Laws

Bridging the Gap: New Laws Enhance Language Access for Hawaii’s Immigrant Community

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Honolulu, Hawaii — The struggle for language accessibility is a persistent hurdle for many immigrants in the U.Learn learning a new language as an adult can be daunting, and as a result, immigrants often depend on their children, who pick up the language at school, to navigate complex legal and healthcare systems. Maria Rallojay, who moved from Baguio, Philippines to Hawaii at the age of seven, shared how she became an essential bridge for her father, handling everything from legal documents to tax consultations due to her proficiency in English. Her childhood experience underscores the … Read more

Seven States Debut Stricter Consumer Privacy Measures in 2024: New Laws Shake Up Compliance Norms

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In the first six months of 2024, a wave of privacy regulations took hold in the United States as Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Rhode Island enacted new comprehensive data privacy laws. These states joined a growing list that seeks to address the myriad challenges posed by the digital age, raising the total to 19 states that have adopted such measures. At their core, the 2024 laws continue to reflect the foundations set by earlier statutes, including non-existent private rights of action and provisions allowing entities time to correct violations. Noteworthy … Read more

Mississippi Tightens Shoplifting Laws, Expands Accountability to Accomplices

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JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi has revised its laws to more effectively combat shoplifting, expanding accountability to include not only those caught stealing, but also individuals assisting in such crimes. As of July 1, changes in the state law facilitate harsher penalties and make it easier to charge accomplices involved in the act, whether they are directly stealing, acting as lookouts, or driving getaway vehicles. Shoplifting remains a pervasive issue in Mississippi, particularly in cities like Byram, located near major highways which see a high volume of both traffic and retail theft. Byram police have historically … Read more

Disability Advocates Challenge Louisiana’s Latest Voting Laws, Citing Violations of Federal Rights

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Baton Rouge, LA – A set of recently passed laws in Louisiana is raising significant concerns among disability rights advocates, who argue the legislation infringes upon the Voting Rights Commission standards and poses substantial obstacles for voters with disabilities. This controversy centers around two new statutes that, according to critics, complicate rather than facilitate the voting process for this vulnerable population. One law revises the protocol for mail-in ballots, requiring additional steps that could potentially disenfranchise those needing special accommodations. Another regulation restricts the use of absentee ballots, which have traditionally helped people with disabilities … Read more