March 7, 2008 In This Edition: Guns on College Campuses, Immigration Legislation Affects Workplace and States Take Action to Control Prison Populations Capitol Ideas is a periodic listing of story ideas and background information from new NCSL research. For more information, contact NCSL's Press Room. Guns on College Campuses --2008 Legislation Ten states currently have active legislation that would permit individuals to have guns on campus. Specifically, they would need concealed carry weapons (CCW) permits to carry a weapon on a university, college or higher-education campuses. Looking at such legislation are Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington. Mississippi, South Dakota and Virginia proposed similar measures, but they were defeated in all three states. Arizona and Washington have legislation introduced that would prohibit individuals with CCW permits from carrying a gun on university campuses. Immigration Enforcement in the Workforce State lawmakers enacted 240 laws related to immigrants in 2007 and more already have been introduced in 2008. Some 20 states have laws that address both workers and employers. While some of these laws face court challenges, the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act prohibits employers from hiring unauthorized workers. It requires employers of any size to verify the identity and the work status of prospective employees. The federal government is piloting an Internet-based program to verify the work authorization of new hires called "e-verify." States Take Actions to Control Prison Populations State legislatures are concerned about the projected growth in prison populations and accompanying increases in corrections spending. Many passed laws in 2007 to expand community corrections, manage probation and parole violators, boost incentives for good behavior, prepare inmates for re-entry, and link released offenders to community support. Death Penalty Reviewed The U.S. Supreme Court will hear two death penalty cases this term. The Court will examine the constitutionality of the most common method of execution, lethal injection, and answer a categorical question about which crimes are appropriate for the death penalty, specifically if death can be imposed for rape of a child. New Report on Prescription Drugs Shows Strong Role for States For legislators and policymakers, NCSL's report, 2008 Prescription Drug State Legislation, provides a roadmap to the diverse ideas in other states. The 32-page report also is a useful tool for medical professionals and members of the general public who have an interest in costs and access to medicines. More than 120 million Americans rely on prescription drugs regularly each year. States have a visible stake in creating new laws and policies. And prescription drugs are a visible component of several comprehensive health-reform proposals. Climate Change and the States Policymakers wrangle with determining state and local governments' role in so-called cap-and-trade legislation. Cap and trade, the market-based regulations to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, are used in Europe, and in the Northeastern United States for sulfur dioxide. These regulations set legal limits on the amount of pollution an industrial plant may emit. Companies that bring their emissions below permissible levels earn "credits" they can sell to firms that need help meeting the cap. This issue is the focus of a House Energy and Commerce Committee white paper released last week. Federal Budget Critical for States, Economy States have always played a role in preserving the nation’s economic strength. And in a letter this week, states, again, are outlining ways in which Congress can preserve state-federal partnerships, protect against cost shifts and stimulate economic growth. As House and Senate leaders consider the FY 2009 budget resolution, states urge Congress to temporarily increase federal match money for Medicaid, delay implementing the costly new Medicaid regulations and allocate at least $1 billion for REAL ID. These requests, along with a host of other recommendations, will help alleviate state revenue shortfalls and spur much-needed economic growth. Legislatures Convene Only one state, New Mexico, has ended its legislative session for 2008 and three others have yet to convene. Check out NCSL's Legislative Session Calendar for the length and duration of all 50 states. NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system. ### |