Bill

Controversial Bill Makes Being in Iowa a State Crime for Previously Denied or Removed Individuals

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DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that makes it a state crime for a person to be in Iowa if they have previously been denied admission or removed from the United States. The law, which will go into effect on July 1, has raised concerns among Iowa’s immigrant communities and has sparked discussions among legal experts and law enforcement officials about its enforcement. This legislation, known as Senate File 2340, closely resembles a Texas law that is currently facing legal challenges. Leaders of the Iowa Latinx community … Read more

Advocacy Groups Sue Alabama Officials Over Restrictive Voting Bill, Citing Constitutional Violations and Disproportionate Impact

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Birmingham, Alabama – Several advocacy groups have filed a lawsuit against Alabama state officials, challenging a recently enacted law that restricts access to voting. The groups argue that Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), which criminalizes certain engagement measures related to absentee ballots, directly targets and penalizes activities that enable broader voting rights. Signed into law last month, SB 1 makes it illegal to request or collect absentee ballots for anyone other than close relatives. It also criminalizes filling out or mailing an application or ballot on behalf of someone else. The bill specifically targets Alabamians … Read more

Colorado Introduces Bill to Safeguard Transgender and Non-Binary Rights, Filling Key Gap in Anti-Bias Laws

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Colorado lawmakers have introduced a bill to strengthen protections for transgender and non-binary individuals within the state’s anti-bias and harassment laws. The proposed legislation, known as Senate Bill 189, aims to address a crucial gap in current statutes by explicitly targeting gender identity and expression as grounds for addressing harassment and intimidation. Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step towards fostering inclusivity and countering anti-trans rhetoric. On April 1st, the bill will undergo its first committee hearing. The Gender-Related Bias-Motivated Crimes Bill, SB24-189, seeks to provide comprehensive … Read more

Louisiana Lawmakers Propose Bill to Establish 25-Foot Rule Governing Interactions with Police Officers

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LAKE CHARLES, La. – State lawmakers in Louisiana are proposing a new law that would impose a minimum distance of 25 feet between individuals and police officers. The legislation, known as House Bill 173, aims to make it a crime for anyone to approach a law enforcement officer closer than the prescribed distance after being ordered to stop. Offenders could face fines up to $500, imprisonment for up to 60 days, or both. This bill is not a new initiative, as it was previously considered by the legislature in 2023 but was ultimately vetoed by … Read more