Mandatory

Maine Mulls Mandatory Cursive: Push for Penmanship in Elementary Education Rises Amid Tech Domination

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Portland, Maine — In the cozy classroom of St. Brigid School, the lost art of cursive writing still flourishes. Every school day, excited third graders dip their pencils into the elegant loops and swirls of cursive letters, an educational tradition that many schools have abandoned for more contemporary skills. As debates about the relevance of such instruction continue, a local legislator is pushing to make the teaching of cursive handwriting a requirement across Maine’s elementary schools. The practice, which once dominated American classrooms, has been sidelined in many educational curricula, often replaced by keyboarding and … Read more

Direct Mail Marketing in California Faces New Rule: Mandatory Advertisement Disclosure on Envelopes Starting 2025

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As marketing norms evolve, many businesses are shifting their focus from phone calls to direct mail, considered a less intrusive and regulation-bound method of reaching consumers. However, marketers aiming their strategies toward Californians need to take note of a new regulatory curve that takes effect on January 1, 2025. This rule, originating from State Bill 1096, mandates specific declarations be prominently displayed on envelopes of physical mail soliciting consumer financial products or services. California, known for its strict consumer protection laws, continues its reputation by enforcing these new directives, specifically designed to mitigate arguably deceptive … Read more

Australia Cracks Down on Hate: Nazi Salutes to Carry Mandatory Jail Time Under New Legislation

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In response to rising concerns about discrimination and hate speech, Australia has introduced stringent new penalties against hate crimes, including mandatory imprisonment for individuals who perform Nazi salutes. This legislative move is part of a broader strategy to curb the spread of neo-Nazi ideology and ensure a more inclusive society. The amendments, passed recently by the Australian parliament, aim to fortify the legal framework against actions and symbols associated with hate groups. The legislation now categorizes the Nazi salute, a gesture deeply associated with anti-Semitism and extremist views, as a criminal act that warrants a … Read more

New York Tightens Data Breach Laws: Faster Notifications and Broader Privacy Definitions Now Mandatory

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Albany, N.Y. — In a significant move to ramp up data privacy laws, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York signed new amendments on December 24, 2024, that enforce stricter notification protocols for businesses after data breaches and broaden the spectrum of what constitutes “private information.” This legislative update, both for private-sector entities and government agencies, is aimed at addressing the escalating concerns over personal data security in the digital age. The newly signed amendments usher in a mandatory 30-day notification period for businesses to inform New York residents affected by a data breach. The regulation … Read more