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 ACLU of Ohio said some parts of the legislation could have a chilling effect on free speech
A new analysis suggests that Americans who want to make mass shootings less frequent and deadly may want to think beyond gun control legislation
New York will also start automatically expunging criminal records for certain past marijuana-related convictions
The City of Boston, MA, recently announced a two-phase approach to allowing for meaningful change in its zoning codes for the purposes of increased urban agriculture opportunities. Inside we highlight the key aspects of the phases, links to the draft zoning amendment and how other cities are approaching this topic
By assigning its in-house municipal legal department to handle school department affairs, Middletown, CT, will save an anticipated $80,000 annually. The goal is to eliminate the reliance on costly outside legal counsel. Details of the agreement between the city and the school department inside
In Pittsburgh, PA, the mixed-use Oakland neighborhood created a “vision plan” to revitalize certain areas of downtown in an effort to create more green space, better transportation and enforcement of codes by citizens. Read inside how residents are seeking to maintain a sense of community in this sometimes transient “college town” area.
The city of Hermosa Beach, California, has developed a sustainability plan that includes a building retrofitting and redevelopment ordinance, which aims to reduce net fossil fuel use to zero by 2030. Details, their action plan, and related research is inside.
The experience level of your city’s staffers could be a contributing factor in the amount you spend on legal fees. Also, poorer cities typically spend more than richer ones on legal services. Inside we provide details, data, and recommendations for cutting costs.
Funding priorities, based on the state’s Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Act, include reducing racial and ethnic disparities, child maltreatment and safe schools.
An amendment would help states upgrade election infrastructure through grants has been added to the proposed 2020 Financial Services and General Government funding bill.
Federal public health grants are funding suicide and self-harm intervention and deterrence pilot programs for the juvenile justice system. The studies will evaluate the rate of acceptance and frequency of use of outpatient mental health services.
The BJA is offering grants up to $500,000 to local governments to implement or enhance adult drug courts.
Tribal assistance grants will help criminal justice workers in tribal governments provide resources for victims of domestic and sexual assault.
More than 2,500 municipal governments will receive 2018 state tax-generated funds to distribute to volunteer firefighters relief associations.
A SAMHSA grant will fund clinical assessments of all defendants entering Cook County’s drug courts at Markham, Maywood and Bridgeview, Ill.
The grants will support a wide range of efforts to reduce recidivism and help turn offenders into productive members of society
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