Sweeping

Fact-Check: The Truth Behind Viral ‘No Touch Laws’ Claims Sweeping Social Media

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Reports circulating on social media have sparked confusion about the existence of “no touch laws” that supposedly went into effect this month across 31 states, including Illinois. These viral posts claim that such regulations prohibit any use of mobile phones while driving, purportedly taking effect on June 5. However, the reality is more nuanced. On June 5, Pennsylvania enacted “Paul Miller’s Law,” which specifically criminalizes the use of hand-held cell phones while operating a vehicle, even when temporarily stopped for traffic signals or delays. This law builds on an existing ban on texting while driving, … Read more

Washington Enacts Sweeping Reforms to Strengthen Animal Cruelty Laws, Enhancing Protection and Accountability

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Olympia, Wash. — Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1149 into law on Monday, enhancing the legal framework surrounding animal cruelty and fighting in Washington. The new legislation arrives at a crucial time, aiming to strengthen accountability and improve enforcement across the state. This bill, developed in collaboration with Pasado’s Safe Haven, marks one of the most significant reforms in animal cruelty policy in over a decade. It expands the criteria for what constitutes animal cruelty and fighting, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to protecting animals from abuse. Kirsten Gregory, Legislative Affairs Director and General … Read more

New York Leads Multistate Charge Against Trump Administration’s ‘Unlawful’ Tariffs in Sweeping Legal Showdown

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New York — New York Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul are spearheading a significant legal challenge against the Trump administration, supported by attorneys general from 11 other states. The basis of this legal suit, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, is the claim that the administration unlawfully utilized the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement extensive tariffs on imports from numerous countries, without discriminating between adversaries and allies. This legal measure, announced earlier this month, comes in response to President Trump’s recent introduction of tariffs which include a … Read more

Governor Hochul Bolsters New York’s Fight Against Gun Violence with Sweeping New Legislation and $370 Million Investment

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Albany, NY — In a significant move to curb gun-related violence, New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed three new gun-control bills into law. During a press conference, Hochul asserted that these measures are key components of a broader strategy to enhance public safety across the state. Flanked by legislative leaders, the governor also announced a substantial $370 million investment aimed at combating gun violence. The press event highlighted the recent statistical decline in gun violence by 53% year-to-date compared to the peak during the pandemic. This decrease is regarded by Hochul as proof that … Read more