Texas Schools Mandated to Display Ten Commandments Following Controversial Legislation Signed by Governor Abbott

AUSTIN, Texas — In a significant move this past Saturday, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law a measure requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom across the state. This legislation is part of a broader package that includes 334 bills aimed at shaping various public policies in Texas. The bill, known as Senate Bill 10, mandates that a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments be installed in all public school classrooms. Each display must measure at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall and be legible … Read more

Oregon Takes a Bold Step: New Bill Empowering Tribes to Reclaim Jurisdiction on Tribal Lands Signed into Law

Salem, Oregon — A new law aimed at simplifying jurisdictional complexities in Oregon’s Indian Country has been signed by Governor Tina Kotek. The legislation, which garnered unanimous support in both chambers of the state Legislature, was enacted on May 22 and will establish a formal process for tribal nations to request changes to state jurisdiction on their lands. The law specifically addresses the implications of Public Law 83-280, enacted in 1953, which allowed certain states, including Oregon, to claim jurisdiction over tribal lands. This has complicated criminal and civil matters, as jurisdiction often varies based … Read more

New ‘TAKE IT DOWN’ Act Signed into Law: A Major Step Forward in Combating Nonconsensual Deepfake Exploitation

Washington, D.C. — On May 19, 2025, President signed into law a significant piece of legislation aimed at combating the misuse of technology to create and disseminate deepfake content. The newly enacted law, known as the “Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act,” or the “TAKE IT DOWN” Act, imposes stricter regulations on the distribution of nonconsensual intimate visual depictions. The TAKE IT DOWN Act represents an important step in addressing the growing concern surrounding digital privacy and consent. This legislation criminalizes the intentional disclosure of intimate images … Read more

Michigan’s Minimum Wage, Tipped Wage, and Sick Time Laws Updated: New Changes Signed into Law by Governor Whitmer

Lansing, Mich. — After significant legislative maneuvers and court rulings, Michigan has enacted new laws altering the state’s minimum wage, tipped wage, and employee sick time regulations. Governor Gretchen Whitmer officially signed two pivotal bills on Friday, February 21, 2025, which became effective immediately and applied retroactively due to urgency pronounced by both lawmakers and the public. These reforms emerged from a turbulent legislative history that began in 2018 when groups such as Mothering Justice, Michigan One Fair Wage, and Michigan Time to Care proposed increases to the minimum wage and improvements to sick leave … Read more