LegisBrief: Smoke-Free Laws

More than 126 million non-smoking Americans continue to be exposed to secondhand smoke in homes, workplaces, vehicles and public places. Recent research shows  smoke-free laws reduce the public's exposure to secondhand smoke while encouraging individuals to quit smoking. Find out how many states have implemented smoke-free laws and how the laws vary. Some protect passengers in cars while others prohibit lighting up in a restaurant or bar. 

LegisBrief: Driving While Texting: States Address a New Trend

Driving while texting is the latest traffic safety concern to attract the attention of state lawmakers. One poll revealed 66 percent of 18-to 24-year-olds drive while texting. There are currently two states that specifically prohibit driving while texting; four other states considered similar provisions in 2007. One major metropolitan city, Phoenix, also specifically prohibits driving while texting.

LegisBrief: State Foreclosure Solutions

The rate of homes entering foreclosure continues to increase. Foreclosures affect both first-time buyers and long-term homeowners. State legislators and community groups are actively working to help consumers who are at risk of losing their home. Lawmakers have created task forces, foreclosure hotlines and emergency funds. They have also changed foreclosure procedures and regulated foreclosure consultants.

LegisBrief: E-prescribing

E-prescribing could be a easy way to reduce medical errors. Physicians who electronically enter patient prescriptions into a pharmacy eliminates the problem with illegible handwriting and vague prescriptions. But there are also some disadvantages to E-prescribing, including the number of health care providers who actually use the system.

Other LegisBrief Topics for January:

Online Learning: State Funding, Costs and Benefits
The Analog Blackout: Making the Transition to Digital Television

Other NCSL Publications:

2008 Presidential Primaries

As it stands right now, 33 states will hold presidential primaries or caucuses on or before Feb. 5, 2008. Find out when your state will hold its presidential primary.

Legislatures Convene

With the new year comes the start of legislative sessions for 44 states; 36 of those begin in January. Only eight meet throughout the year, while several others finish in a few months. Click here for a 2008 legislation session calendar.

Top 10 Issues of 2008 Legislatures

NCSL's annual Top 10 forecast takes a look at the issues state legislatures will tackle in 2008. State budgets top the list, followed by immigration, transportation funding, and the environment. Click here to find out what all 10 of the top issues are expected to be, or you can listen to our podcasts series.

New Year, New Laws

From civil unions in New Hampshire to prohibiting text messaging while driving in Washington state, a host of new laws went into effect Jan. 1, 2008.  Click here to view a comprehensive list of new laws compiled by NCSL. 

State Budget Update

NCSL has released a new State Budget Update: 2007. Slow revenue growth rates mean states' budgets continue to weaken.  This report also includes a special focus on the effects of the housing sector slump on state revenues.

Immigration Report

Many members of the media are still requesting NCSL's latest update on immigration legislation passed in state legislatures. As of November, all 50 states had either introduced or passed legislation pertaining to immigration. NCSL's latest immigration study is available on our website.