California should reform CEQA instead of punching holes in it

For the second time in two years, the California Legislature has passed a one-off law to circumvent the California Environmental Quality Act, and this time, it doesn't look good: In June, the state legislature exempted the state's own new office building projects from CEQA. The new law was quickly passed, and even one of the […]

In Nogales, lawmakers, local officials lambast failure to pass migrant reform

Lawmakers and local officials were in Nogales Monday morning, arguing that Congress is fueling the crisis by failing to pass border and immigration reform. The reform in question Omnibus Funding BillThe bill, drafted by a bipartisan group of lawmakers earlier this year, includes funding for additional Border Patrol and asylum officers, as well as a […]

Gov. Newsom announces rival ballot initiative on theft and drug reform

California lawmakers are expected this week to approve a voter initiative for the November ballot to crack down on retail theft and fentanyl dealers, an effort designed to counter tougher crime measures pushed by county district attorneys. The plan was announced after days of tense negotiations between Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration and Democratic legislative leaders. […]

UA System, Presidents issue update on Alabama DEI reform implementation

The Alabama Legislature has passed a bill that would ban state government institutions from teaching divisive concepts, including critical race theory. The bill also eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and initiatives at those public institutions. The bill applies to K-12 education, state government agencies, and public universities. In recent weeks, the chancellors of […]

Ethics reform bill remains on the table in final days of legislative session

On Tuesday, the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on State Rep. Matt Simpson's proposed overhaul of Alabama's ethics law. With the Senate session adjourning on Tuesday, leaving just two days in the 2024 state legislative session, Simpson (R-Daphne) addressed the committee to make one final push. He told lawmakers he has worked closely […]

Rep. Matt Simpson defends ethics reform push

In February, state Rep. Matt Simpson introduced a bill that, if passed, would replace Alabama's current ethics code guiding state lawmakers with one that would provide tougher penalties for violations. HB 227 passed the House by a vote of 79-9, but did not make it to a vote in the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee, as […]

Ethics reform to be revisited during 2025 legislative session, Speaker Ledbetter expects

House Speaker Nathaniel Leadbetter believes state lawmakers accomplished great things for Alabamians during the 2024 legislative session. He offered more details Thursday about the bills that will be up for reconsideration next session. Leadbetter said reforming the state's ethics laws will remain a priority for him next year. This year, state Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) […]

Steve Garvey’s win is a loss for California election reform

The Dodgers don't usually get intentional help from their arch-rivals, the Giants.But something strange happened in the California primary: Former Dodgers great and current Republican Senate candidate Steve Garvey advances to general election After being promoted almost entirely by other teams, along with Democratic Rep. Adam B. Schiff.Former National League MVP's long-term goal Senate race […]

FACT CHECK: Was Chuck Schumer Caught On Hot Mic Planning To Blame MAGA For Reform Delays?

post shared on social media Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he has discussed plans with President Joe Biden to blame Republicans for slowing reforms. Instagram/Screenshot That claim is inaccurate. The audio in the video has been changed. Schumer recently celebrated the passage of legislation to prevent a government shutdown. the hill report. Schumer said […]

JASON SNEAD: Election Reform Is A Marathon, Not A Sprint

Voters know all too well what happens when liberal election lawyers overhaul election laws on the fly. Confusion, confusion, and delays make for a grueling experience at the polls. During the 2020 election cycle, partisan lawyers like mark elias They used the coronavirus pandemic to disingenuously force new voting rules on states and overhaul the […]