Laws

Hands-Free Laws Successfully Reduce Distracted Driving in Four States, New Report Finds

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Columbus, Ohio – Four states in the United States experienced a decrease in distracted driving incidents after implementing hands-free laws, according to a new report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and Cambridge Mobile Telematics. The report highlights the growing concern over smartphone-induced distracted driving and emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate crash risk. Distracted driving is a pervasive issue that poses significant dangers on the roads. In 2021 alone, distracted driving led to 12,405 fatalities and an estimated societal cost of $158 billion. Recognizing the urgency of the matter, the … Read more

From Labor Shortages to Child Labor Violations: States Take Divergent Paths in Updating Child Labor Laws

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Albany, New York – Child labor violations are on the rise across the United States, prompting numerous states to consider updating their child labor laws. While some states are seeking to strengthen protections for young workers, many others are attempting to weaken existing laws. The push for changes in child labor regulations comes as businesses, especially those in the service industry, have faced labor shortages since the start of the pandemic. This has led to an increase in hiring teenagers, whose wages are typically lower than those of adults. Experts in labor argue that the … 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

Tragic Student Death Spurs Georgia Lawmakers to Toughen Immigration Laws, Igniting National Debate

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ALBANY, Georgia — Georgia state lawmakers have implemented stricter immigration laws following the tragic death of a student. The legislation, aimed at addressing concerns over border control and national security, has sparked widespread debate and received both support and criticism. The newly adopted laws impose tougher penalties on undocumented immigrants, including increased fines and potential jail time. Police officers are now authorized to check the immigration status of individuals during routine traffic stops, a move that has ignited concerns about racial profiling and civil rights violations. Additionally, the legislation requires employers to use the federal … Read more