October 23, 2007
In This Edition: Border Security on Tribal Lands, a Podcast with the CDC on Superbugs and Restricting Dangerous Sex Offenders
Capitol Ideas is a periodic listing of story ideas and background information from new NCSL research.
Each of the topics below is highlighted in NCSL's LegisBrief series. LegisBriefs are concise, easy-to-read and informative two-page reports. The goal of LegisBrief is to give you a wealth of insight into the issues that affect us all. For members of the press to obtain a copy of LegisBrief, contact NCSL's Media Manger, Meagan Dorsch.
Border Security on Tribal Lands
Since September 11, 2001, the United States has increased security along its borders to prevent illegal immigrants from entering. However, 30 tribes in 10 states have not seen the increased border patrol initiated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Find out what action states are taking to stop the flow of illegal immigrants through tribal lands.
Fighting Hospital-Acquired Infections
Hospital acquired infections (HAI's) like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are deadly and expensive. State responses have varied, only 18 have passed legislation explicitly mandating that health care facilities publicly report the rates of certain HAI's. Find out what the pros and cons to reporting these diseases and LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST with doctors from the Centers for Disease Control.
In this podcast, the doctors break down MRSA infections and destroy some myths surrounding the Superbugs. They also give advice on what we can all do to stay healthy and how legislatures may play a role.
Watching and Restricting Dangerous Sex Offenders
Since the 1900s, states have enacted many new requirements for and restrictions on sex offenders. At least 31 states in 2007 have some form of geographic prohibitions in place, while some have established restrictive ordinances. Find out how states are tracking sex offenders and what is being done on the federal level to restrict sex offenders.
Other LegisBrief topics this month include:
Fueling the Economy - Learn how older diesel vehicles are being retrofitted and technology is improving diesel's effect on public health and air quality.
Trends in Early Learning - Discover what approaches states are using to improve learning in the first five years before kindergarten.
Traffic Congestion: A Never-Ending Problem - Find out what states are doing to improve traffic congestion.
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.
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