Safe

Riding Smart: Alabama’s Electric Scooter Regulations Unveiled for Safe Travels in Mountain Brook

by

MOUNTAIN BROOK, Ala. — As electric scooters become increasingly popular in urban settings, it is essential for riders to grasp their legal status in the state. The Mountain Brook Police Department has clarified that these electric scooters, often seen as toys, fall under the classification of motor vehicles according to Alabama law. In Alabama, an electric scooter is defined as weighing less than 100 pounds, featuring handlebars, an electric motor, and the capability of reaching speeds up to 20 mph. Importantly, they can be powered by both electric means and human effort. Given this classification, … Read more

Nebraska’s First Baby Surrendered Under Expanded Safe Haven Law, Marking a New Chapter for Child Welfare

by

LINCOLN, Neb. — In a notable application of Nebraska’s revised Safe Haven Law, a newborn was recently surrendered for the first time since the law was expanded. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the healthy condition of the infant and the successful usage of the law at a designated Safe Haven site in northeastern Nebraska. Details about the identity of the baby or the specific circumstances are withheld in adherence to HIPAA privacy regulations. The legislative update, effective from July 19, 2024, permits caregivers to leave an infant up to 90 days … Read more

Michigan Launches ‘Safe Homes, Safe Schools’ Initiative to Enhance Firearm Security Awareness Among Parents

by

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan legislators have enacted the Safe Homes, Safe Schools Law, building on the 2023 Secure Storage Law to enhance gun safety among families with children. This new mandate comes with a requirement for school districts across the state to send annual notifications to parents and guardians, informing them about the stipulations surrounding the secure storage of firearms. State Representative Julie Brixie, a Democrat from Okemos, emphasized the necessity of the legislation. She noted that without such a law, breaches in firearm safety might not become apparent until a tragedy occurs. The bill … Read more

Oregon’s Public Transit War on Drugs: New Law Turns Buses and Trains into ‘Safe Zones’ with Tough Penalties for Onboard Drug Use

by

Salem, Oregon — Oregon has taken a significant step to curtail illegal drug use on public transit by classifying such activities as a crime under the state law known as Interfering with Public Transportation. This legislative change, effected through the recent approval of Senate Bill 1553, categorizes the ingestion, inhalation, or any method of drug consumption on transit vehicles as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying penalties that could include nearly a year in jail or fines up to $6,250. The enactment of this policy came into effect on January 1, 2025, marking a stringent shift … Read more