Latest Laws News
Alaska governor calls budget passed this week 'defective'
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy labeled as “defective” the state spending package passed by lawmakers this week and said he was prepared to call them into another special session next week if they do not act before the current special session expires Friday. ...
With Juneteenth new federal holiday, Illinois offices close
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois government offices will be closed Friday in a nod to a new federal law, making Juneteenth an official holiday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday. The decision by Pritzker supersedes a state law signed Wednesday by the governor that...
Court: If bias rules have exceptions, faith groups qualify
Justice Samuel Alito called it a “wisp” of a decision — a Supreme Court ruling Thursday that favored Catholic Social Services in Philadelphia but was far from the constitutional gale wind that would have reshaped how courts interpret religious liberty under the First Amendment. ...
Missouri responds defiantly to Justice Dept. over gun law
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's Republican governor and attorney general said in a defiant letter to the U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday that they stand by the state's new law that would ban police from enforcing federal gun rules. Gov. Mike Parson and Attorney...
Missouri risks Medicaid funding over contraceptive fight
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri is at risk of losing $4.5 billion in tax revenue and federal funding for Medicaid because of a fight between lawmakers over contraceptives. At issue is a state tax on hospitals, doctors and other health care providers that is used to...
Montana considers wolf hunting rules amid population decline
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A commission governing wolf hunting in Montana is considering new wolf management rules that would make it easier to hunt wolves in the state after the Legislature passed several laws earlier this year to encourage additional wolf hunting. The...
Colorado governor signs big transportation bill into law
EVERGREEN, Colo. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Jared Polis has signed into law an ambitious transportation funding bill that addresses Colorado’s long-neglected highway infrastructure while promoting programs to wean residents from their gas-guzzling vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions....
Arkansas district judge to run for state Supreme Court seat
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — An Arkansas district judge has announced he's running for a seat on the state Supreme Court. District Judge Chris Carnahan, 49, said Wednesday that he is seeking the post currently held by Robin F. Wynne on the Arkansas State Supreme Court. ...
Texas joins list of states dropping permit rules for guns
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas will now let people carry handguns without first getting a background check and training, becoming the latest and largest on a growing list of states to roll back permitting requirements for carrying guns in public. Republican Gov. Greg...
Nebraska state offices to close for Juneteenth holiday
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska state offices will close Friday in anticipation of a new federal law that will establish Juneteenth as a recognized government holiday. Gov. Pete Ricketts ordered the closure to comply with a state law that grants the same paid holiday...
