Public

Alabama Advances Legislation to Restrict Classroom Discussions on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation in Public Schools

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Montgomery, Alabama – Alabama state lawmakers have made a move to expand legislation that would restrict discussions and instruction related to gender identity or sexual orientation in public schools. The existing law, which currently applies through 5th grade, would now extend its reach through 12th grade. The House Education Policy Committee has advanced the legislation, which now awaits a full vote in the Alabama House of Representatives. The proposed legislation aims to tighten the language of the current law by removing the provision that allows such discussions to take place in a manner that is … Read more

Florida Enacts Law to Ban Homeless from Public Property, Sparks Controversy and Concerns of Forced Encampments

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Tampa, Florida – Stephanie Bennett has called a tent in the woods her home for the past eight years. Recently, she learned about a new law that could make living in her tent illegal. The legislation, known as “Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping” (HB 1365), has been sent to Governor Ron DeSantis to sign. If passed, the law will prohibit people from camping or sleeping on public property in local municipalities. Under the proposed law, municipalities will be required to designate a specific public space for camping and sleeping, provided they receive approval from … Read more

Public Opinion Divided: Iowa Book Ban Law Receives Mixed Reactions as Over a Thousand Books are Removed

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Des Moines, Iowa – A new poll conducted by the Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll reveals that half of Iowans believe the state’s controversial book ban law, which has led to the removal of over a thousand books from public schools, goes too far. Meanwhile, a third of respondents view the law and subsequent removals as “about right.” Only 13% of those surveyed felt that the law did not go far enough, while 3% were undecided. The book ban law, known as Senate File 496, was signed by Governor Kim Reynolds in May 2023. This … Read more

U.S. Judicial Conference Takes Action to Curb “Judge-Shopping” Amid Public Backlash

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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Judicial Conference recently issued new guidance that aims to make “judge-shopping” more difficult in the federal judiciary, following criticism from prominent Republicans in Congress. This term refers to the practice of conservative lawyers strategically selecting judges with similar ideologies for their cases. The guidance, approved on Tuesday, emphasizes that the new policies should not limit a court’s authority or discretion. Instead, they provide ways for courts to align their case assignment practices with the long-standing policy of random case assignment. The objective is to crack down on lawyers who engage in … Read more