States

Illinois GOP Chair Criticizes State’s Voting Laws on Final Day, Pushes for Stricter Regulations

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MILWAUKEE — In a notable address on his final day as chair, Don Tracy criticized Illinois’ voting regulations, labeling them as lax and forecasting a continued push for stricter measures under his successor, Kathy Salvi. Tracy, a lawyer from Springfield, is departing after more than three years at the helm of the Illinois Republican Party, amid a period marked by significant electoral setbacks for the GOP. During his tenure, Tracy instituted the role of a full-time election integrity director, striving to compensate for the dwindling influence of local GOP organizations at the county and township … Read more

Rising Concerns as New Legislation Encroaches on LGBTQ+ Academic Freedom and Visibility in Several US States

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In recent months, state legislatures across the U.S. have enacted laws that directly affect diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within higher educational institutions. These changes are sparking widespread concern among LGBTQ+ faculty and students who fear that their academic freedom and personal safety may be compromised. Research conducted by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law reveals that DEI restrictions are causing significant distress within the LGBTQ+ community in academia. According to one study involving 84 LGBTQ+ faculty members who specialize in LGBTQ+-related topics, there is a palpable fear of being outed, … Read more

Washington Court of Appeals Reverses $185M Verdict Against Monsanto, Citing State’s Statute of Repose

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Seattle, WA – In a striking decision, the Washington Court ofbef Appeals recently reversed a monumental $185 million ruling against agrochemical giant Monsanto Co. The appellate court’s decision hinged on the proper application of Washington state’s statute of repose, which limits the liability of product sellers after a certain period. This legal turnaround originated from a prior court’s oversight, which mistakenly applied Missouri law, disregarding the stipulated 12-year “useful safe life” under Washington’s norms. Missouri law, unlike Washington’s, does not enforce a similar timeframe within which consumers can file defective product lawsuits. Legal expert Eric … Read more

Seven States Debut Stricter Consumer Privacy Measures in 2024: New Laws Shake Up Compliance Norms

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In the first six months of 2024, a wave of privacy regulations took hold in the United States as Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Rhode Island enacted new comprehensive data privacy laws. These states joined a growing list that seeks to address the myriad challenges posed by the digital age, raising the total to 19 states that have adopted such measures. At their core, the 2024 laws continue to reflect the foundations set by earlier statutes, including non-existent private rights of action and provisions allowing entities time to correct violations. Noteworthy … Read more