Bill

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

Oregon Passes Landmark Stalking Bill to Protect Victims from Emerging Technology

by

St. Helens, Oregon – The Oregon House and Senate have recently passed a bill aimed at updating the state’s stalking laws to address the advances in technology that weren’t accounted for when the original laws were written. The bill, known as House Bill 4156, is currently awaiting Governor Tina Kotek’s signature and is set to take effect on July 1, 2024. The motivation behind the bill’s modernization comes in part from the efforts of St. Helens Police Detective Sergeant Matt Smith. Smith’s involvement with the bill began when a local stalking case was brought to … Read more