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 new law allows city councils and county commissioners to amend or rescind emergency orders by local health boards and health officers
“Generally speaking, not only is there more preemption [lately], it comes with teeth”
The bill’s sponsor said it was intended to promote public safety and show support for law enforcement
As an Ohio ballot effort seeks to eliminate property taxes, rural ambulance districts say the move could erase up to 70% of their budgets
Documents outline potential reductions to CORE and surge staffing, raising concerns about disaster response capacity
Gov. Kathy Hochul rejected two major EMS support measures, prompting providers to caution that funding limits and rising costs could worsen coverage gaps
The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act recognizes occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death for public safety officers, clearing the way for expanded federal benefits
Wall Township’s Committee voted to dissolve the police department’s EMS division and rely on Monmouth County’s MedStar roaming ambulances
Facing losses tied to low Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, Cottage Grove says St. Paul Park, Newport and Grey Cloud Island Township should contribute tens of thousands toward shared ambulance coverage
If passed, the new bill would make disarming or attempting to disarm an officer a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison
Senate Bill 241 would penalize municipalities that unsuccessfully challenge Palumbo Act cancer claims
House Bill 1597 creates a misdemeanor for bystanders who fail to back off at least 25 feet when ordered to do so by a first responder performing their duty
NASRO stated that in normal school life, phones can amplify fights and bullying; in emergencies, phones can distract students from critical instructions
SB 524 mandates that police reports produced using AI tools like Axon’s Draft One must include a written disclosure on every page and requires departments to preserve audit trails
With $1T in reductions and 2027 work requirements looming, Medi-Cal-dependent facilities in California expect reimbursement losses
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