Say what you will about these unprecedented, challenging and bizarre times, they clearly have brought out the best in legislative staff—most notably, their resiliency, creativity and compassion—and, happily, these efforts have not gone unnoticed.

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State by state over the course of the past two months governors have closed “non-essential” businesses and directed residents to stay at home for all but “essential” activities. The scope of these orders and what’s considered “essential” can vary significantly depending on the state.

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California is now the sixth state in the nation with plans to conduct its November general election by mailing ballots to all voters.

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In Kelly v. United States the Supreme Court unanimously overturned the federal fraud convictions of the Bridgegate masterminds because they didn’t seek to obtain money or property.

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As this week draws to a close, NCSL extends our gratitude to the legislative staff across the country who are working to support the legislative process when each day brings new, unprecedented challenges.

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With no details or dissents, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition for an emergency stay of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision upholding Governor Tom Wolf’s executive order “compelling the closure of the physical operations of all businesses and entities that he deemed to be nonlife-sustaining.” 

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Today is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, which highlights the growing need for children’s mental health resources. The nationwide annual campaign is hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

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A small, but growing corps of so-called “pandemic drones” have helped deliver food, medicine and enforce social distancing measures.

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We recently caught up with several legislative staff from around the country to find out what they love about the legislature, insights for their peers and how they’re coping during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Beginning this week for the first time ever the Supreme Court is holding oral argument over the phone and allowing the public to listen in live. Today’s argument in Little Sisters of the Poor v. Pennsylvania illustrates the myriad ways live, phone argument is different from the traditional in-person version.  

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