Mississippi’s New Mental Health Law Struggles with Inconsistent Data, Challenging Implementation

In an effort to curb the problematic trend of incarcerating individuals solely for their mental health issues, Mississippi enacted a new civil commitment law last year, officials report. The legislation comes in response to troubling findings that revealed many individuals with serious mental illnesses were being detained without criminal charges as they awaited involuntary psychological evaluations and treatment, a practice resulting in at least 17 deaths since 2006. Despite the intentions behind the law, which restricts the jailing of mentally ill individuals to those who are “actively violent” and for no more than 48 hours, … Read more

Supreme Court Approves Implementation of Landmark Corporate Transparency Legislation

Washington — A recent Supreme Court decision has paved the way for a new law aimed at enhancing corporate transparency by mandating companies to report their true owners. This move is expected to significantly curb money laundering and the financing of terrorism by making it more difficult for individuals to use anonymous shell companies to obscure illicit activities. The law, which is set to be implemented across the United States, targets corporations, limited liability companies, and other similar entities, requiring them to supply ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of … Read more

New Jersey Judge Upholds Implementation of Groundbreaking Affordable Housing Law Amid Municipal Pushback

TRENTON, N.J. — A Mercer County Superior Court Judge issued a decision on Tuesday that supports the continuation of New Jersey’s rigorous new affordable housing legislation, striking down a request to halt the law’s implementation. The motion to pause, brought forward by two dozen municipalities known for their resistance to inclusive housing policies, was decisively rejected by Judge Robert T. Lougy. In September, these municipalities had jointly filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s affordable housing framework. The legislation mandates every city allows a quota of affordable housing to accommodate its population’s needs. A hearing to … Read more

New York Governor Vetoes Bill Permitting Felons to Serve on Juries, Citing Implementation Challenges

ALBANY, N.Y. — In a move that has stirred controversy and disappointment among criminal justice reform advocates, New York Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed legislation on Saturday that would have permitted individuals with felony convictions to serve on juries after completing their sentences. This bill, lauded by its proponents as a step toward inclusivity and balance in the judicial system, sought to overturn the enduring statewide prohibition affecting these individuals. The proposed legislation had cleared both houses of the state legislature earlier in the year, signaling a potential end to the lifelong exclusion of felons from … Read more