New State Laws as of July 1
The start of a new fiscal year in 46 states has activated a host of new laws bringing bad news for body dismemberers in Iowa and brass-knuckle wearers in Mississippi, but good news for grocery buyers in Arkansas and flag-makers in Arizona along with a host of other winners and losers.
Embryonic Stem Cell Research Divides States
President Bush’s decision to again veto legislation allowing federal funding puts the issue squarely in states’ hands – and some states are already vying to lure scientists and investors.
Govs to Grads: Goodbye and Good Luck!
Like any graduating class, the crop of governors giving commencement addresses in 2007 had its own standouts.
Legislators Balance the Books, Head Home
In an exclusive roundup of legislation that has emerged from state capitols in 2007, Stateline.org finds — on issues ranging from civil unions to “living wages” — Democrats are making their mark now that the party is in control of 28 governorships and 23 statehouses. Policymakers in Washington, D.C., may get more attention, but the action is in the states.
Governors Expect Tighter Budgets in 2008
Only three states ran into red ink this year, while more than half sailed through with higher-than-expected revenues. States overall are finishing a spending spree, but the best revenue picture in six years may be behind them.
Abortion Ruling Sets New State Battle Lines
Prompted by the U.S. Supreme Court’s approval of a federal ban on partial-birth abortion, activists on both sides of the abortion battle are aiming their sights at state capitols, where new campaigns already are under way.
Vouchers See Mixed Success This Session
After a string of successes, voucher advocates see setbacks in this year’s legislative session.
States Say No to Teen Tanning
Spurred by worries about skin cancer, Utah and Virginia have joined 25 other states in limiting underage access to bronzing beds
Which Governor Has the Most Clout?
In a new ranking of the states, Massachusetts’ chief executive out-powers his peers in Alaska, Maryland and New Jersey — not to mention New York and California.
Cell Phone Counter-Revolution
To keep lawmakers focused on debate — and limit lobbyists’ influence — statehouses from coast to coast are restricting cell phones, instant messaging and use of those mini-computers found under the thumbs of compulsive e-mailers on the floors of state legislatures.
