under a bill sent to Republican Gov. Rick Snyder
Beijing began imposing the country’s toughest ban on smoking in public places in hopes of stemming a looming health crisis
New Texas law bans cities from banning fracking, drilling
Supreme Court permits LAPD to be sued for concealing evidence
Madison bans discrimination against atheists, non-religious
SF mayor signs law that bans chewing tobacco at ballparks
Some social rights activists have called the measure a good first step, but the St. Louis Police Officers Association opposed formation of the board
Legislature considering plans to regulate medicinal pot shops, growers
NY transit system bans all political ads on subways, buses
