Capitol Ideas: Sept. 11

Capitol Ideas

September 11, 2003

States Pass Money Laundering, Anti-bullying Laws; Bioterrorism Grants Available

Capitol Ideas is a periodic publication intended to provide state capitol journalists with the latest trends and information about the nation's state legislatures.

Cutting Off Terrorists' Funding: Money laundering is receiving new attention from federal and state governments as lawmakers attempt to block the flow of funds to terrorist organizations, according to research by the National Conference of State Legislatures. In the past two years, six states passed new money laundering laws that relate to terrorist activity. The bills increase penalties in some cases, create new crimes in others, and also make it easier for the government to access bank records and other documents. State policymakers in 12 states introduced 30 bills on this topic since the attacks on Washington, D.C., and New York. Legislation is pending in two states and in Congress. For more information, go to: http://www.ncsl.org/terrorism/moneylaundersept11.htm.

'Tackling the Schoolyard Bully': School violence has become more visible in recent years, and state legislatures have begun to address bullying problems. In the past three years, 16 states passed legislation aimed at preventing harassment, intimidation and hate in schools. NCSL examines this topic in a new report, "Tackling the Schoolyard Bully." The publication discusses the problem and provides information on selected new laws, which primarily define bullying, prohibit it and set communication procedures to notify parents and students of policies. States with related laws include: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, West Virginia. Arkansas and Rhode Island passed laws this session. For an electronic copy of the report, send an email to press-room@ncsl.org.

Federal Bioterrorism Money Available: More federal money is available for states to prepare for public health emergencies such as bioterrorism. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced that $1.4 billion in state grants is available to upgrade hospitals and other health care services. States have access to $870 million to track diseases, increase lab capacity and check their readiness for outbreaks, among other emergency planning measures. Congress has made another $498 million available for states to prepare for other major disasters. Find out how much your state can get at this U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Web page: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2003pres/20030902.html.

NCSL Establishes Ties with Mexican Counterpart: NCSL and an organization of Mexican states agreed today to work together to preserve mutual legislative and cultural interests. NCSL and the Conference of Mexican State Legislatures and Legislators (Conferencia Mexicana de Congresos y Legisladores Estatales, or COMCE) agreed to formal visits, the sharing of documents and other efforts to advance each country's knowledge of how the other's government works. They also agreed to cultural and educational exchanges to promote greater understanding between their citizens. For more information, go to: http://www.ncsl.org/programs/press/2003/pr030911.htm.

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