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Research

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covid funds

State Actions on Coronavirus Relief Funds

To illustrate the ways states are utilizing its COVID-19 relief fund allocation, NCSL created a database detailing relief fund actions. This database brings up-to-date, real-time information in the 50 states.

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pharmacist

New Scope of Practice Resource

As health workforce shortages continue to grow, states will look for ways to increase access to health care, especially in areas facing primary care provider shortages like rural communities. Using pharmacists to help patients manage medications and address chronic illness is one strategy states may examine.

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Data streaming into globe in front of computer monitor

Broadband 2020 Legislation

In the 2020 legislative session, 42 states, Guam and Puerto Rico addressed broadband in issue areas such as educational institutions and schools, dig once, funding, governance authorities and commissions, infrastructure, municipal-run broadband networks, rural and underserved communities, smart communities and taxes.

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traffic lights

Automated Enforcement Overview

Because of limited resources, many local governments have turned to automated enforcement to enforce red-light-running and speeding violations without diverting law enforcement resources from other areas. NCSL tracks state legislative activity related to red light cameras and speed enforcement cameras.

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Pile of papers

The Canvass

The July 2020 issue examines poll worker shortages and possible solutions for the November general election. The issue also includes an interview with Montana Senator Dee Brown, a review of Kathleen Hale and Mitchell Brown's "How We Vote" and other things worth noting.

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NCSL legisbrief

Protecting Consumers from Surprise Health Care Bills

Stories about consumers getting shockingly high bills after receiving medical care from out-of-network providers prompted some state lawmakers to take action. The topic is receiving renewed attention as these types of bills emerge for services related to COVID-19.

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Overview

NCSL conducts policy research in a variety of areas ranging from agriculture and budget and tax issues and education to health care and immigration and transportation. NCSL’s experts are here to answer your questions and give you unbiased, comprehensive information as soon as you need it on issues facing state legislatures. We answer more than 20,000 requests for information a year. Call us anytime or check out our issues list to see what we have online.

Our consulting services on policy issues go beyond testifying. We help draft bills, organize workshops, and convene legislative-executive teams. NCSL staff are prepared to come to your state to work with legislators and staff on almost any public policy issue, or issue related to the management of a legislature. Contact your state’s liaison to schedule a briefing or to learn more about this service.

We also offer access to 50-state information and other legislative resources, such as weekly session schedules. You can find legislation in the 50 states, District of Columbia and Congress through NCSL’s new 50-State Bill Information Service, a searchable database containing the full text of legislation for the current session. You also can Join listservs and discussion groups, search tens of thousands of documents, receive personalized information on your issues, access NCSL books and newsletters, look-up your colleagues in the 50 states and take advantage of e-learning opportunities.