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NCSL in the News June Archive
This archive of news articles that cite the National Conference of State Legislatures should serve as a record only. Links to the actual articles may not work several weeks after they have been posted. If you are interested in a story with a non-working link, please visit the Web site of the newspaper in which it was printed. These links are provided for information only. NCSL does not endorse the views in any articles linked to from this page. June 30 GrassCatcher: High gas prices hobble cities nationwide
High energy costs have taken a toll on government budgets already strained by the housing collapse. "They have a much more direct role in affecting consumer confidence, which can affect sales tax revenue, which accounts for one-third of state revenues," said Arturo Perez, an analyst at the National Conference of State Legislatures. Los Angeles Times Read the article. Cell phones rules changing for Calif. drivers
Lawmakers in 33 states have introduced 127 bills related to driver distraction this year alone, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. "Ten years ago, there were very few people with cell phones," said Matt Sundeen, the organization's transportation expert. "That's obviously changed." Associated Press Read the article. Driving in California? Keep hands off cell
Lawmakers in 33 states have introduced 127 bills related to driver distraction this year alone, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Carson Times Read the article. Buy now or you'll pay later
Lawmakers in 33 states have introduced 127 bills related to driver distraction this year alone, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Desert Sun Read the article. New law bans phones while driving
"We'll continue to see more legislation as more devices go in a car," said Matt Sundeen, who has monitored cell-phone laws for the National Conference of State Legislatures. "A lot of people agree these types of devices are distracting, but the real question is -- are they so distracting they need some type of restriction?" Go Erie.com Read the article. New Wash. law bans hand-held phones while driving
This past year, 22 state legislatures considered similar laws, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. A handful of states — like New York and New Jersey — already have laws in place. Lawmakers in Louisiana recently sent a bill to the governor's desk. Associated Press and Seattle Post Intelligencer Read the article. Welfare chief looks for cuts in times of need
While welfare caseloads aren't necessarily an accurate barometer of economic health, according to a study by the National Conference of State Legislatures, the country's prolonged economic slump has changed the norm. Opinion in the Lahontan Valley News Read the article. They're at it again
A week later, some of those same legislators, accompanied by a number of others, will venture to New Orleans for the convention of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Opinion in the Huntsville Times Read the article. Anti-immigrant fever grips the nation
In 2007, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 1,562 bills related to illegal immigration were introduced around the nation, and 240 were enacted in 46 states. In Mississippi, it is a felony for an illegal immigrant to hold a job. Sheltering or transporting illegal immigrants is a felony in Oklahoma. Miami Herald Read the article. Bill adds disability to hate crime law
Ohio is one of 23 states that do not include disability as part of their hate crimes legislation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Cincinnati.com Read the article. Legislative pay hike sparks local debate
According to reports from The Associated Press (AP), the proposed increase from $16,800 to $37,500 would give Louisiana’s lawmakers the highest base pay among Southern legislatures and the 14th highest in the country, based on data from the National Conference of State Legislatures. Jennings Daily News Read the article. Critics blast feds' legal shields for manufacturers
"I've been here since the second Reagan administration, and I've never seen anything like this," said Michael Bird, federal affairs counsel for the National Conference of State Legislatures. "This is not what the framers of the Constitution had in mind." Chicago Tribune Read the article. Blunt signs 2009 budget (well, most of it)
The statistics came from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the National Association of State Budget Officers, respectively. The Kansas City Star Read the article. Early-education research viewed as a policy tool
“This is sort of a culmination of two research questions,” Steffanie Clothier said. “What is the best science out there that we can use to inform our decision making, and what is effective?” Just because results are significant in a research study, she added, doesn’t mean they are always significant enough “from a policy perspective.” Read the article. June 27 GrassCatcher: State welfare chief looks for cuts in times of plenty...of people in need
While welfare caseloads aren't necessarily an accurate barometer of economic health, according to a study by the National Conference of State Legislatures, the country's prolonged economic slump has changed the norm. Increasing unemployment rates combined with rising fuel and food prices are sending families searching for relief across the country. Nevada is no exception. Opinion in the Nevada Appeal Read the article. Gov. Strickland should break term limits' grip on Ohio
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, since 1996, just one state has imposed term limits: Nebraska, which has a unique one-house legislature. Opinion in the Plain Dealer, OH Read the article. Tight budgets won't halt legislators' travel
The most popular destination for legislators is New Orleans, where the National Conference of State Legislatures will hold its annual conference July 22-26. Huntsville Times Read the article. Housing industry lobby frustrated by Senate delay
The National Conference of State Legislatures, the United States Conference of Mayors, the Council of State Governments, the National League of Cities, the International City-County Management Association and the National Association of Counties also sent a joint letter opposing the Senate condition. Politico.com Read the article. Utah announces 4-day week for most state workers
Elsewhere, Oklahoma lawmakers, concerned about gas prices, have encouraged state agencies to adopt the four-day week, while West Virginia lawmakers have requested a study for state, city and county employees, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Associated Press in the San Diego Tribune Read the article. June 26 GrassCatcher: Dean of UT Health Science Center pleads with lawmakers to help fund doctor training
U-T Health Science Center Dean Dr. William Henrich spoke to a group of lawmakers from Kansas, Oklahoma, Maryland, Missouri and New Mexico, today, who are in San Antonio as part of the National Conference of State Legislatures. 1200 WOAI Read the article. Flooding drives home need for better stewardship of land
The National Conference of State Legislatures reported that "when appropriately applied to soil, animal manure can fertilize crops and restore nutrients to the land. When improperly managed, animal waste can pose a threat to human health and the environment." Columbia Tribune Read the article. Legislators raise pay, and a governor pays the price
The increase would put salaries in the upper tier for similar part-time legislatures, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The New York Times Read the article. Legislators prepare for summer travel, even in difficult times
Maryland will be well represented at next month’s annual National Conference of State Legislatures summit in the Big Easy: 53 delegates and 13 senators are scheduled to attend the weeklong slate of policy seminars, legislative roundtables and political networking mixers.
Maryland Gazette.net Read the article. Property tax deduction included in housing bill
The National Association of Counties, National Conference of State Legislatures, Council of State Governments and National League of Cities oppose the provision. Des Moines Register Read the article. State welfare chief looks for cuts in times of plenty ... of people in need
While welfare caseloads aren't necessarily an accurate barometer of economic health, according to a study by the National Conference of State Legislatures, the country's prolonged economic slump has changed the norm. Nevada Appeal Read the article. June 25 GrassCatcher: Feds: Drivers don't have to hang up phones
Eighteen states and the District of Columbia have laws that restrict use of wireless communication devices by teenage drivers with learner's or instructional permits, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Automotive News Read the article. GUEST COLUMN: State senator defends legislative pay raise
Being a legislator in Louisiana isn’t part time and isn’t full time. The National Conference of State Legislatures refers to Louisiana as a hybrid. Column in The Advertiser Read the article. Tennessee bill to limit left-lane use dies
At least 20 states have similar left lane restriction rules, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Land Line Magazine Read the article. June 24 GrassCatcher: Legislators raise pay, and a governor pays the price
The increase would put salaries in the upper tier for similar part-time legislatures, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. New York Times Read the article. Anorexia, bulimia may soon become part of mandatory health insurance in Illinois
Richard Cauchi, health program director for the National Conference of State Legislatures, said Illinois has taken "an unusual action" for 2008, when the trend is to move away from mandates on business and governments. "There's more pressure now to repeal and restrict mandates than to enact new ones," he said. Chicago Tribune Read the article. The gay Goodfellas
"If they're the right candidates, if you pick the right 60 to 75 seats, you start to move chambers, and chamber control is what matters," says Tim Storey, senior fellow at the National Conference of State Legislatures. Gay.com Read the article. PA delegation selected to attend national early childhood symposium
This innovative educational event, jointly organized by the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, and the National Conference of State Legislatures, will help each team bring this new knowledge to bear on policies that enhance children's well-being and long-term outcomes, laying a solid foundation for economic prosperity, healthy lives, and strong communities. Sun Herald Read the article. Busted Budget: Illinois' neighbor diligent with its funding
States are making other changes. The National Conference of State Legislatures tracks state pension trends and found that many states are limiting benefit increases, shoring up funding and reducing benefits for new employees. The Daily Journal (Ill) Read the article. The writing's on the wall
According to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures, Senate Bill 672 would increase Louisiana legislators' annual salaries from $16,800 to $37,500 (with $6,000 in unvouchered expenses and $143 per diem), the highest base pay among Southern legislatures and the 14th highest in the country. Editorial in the Louisiana Weekly Read the article. High gas prices have commuters looking for options
A handful of states have passed legislation about telecommuting, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, primarily to increase the number of state workers who telecommute. Star News (North Carolina) Read the article. June 23 GrassCatcher: High gas prices have commuters looking for options
A handful of states have passed legislation about telecommuting, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, primarily to increase the number of state workers who telecommute. Star News Online Read the article. An immigration end run around the next president
At least 1,106 measures related to immigration were considered in 44 states in the first quarter of 2008, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Los Angeles Times Read the article. Gas tax increase in Nebraska bucks trend
"State legislators recognize (it would) do more harm than good," said Nicholas Farber, a research analyst with the National Conference of State Legislatures in Denver. Omaha World Herald Read the article. Abortions up in WV, but number still low
Seventeen states, including West Virginia, provide broader funding for abortions sought by women eligible for Medicaid, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Herald Dispatch, WV Read the article. NJ weighs tax break for private schools
Publicly funded school voucher programs exist in Arizona, Florida, Maine, Ohio, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin and in Washington, D.C., according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. MYFOX-TV, TN Read the article. Tolerance growing
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey and New Hampshire allow civil unions that provide state-level spousal rights to same-sex couples. Spousal rights are provided, to varying degrees, for domestic partnerships in California, Oregon, Hawaii, Maine, the District of Columbia and Washington state. And Rhode Island recognizes same-sex marriages from other states. Mohave Daily Read the article. South Sound drivers make adjustments for cell phone law
The National Conference of State Legislatures says that as of July 1, the District of Columbia and six states will have outlawed the use of a hand-held phone while driving. They are California, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Washington and Utah. The Olympian Read the article. Better, not bigger
Almost two years ago, a bipartisan panel of the National Conference of State Legislatures said lawmakers throughout the nation hadn't done nearly enough to tie funding to performance, and that legislatures generally were reluctant to make farsighted changes. Opinion in the Tallahassee Democrat Read the article. Jindal gets bills that would limit cell phone use
Thirty states and Washington, D.C., have some form of restriction on driving and telephone usage. Massachusetts allows it, but only if one hand is on the steering wheel at all times, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. 2The Advocate.com Read the article. NY Legislature passes cancer mapping bill
The CDC gives grants to at least 16 states to implement public health tracking systems, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. These grants are part of CDC's efforts to implement a national public health tracking network. The Associated Press in Forbes Read the article. Wisconsin seems to have answer
States are making other changes. The National Conference of State Legislatures tracks state pension trends and found many states are limiting benefit increases, shoring up funding and reducing benefits for new employees. MyWebTimes.com, IL Read the article. Text-message ban for drivers goes to governor
Thirty states and Washington, D.C., have some form of restriction on driving and telephone usage. Massachusetts allows it but only if one hand is on the steering wheel at all times, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Times-Picayune Read the article. Gas tax increase in Nebraska bucks trend
"By reducing the amount of money coming into the state, they're reducing the amount of money available to repair roads and reducing the number of jobs for people who repair roads," said Nicholas Farber, a research analyst with the National Conference of State Legislatures in Denver. TMC.net Read the article. June 20 GrassCatcher: Weak economy squeezing more states
In April, the National Conference of State Legislatures released a similarly grim survey showing 23 states facing budget shortfalls in 2009. Stateline.org Read the article. N.Y. Legislature passes cancer mapping bill
The CDC gives grants to at least 16 states to implement public health tracking systems, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Associated Press on FOX NY Read the article. Casinos themselves are the state’s worst case scenario
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, for fiscal year 2005, gaming revenues from tribes paid to Arizona were $50.4 million; to California, $130 million; to Connecticut, $345 million; to Michigan, $15.7 million; to New Mexico, $36.4 million, and to Wisconsin, $104.2 million. Opinion in the Register Guard, OR Read the article. Alabama bills die; left-lane use, traffic cameras, probable cause unchanged
At least 20 states have similar left lane restriction rules, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Any efforts to add Alabama to the list must wait until the 2009 regular session. Land Line Magazine Read the article. June 19 GrassCatcher: Gay marriage and money
Indeed, most states have inked laws and/or constitutional language prohibiting gay marriage, a tabulation by the National Conference of State Legislatures shows. Columbia Free Times Read the article. State body opts out of federally mandated driver's license standards
The National Conference of State Legislatures' president, state Rep. Donna Stone of Delaware, told a U.S. Senate subcommittee in April that the Real ID law should be repealed and replaced with a negotiated rulemaking process that would include state lawmakers. AP in Casa Grande Valley News Read the article. Law to protect abandoned babies hits milestone
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, which has updated data for seven states, hundreds of babies have been saved. St. Petersburg Times Read the article. Yellow buses put schools in the red
This coming fiscal year, 23 states are projecting gaps -- where revenues are expected to be lower than expenditures -- compared with 16 last year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Wall Street Journal Read the article. Tucker defends pay raise
The legislation would increase lawmakers' annual salaries from $16,800 to $37,500, the highest base pay among Southern legislatures and the 14th highest in the country, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Advertiser Read the article. June 18 GrassCatcher: Louisiana lawmakers approve pay raise bill
The raise under the heavily amended SB 672 increases base pay for Louisiana legislators to the 14th highest in the country, up from $16,800 to $37,500, a roughly 120 percent surge, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures. St. Tammany News Read the article. Ban on lobbyist gifts goes to full Senate – with suggestions
Five states bar lobbyists from giving legislators anything, even a cup of coffee, said Peggy Kerns, policy analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures. Other states have partial bans or full-disclosure requirements. Some states even prohibit lawmakers from accepting gifts from neighbors or others not registered as lobbyists, Kerns said. Allentown Morning Call Read the article. Retail merchants want feds to crackdown online
State governments lose $1 billion annually in sales tax revenue, the National Conference of State Legislatures estimates. And retailers say the theft circumvents health regulations by putting hazardous goods, such as stolen baby formula long past its expiration date, back into the supply chain. Politico Read the article. Jindal should veto legislators' raises
It would give Louisiana’s part-time lawmakers the highest base pay among Southern legislatures and the 14th highest in the country, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures..
Editorial in the Houma Today Read the article. Some La. lawmakers opt out of pay raise
The legislation would increase lawmakers' annual salaries from $16,800 to $37,500, the highest base pay among Southern legislatures and the 14th highest in the country, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Associated Press in the Times-Picayune Read the article. Napolitano signs bill to keep AZ out of Real ID
A National Conference of State Legislatures databank on Real ID legislation indicates at least 12 other states have approved legislation to bar implementation of Real ID. The Associated Press in the Boston Globe Read the article. State scaling down on travel to conference
The Legislature is sending only two people to this year's annual meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures in New Orleans, an event that sometimes attracts more than 10 times as many Maine politicians and legislative aides. Kennebec Journal Morning Sentinel Read the article. June 17 GrassCatcher: Real ID, real problem
Thankfully, there is a far better alternative. Recently, the National Conference of State Legislatures issued a call to support repeal of Real ID and passage of replacement legislation. The Identification Security Enhancement Act was introduced this year in the U.S. Senate with bipartisan support. Op-ed in the Baltimore Sun Read the article. Teen drivers ignore laws on cell phones
Matt Sundeen, a transportation analyst with the National Conference of State Legislatures, said many state laws on cell phones are new, making it difficult to assess their impact. He said more states are considering similar restrictions. Associated Press in the Buffalo News Read the article. June 16 GrassCatcher: Retooling the process
Beginning with the next meeting, scheduled for June 23, Pelowski wants recommendations based off several reports presented by nonpartisan House staff and from the National Conference of State Legislatures, with emphasis on committee structure and procedures, floor procedures, end-of-session deadlines and better use of legislative time. Twins Cities Daily Planet Read the article. Motorcyclists welcome green light to go at unchanging red
Bills have been introduced for the same purpose in Georgia, Missouri and Oklahoma, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the legislative Web sites for those states. Greenville News Read the article. Local students to be honored for wetlands art
Four local students will be recognized for award-winning essays, photos and artwork July 22-26 during the 2008 National Conference of State Legislatures, to be held in New Orleans. Houma Courier, Louisiana Read the article. Tax hikes rare among states - so far
Officials in Florida, New York and Missouri also have proposed gas tax holidays but they have yet to gain traction, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Stateline.org in the Kansas City InfoZine Read the article. Indians drop out of Maine conference
An association of American Indians is canceling a conference in Maine next week with the National Conference of State Legislatures, citing a lack of legislative gains this year. The Associated Press in the Rutland Herald Read the article. House approves double pay increase, but battle not over
The proposed increase would give lawmakers the highest base salary in the Deep South and the 14th highest in the nation, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures compiled by The Associated Press. Houma Courier, Louisiana Read the article. Indian island: Indian group cancels meeting
NCAI meets twice a year with the National Conference of State Legislatures to "identify ways in which intergovernmental cooperation can be beneficial to both states and tribes and provide a forum in which discussions can begin," according to the organization’s Web site. Bangor Daily News Read the article. Russell should be honored for work
His leadership skills were recognized by his colleagues nationwide, and he was elected staff chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Opinion in the Times Argus Read the article. La. House backs plan doubling lawmakers' pay
If accepted by the Senate, the proposal would give Louisiana lawmakers the South's highest base pay and the nation's 14th highest, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures. Shreveport Times Read the article. Impeachment could be more than just talk
Most states allow for impeachment but there are differences in which officeholders can be subject to removal, said Brenda Erickson, senior research analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures. In most cases, states have been fairly vague about what constitutes misconduct worthy of impeachment so legislatures have more leeway to decide things on a case-by-case method, she said. My Web Times.com, IL Read the article. State business infrastructure prep is good investment, Pennsylvania DCED secretary says
The National Conference of State Legislatures said that by mid-April, 16 states were already reporting shortfalls in their current budgets. By contrast, Pennsylvania ended May at $294 million above its revenue estimate. FOX Business News Read the article Officials warn tuition freeze likely to thaw
Freezing tuition is ‘‘definitely not an uncommon approach,” said Julie Bell, who directs the education program for the National Conference of State Legislatures. ‘‘It buys the state some time to connect tuition policy with some other long-term policy,” she said. ‘‘It definitely buys the students some time.” Business Gazette Read the article June 13 GrassCatcher: Groups urge legislators to drop plan
The pay package, which may get a final vote in the House today, would make state lawmakers the eighth best-paid in the U.S., according to figures compiled by the National Conference of State Legislatures. 2The Advocate Read the article. NCAI cancels Maine meeting in solidarity with Wabanaki tribes
The National Conference of American Indians has dropped out of a scheduled joint meeting in Maine with the National Conference of State Legislatures in solidarity with Wabanaki tribal leaders, and has issued a resolution urging the state of Maine to support tribal authority. Indian Country Today Read the article. Missouri, a fiscal role model
States across the country are suffering financially. According to a recent report issued by the National Conference of State Legislatures, 23 states are facing a total budget gap of at least $26 billion for their 2009 budgets. Opinion in the Joplin (MO) Independent Read the article. Pay raise for lawmakers is not popular with constituents
If that happens, the Louisiana Legislature would have the eighth-highest legislative base pay in the nation, according to a comparison by the National Conference of State Legislatures. KTBS-TV Read the article June 12 GrassCatcher: Democrats’ consolation prize: women control the gavel
Texas State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte is past president of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Blog in the Wall Street Journal Read the article. Legislature acts to opt out of REAL ID
The National Conference of State Legislatures' president, state Rep. Donna Stone of Delaware, told a U.S. Senate subcommittee in April that the REAL ID law should be repealed and replaced with a negotiated rulemaking process that would include state lawmakers. AP in Boston Globe Read the article. Tax hikes rare among states — so far
Anemic tax revenue returns forced at least 16 states to patch nearly $12 billion holes in their 2008 budgets, while in at least 23 states, budget gaps totaling at least $26 billion emerged for their 2009 budgets, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) reported in April. Stateline.org Read the article. June 11 GrassCatcher: Alaska Legislature takes a road trip
Spokesmen with a bipartisan legislative support group, the Denver-based National Conference of State Legislatures, couldn't say right off whether entire legislatures in other states had embarked on such a road show. "It is not uncommon outside of Alaska for legislative committees to travel around the state," said the group's Brian Weberg. Anchorage Daily News Read the article. Assembly leader puts limits on ghost voting
Public interest advocates criticized that custom as providing the chance for mistakes and fraud. They say legislators should cast their own votes. Most states have banned ghost voting, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. San Francisco Chronicle Read the article. States green-light new red-light laws for motorcycles
Bills have been introduced for the same purpose in Georgia, Missouri and Oklahoma, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the legislative websites for those states. USA Today Read the article. More illegal immigrant arrests are local
Responding to the lack of congressional work on immigration, legislatures in 46 states enacted 240 immigration-related in 2007, National Conference of State Legislatures statistics indicate. The Post Chronicle Read the article. Gas prices are just tip of financial iceberg
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, officials in Florida recently proposed gas tax holidays, but a call to the Florida Department of Revenue to get confirmation of the status of a possible tax holiday was unsuccessful. Santa Rosa's Press Gazette Read the article. Principals' group calls for national academic standards and tests
The National Conference of State Legislatures, after debating the issue, voted last summer to reject the idea of common standards. Education Week Read the article. Blogging in tongues against English-only legislation
Information from the National Conference of State Legislatures indicates that the states' approaches to linguistic diversity often straightjacket the subject into immigration. However, linguistic diversity enriches and enables individuals and society in many more positive ways than many of these legislative efforts would have us believe. TheModerateVoice.com Read the article. June 10 GrassCatcher: Ghost voting: A long history
Most state legislatures prohibit ghost voting, according to Peggy Kerns, director of the Center for Ethics in Government at the National Conference of State Legislatures in Denver. "The opportunity for misuse is quite great," said Kerns, a former Colorado legislator. "The public's expectation is that their elected legislator casts their own votes." San Francisco Chronicle Read the article. Singing the down-ballot blues
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, nearly 80 percent of the 7,382 state legislative seats nationwide will be on the ballot this year. DC Government Executive.com Read the article. Supreme Court curtails rights of public employees
The decision is a victory for groups such as the National School Boards Assn., the League of California Cities and the National Conference of State Legislatures, all of which had urged the court to reject such claims. Los Angeles Times Read the article. Triple rise in number of illegal immigration laws passed in 2007
On the legal front, 1,562 bills related to illegal immigration were filed in 2007 and 240 became law in 46 states. That is thrice as high compared to the number of similar measures approved in 2006, the National Conference of State Legislatures said. AHN.com Read the article. More illegal immigrants' arrests are local
Responding to the lack of congressional work on immigration, legislatures in 46 states enacted 240 immigration-related in 2007, National Conference of State Legislatures statistics indicate. In Mississippi, for example, it is a felony for an illegal immigrant to have a job. UPI.com Read the article. States pass own laws to take on illegal immigration as congress drags its heels
Matt Sundeen, a transportation analyst with the National Conference of State Legislatures, said many state laws on cell phones are new, making it difficult to assess their impact. He said more states are considering similar restrictions. Associated Press Read the Article. States take new tack on illegal immigration
State lawmakers, in response to Congressional inaction on immigration law, are giving local authorities a wider berth. In 2007, 1,562 bills related to illegal immigration were introduced nationwide and 240 were enacted in 46 states, triple the number that passed in 2006, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Blue Ridge Times Read the Article. June 9 GrassCatcher: States take new tack on illegal immigration
State lawmakers, in response to Congressional inaction on immigration law, are giving local authorities a wider berth. In 2007, 1,562 bills related to illegal immigration were introduced nationwide and 240 were enacted in 46 states, triple the number that passed in 2006, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. New York Times Read the article. Study: Teen drivers ignore cell phone restrictions
Matt Sundeen, a transportation analyst with the National Conference of State Legislatures, said many state laws on cell phones are new, making it difficult to assess their impact. He said more states are considering similar restrictions. Associated Press Read the article. New law: Bush will screen DNA
The National Conference of State Legislatures lists for all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, the various statutes or regulatory provisions under which newborns' DNA is already being collected. Opinion in the OpEdNews.com Read the article. Gas hits national average of $4
Officials in Florida, New York and Missouri also have proposed gas tax holidays but they have yet to gain traction, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Buffalo News Read the article. Gas taxes set to rise in some states
Officials in Florida, New York and Missouri also have proposed gas tax holidays but they have yet to gain traction, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Associated Press Read the article. Gas, airfare costs don't slow travel plans for lawmakers
Michelle Blackston, a spokeswoman for the National Conference of State Legislatures, said the New Orleans guest list stands at 5,000 - not as high as previous years' but higher than anticipated. The Advocate Read the article. Lottery adds second drawing
"State finances are in a rough spot right now," said Ian Pulsipher, a policy specialist at the National Conference of State Legislatures. "And gambling is a way to increase revenue without raising taxes." Boston Globe Read the article. Some states act to stop mortgage-rescue scammers
States are leading the effort to help homeowners avoid these scams; at least 18 states have laws banning foreclosure-rescue scams by limiting some of the practices that lead to them, and six of them -- Idaho, Maine, Nebraska, Oregon, Virginia and Washington -- enacted laws just this year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. A similar bill is now on the desk of Florida Gov. Charlie Crist. Stateline.org in the Belleville News Democrat Read the article. Louisiana Senate panel approves cell phone ban
Thirty states and Washington, D.C., have some form of restriction on driving and telephone usage, including Massachusetts, which allows it but only if one hand is on the steering wheel at all times, said Matt Sundeen, transportation analyst at the National Conference of State Legislatures. CNN Money.com Read the article. Taming the ‘Wild West’
Brenda Erickson has experienced Minnesota’s legislative process firsthand. A program principal in the Legislative Management Program of the National Conference of State Legislatures, Erickson worked for the House from 1979-1984. She said there are a number of ways to possibly maximize efficiency. Twin Cities Planet Read the article. June 6 GrassCatcher: SC's Sanford signs illegal immigration bill
Nationwide, more than 1,560 immigrant-related bills were introduced last year, with 240 becoming law. More than 1,100 bills were introduced in the first quarter of this year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Forbes.com Read the article. La. panel OKs cell phone ban
Thirty states and Washington, D.C., have some form of restriction on driving and telephone usage, including Massachusetts, which allows it but only if one hand is on the steering wheel at all times, said Matt Sundeen, transportation analyst at the National Conference of State Legislatures. WWLTV Read the article. Legislators nix DNA tests for all felons
The New Hampshire Department of Safety told lawmakers that only four states don't test all felons. The National Conference of State Legislatures says five states don't. Union Leader Read the article. June 5 GrassCatcher: Smoking ban re-sparked
Votes are expected as early as today to make Pennsylvania the 34th state, including Washington, D.C., to approve some type of smoking ban, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Standard Journal Read the article. Sanford signs broad illegal immigration law
Ann Morse, program director the National Conference of State Legislatures' immigrant policy project, said recent legal challenges to the laws in Oklahoma and elsewhere raise "a real question" of how South Carolina's law will be received. Charleston Post and Courier Read the article. As gas nears $4 a gallon nationally, Oklahoma prices lag behind trend
According to information provided by the National Conference of State Legislatures, only five other states in the nation have lower gasoline excise taxes than Oklahoma's. The Oklahoman Read the article. Drug costs lead county to revisit discount cards
At least 42 states have passed some form of pharmaceutical assistance law, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Washington Post Read the article. Troupe claims conspiracy in camera violation ordinance
Since 2004, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri and West Virginia lawmakers have considered adopting photo enforcement, but measures did not pass, according to a database maintained by the National Conference of State Legislatures. St. Louis American Read the article. Democratic women eye bigger stage
Nevada has a tradition of women in politics. This year, women make up 30.2 percent of legislators in the state, 13th in the nation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Las Vegas Review Journal Read the article. June 4 GrassCatcher: Pa. smoking ban bill heads to House, Senate
Votes are expected as early as Wednesday to make Pennsylvania the 34th state, including Washington, D.C., to approve some type of smoking ban, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Pocono News Read the article. Guns, taxes on tap in House today
Vincent Badolato, education policy specialist for the National Conference of State Legislatures, said the push to allow guns on campus was strong this year. Shreveport Times Read the article. May revenue for state down $23.1 million
The National Conference of State Legislatures said the finances of many states are deteriorating, considerably in some instances. Arkansas Democrat and Gazette Read the article. June 3 GrassCatcher: State program sends 250,000 pills to Iowans
In addition to helping patients, the program is designed to save taxpayer money by keeping people out of hospitals. Iowa was among a handful of states that passed such legislation, and 10 states are considering such proposals, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. AP in Chicago Tribune Read the article. Senate takes up law to require computer techs to report child porn
Laws stating that computer technicians must report child pornography they see while working have been passed in at least five states -- Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina and South Dakota, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Grand Rapids Press Read the article. Ill. governor: state budget is unconstitutional
Arturo Perez, a budget analyst with the National Conference of State Legislatures, said that while it’s common for states to resist their budgets after implementing them to account for revenue changes, it’s unusual for a Legislature to approve an unbalanced budget. Rockford Register Star Read the article. Local matters
The National Conference of State Legislatures recently concluded that some states’ fiscal situations have deteriorated so much that they appear to be in a recession. ForexHound Read the article. June 2 GrassCatcher: States act to stem foreclosure scams
States are leading the effort to help homeowners avoid these scams; at least 18 states have laws banning foreclosure-rescue scams by limiting some of practices that lead to them, and six of them -- Idaho, Maine, Nebraska, Oregon, Virginia and Washington -- enacted laws just this year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Stateline.org in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette Read the article. States halting cash for houses scams
States are leading the effort to help homeowners avoid scams; at least 18 states have laws banning foreclosure-rescue scams by limiting some of the practices that lead to them, and six of them -- Idaho, Maine, Nebraska, Oregon, Virginia and Washington -- enacted laws just this year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. York Daily Record Read the article. Term limits ending careers
Fifteen of the 50 states currently have term limits for legislators, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tulsa World Read the article. Democrats promise to toughen laws on employers
A survey by the National Conference of State Legislatures showed 46 states enacted 194 new immigration-related laws in 2007, triple the number of the previous year. For the first three months of 2008, 26 states enacted 44 such laws. The top three areas of interest are law enforcement, employment and identification documents, the conference said. Des Moines Register Read the article. Lame duck session ban a step in right direction
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Pennsylvania is only one of 12 states without any limits on its legislative session period. Opinion in the Chambersburg Public Opinion Read the article. Calif. ruling sparks gay marriage debate
You can find a great deal of information on same-sex marriage on these Web sites: The nonpartisan National Conference of State Legislatures offers background information. Barre Montpelier Times Argus Read the article. Recycling program saving drugs, lives
Nine states passed laws in 2006 to allow donation of unused drugs and 10 states have legislation under consideration, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Gazette Online, IA Read the article. Good tort system a budget key
Indeed, a new study by the National Conference of State Legislatures examines the revenue and expenditure situation in the 50 U.S. states for the current fiscal year and next. Opinion in the Press Register. AL Read the article. History doesn't favor 'people's veto'
Maine is one of 24 states in the nation, and one of only two in New England, that allow voters to veto newly passed laws, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Kennebec Journal Read the article. Eliminate lame-duck sessions
Pennsylvania is one of 12 states with the option of having a lame-duck session and is one of a very few states in which such a period of legislative action has been a tradition, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Opinion in the Altoona Mirror, PA Read the article. Lawsuits to challenge governor's directive on same-sex marriage
Christine Nelson, an analyst for the conference, said that New York is one of only three states, along with New Mexico and Rhode Island, which has no laws on the books that define marriage. Other states, such as Connecticut and New Jersey, have civil unions or domestic partnerships, which affords gay couples some legal rights. Ithaca Journal Read the article. Mortgage-rescue scams may sink homeowners facing foreclosure
States are leading the effort to help homeowners avoid these scams. At least 18 have laws banning foreclosure rescue scams by limiting some practices that lead to them, and six of them - Idaho, Maine, Nebraska, Oregon, Virginia and Washington - enacted laws just this year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Star News Online Read the article. 
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