Let's say you're driving a rental car that someone else has rented and you know there is something in the trunk that would definitely reflect poorly upon you if the trunk was opened by a person wearing a badge. Well, the U.S. Supreme Court says, the authorities can't open that trunk and make the damning discovery.

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For state lawmakers looking to reduce waste and improve program outcomes, a growing number of states rely on rigorous analyses of program results to inform budget, policy and management decisions, also known as evidence-based policymaking.

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Looking nationwide, 16 states plus the District of Columbia allow 17-year-olds to vote, and the number is slowly growing.

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“I don’t get bored anymore. Instead of sitting in full group, I work in small groups on what I need.” That’s how a fourth grader at Parker-Varney Elementary School in Manchester, N.H., described the experience of working with small groups of peers at the same level during a visit by NCSL’s Student-Centered Learning Commission earlier this month.

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The House Judiciary Committee passed the FIRST STEP Act, HR 5682, by a vote of 25-5.

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This e-update features a list of recent NCSL resources, including a podcast featuring economist Art Rolnick explaining how investing in early childhood can pay off in big ways, an archived webinar about opioids and early adversity and much more.

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The plight of America’s aging energy grid isn’t one of those problems that will go away if we ignore it.

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Can you guess the biggest growth industry in Rural America? Its not oil, not natural gas. It's not agriculture. It's definitely not manufacturing.

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If you’re looking to connect with fellow legislative staff, sharpen your skills and explore top state policy issues, all with a side of California dreaming, be sure to register for the NCSL Legislative Summit (July 30-Aug. 2 in Los Angeles).

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NCSL is home to 46 former legislative staff, and they bring their appreciation for the dedication and expertise of our bill drafters, fiscal analysts, IT staff and others to their work serving you at NCSL.

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