Latest Legislation News
Massachusetts Republicans stall funding, again, to shelter the homeless and migrants
BOSTON (AP) — For a third consecutive day, Republicans thwarted attempts by the Democratic-controlled Massachusetts Legislature to approve a spending bill that includes money for temporary shelter spaces for migrant homeless families. Saturday’s session had hardly gotten underway...
McCarthy was ditched and Santos expelled. The House is making history, but not as the GOP envisioned
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House is making history this year in ways that Republicans could hardly have envisioned when the party took control. First, the Republicans voted to oust their speaker, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, in October. On Friday they voted to get rid of one of their own,...
Canadian mining company starts arbitration in case of closed copper mine in Panama
PANAMA CITY (AP) — Canada’s First Quantum Minerals Ltd. announced Friday it has requested arbitration proceedings to fight a Panamanian decision to halt a major open-pit copper mine concession in Panama or obtain damages. First Quantum said one arbitration was requested under the...
Philadelphia votes to ban ski masks to decrease crime. Opponents worry it'll unfairly target some
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia City Council passed legislation to ban ski masks in some public spaces, a measure supporters say will increase public safety amid high violent crime, but opponents argue it will unfairly target people without proof of any wrongdoing. The legislation...
Tougher penalties for rioting, power station attacks among new North Carolina laws starting Friday
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — New or tougher criminal penalties against rioting, vandalizing power stations and harassing law enforcement officers and emergency workers are among North Carolina laws approved this year that took effect Friday. Expanded gun rights at some places of worship...
Former ambassador and Republican politician sues to block Tennessee voting law
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Former Ambassador to Poland and longtime Tennessee Republican politician Victor Ashe sued state election officials on Wednesday over a law he claims is so vague that he could be prosecuted for voting in a Republican primary. The 1972 state law requiring...
North Carolina trial judges block election board changes made by Republican legislature
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina trial judges on Thursday blocked portions of a new law that would transfer Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s authority to pick election board members to the Republican-dominated General Assembly. Following a 90-minute hearing, the three state judges...
South Korean farmers rally near presidential office to protest proposed anti-dog meat legislation
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Dozens of South Korean dog farmers scuffled with police during a rally near the presidential office on Thursday to protest a push by authorities to outlaw dog meat consumption. Earlier this month, government and ruling party officials agreed to introduce...
Panama's high court declared a mining contract unconstitutional. Here's what's happening next
PANAMA CITY (AP) — In a historic ruling, Panama’s Supreme Court this week declared that legislation granting a Canadian copper mine a 20-year concession was unconstitutional, a decision celebrated by thousands of Panamanians activists who had argued the project would damage a forested coastal...
Fast-track legislative maneuvers hinder public participation, nonpartisan Kentucky group says
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Weeks before Kentucky lawmakers reconvene to debate policy, a nonpartisan group issued a report Wednesday scrutinizing the procedures sometimes used to pass legislation. The review conducted by the League of Women Voters of Kentucky found that lawmakers...
