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Broad Drop in State Unemployment

Unemployment declined in April in 40 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Rates rose in three states and remained steady in the remaining seven states. States with the highest job growth were Texas, New York and Florida. More

State Budget Update: Spring 2013

States continue to move along a familiar path of slow and steady growth as the four-year anniversary of the official end of the Great Recession approaches, according to NCSL's newly released report, “State Budget Update: Spring 2013.” More

Issue Areas
OverviewAgriculture & Rural DevelopmentBanking, Insurance & Financial ServicesBudget & TaxCivil & Criminal JusticeEconomic Development, Gambling and TradeEducationEnergy
Environment & Natural ResourcesHealth (subportal)Human Services (subportal)ImmigrationLabor & EmploymentState-TribalTelecommunications & Information TechnologyTransportation
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Telecommunications and Information Technology

App-losion!

Mobile devices and appsSmartphones and apps are proliferating and getting smarter and smarter. Mobile apps can tell you the weather, give you breaking news, help you keep fit and healthy, guide you to the nearest drug store, find the lowest priced product, or even serve as a flashlight, binoculars, magnifying glass or mirror. They also can provide businesses and advertisers with information about your age, gender, location, web searches, and your phone number or contacts list, sometimes without you even knowing it. Do they know too much?   More

9-1-1 Legislation Database

 As of mid-April, fifteen states have introduced legislation related to prepaid wireless surcharges for 9-1-1 services; at least five of these states have passed legislation. In 2012, Florida and Colorado enacted legislation that provided immunity for persons who report in good faith to 9-1-1 an emergency drug or alcohol overdose; at least four states have introduced similar legislation in 2013. Last year, Wisconsin and Michigan enacted legislation related to 9-1-1 false reporting offenses. This year, six states have passed legislation penalizing or criminalizing false reporting to 9-1-1. To find legislation related to 9-1-1,  E9-1-1, NextGen9-1-1 and similar issues, see the 9-1-1 searchable database. More

Unsolicited Commercial Communications 

telephoneRead about state laws prohibiting or limiting unsolicited commercial communications--also known as "do-not-call laws." This 50-state chart includes laws limiting or prohibiting unsolicited text messages and robocalls, in addition to prohibitions on traditional landlines. More

Employer Access to Social Media Passwords

Computer crimeState legislatures are considering legislation that would restrict employers from requesting access to social networking usernames and passwords of applicants, students or employees. Review current legislation.  More

Update on Next Generation 9-1-1 

Cell phoneAmericans have come to rely on 911 for emergencies, but very few call centers can receive text messages, pictures or videos—all standard communications in today’s world. Next Generation 911 is aimed at updating the infrastructure for today's digital mobile society. In this session, speakers discuss key issues in modernizing 911, including funding, technology, governance and collaboration. More

Transparency Legislation and Websites

Magnifying glassAt least 35 states have passed legislation--some called Taxpayer Transparency Acts--requiring a centralized, searchable website that provides information to the public about state expenditures or state contracts. View legislation and links to websites. More

 

NCSL's 2013 Legislative Summit

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