The Latest Breaking News from State Law

Criminal justice panel says California should pay restitution to victims, ban some traffic stops

California should set up a taxpayer-funded restitution system for crime victims, curtail the use of money bail and limit when cops can make traffic stops that disproportionately affect Black and Latino drivers, according to recommendations from a criminal justice panel that advises state lawmakers.

Los Angeles Times · Dec 21, 2022

EXPLAINER: How do parties and states set presidential votes?

No sooner had President Joe Biden told Democrats his preference for reordering the presidential primary calendar than states began balking

The Independent UK · Dec 18, 2022

Voters in five Texas cities approved decriminalizing marijuana. Now city officials are standing in the way.

Some local leaders say they worry the changes violate state law, while residents who supported decriminalizing marijuana say the pushback disrespects democracy.

The Texas Tribune · Dec 15, 2022

After racist LA audio leak, a push for independent redistricting

LOS ANGELES — In response to the city's audio leak scandal, a proposed state law could force Los Angeles to establish an independent redistricting commission, curtailing the City Council's influence over the lines that delineate their districts.

Los Angeles Times · Dec 7, 2022

Judge finds Indiana’s Republican attorney general repeatedly violated state law in high-profile abortion case

Indiana AG Todd Rokita unlawfully breached confidentially laws by discussing his investigation into the provider who cared for a 10-year-old rape survivor

The Independent UK · Dec 3, 2022

Kansas justice chides state law school for 'closed' climate

A Kansas Supreme Court justice has resigned in protest from a part-time teaching job at a state law school following what he says was an unsuccessful university attempt to pressure students into canceling an event featuring a leader of a group that opposes LGBTQ rights

The Independent UK · Dec 1, 2022

Volokh v. N.Y. A.G.: "New York Can't Target Protected Online Speech by Calling It 'Hateful Conduct'"

From the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression: Today, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression sued New York Attorney General Letitia James, challenging a new state law that forces websites and apps to address online speech that someone, somewhere finds humiliating or vilifying. The law is titled "Social media…

Reason · Dec 1, 2022

Indiana's AG wants the doctor who spoke of 10-year-old's abortion to be penalized

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, who is anti-abortion, alleges Dr. Caitlin Bernard violated state law by not reporting the girl's child abuse to authorities and violated patient privacy laws.

WEKU · Nov 30, 2022

Mayor Adams to use broader reading of state law to remove mentally ill from NYC streets

NEW YORK — New York City police and mental health clinicians who engage emotionally disturbed people on streets and subways will now be armed with a much broader interpretation of state law to institutionalize those who pose a risk to themselves or others.

Tribune News Service · Nov 29, 2022

Donald Trump sued again by writer E. Jean Carroll who accuses him of rape

E. Jean Carroll’s lawyer filed the legal papers minutes after a New York state law took effect allowing victims of sexual violence to sue over attacks that occurred decades ago

Evening Standard · Nov 25, 2022