Stateline Headlines

How Governors Govern Higher Ed

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett are the latest governors to play a role in resolving crises at their state universities.

Abortion Ultrasound Debate Intensifies

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: The debate in Virginia whether to require every woman seeking an abortion get an ultrasound is flaring up in a half dozen other statehouses.

Copper Thefts Trigger Widespread Crackdown

Copper is a hot commodity these days, leading 20 states this year to enact laws to protect homeowners and businesses from criminals stealing gutters, cables and other scrap metals.

Texas Again Leads Nation in Executions; Ohio a Distant Second

TODAY'S TAKE: Texas executed more than twice as many inmates in 2010 as the next-closest state, Ohio, according to a new report. Nationally, states executed 46 prisoners this year, a 12-percent decline from last year.

State Police Not Immune to Budget Cuts

TODAY'S TAKE: State police agencies have been propped up with the help of federal stimulus money, but that doesn't mean they are immune to budget cuts. In Tennessee, 13 small counties soon could have no state troopers at all. Pennsylvania is worried that it will not be able to replace retiring officers.

Legislators Barring Electronic Distractions

Since 1997, when North Dakota state senators pioneered a ban on the use of electronic devices when their august body was open for business, the parliamentary rules of more and more legislatures require cell phones, computers and other high-tech distractions to be turned off or left at the door. Maine's House of Representatives is the latest to join the legislative rebellion against the myriad intrusions of the Digital Age.

Cuomo Declines to Back Longtime House Speaker

TRANSITION WATCH: New York's governor-elect sends mixed signals on Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Alabama legislators promise to focus on ethics and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Republican AGs Probe Health Care Deal

TODAY'S TAKE: The Republican attorneys general of Alabama, Colorado, Michigan, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas and Washington State are threatening to challenge as unconstitutional a provision written into the U.S. Senate's national health care bill that cuts a special deal for Nebraska.

States Expand Fetal Homicide Laws

A wave of new state fetal homicide laws recognizing a fetus "of any gestational age" as a person and potential crime victim has abortion rights advocates worried the statutes could undermine a woman's right to end her pregnancy. Among the 37 states with laws making death of a fetus a separate crime, language giving legal status to a fetus at the earliest stages of pregnancy is proliferating.

Fight Over Abortion Rules Could Reverberate Widely

Mississippi could be one step closer to becoming the first U.S. state without an abortion provider after a state hearing Thursday. But the legal fight over the state’s abortion law is far from over, and could have far-reaching implications for other states with similar laws.

States Promote Nursing, Protect Moms

Mississippi, the state with the lowest breastfeeding rate in the country, has passed a broad new law allowing mothers to nurse at work and in public. In addition, five other states - Arizona, Kentucky, Kansas, South Carolina and Alabama - passed laws protecting mothers from charges of indecent exposure when they nurse in public places.

States Try GPS to Protect Social Workers

Last year, a Kentucky social worker was murdered in the line of duty. Although fatalities are rare, this case and others like it are a call to arms for state child-welfare agencies already battling high worker-turnover rates and a nationwide shortage of skilled new social workers. Two states are equipping their frontline caseworkers with Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking devices to boost worker safety and efficiency.

Amid Recall, Four Governors Defend Toyota

TODAY'S TAKE: The governors of Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky and Mississippi - all states that are home to Toyota plants -on Wednesday (Feb. 10) defended the Japanese automaker amid its worldwide recall of millions of cars.

Alabama, Tennessee In Special Session, Massachusetts Budget Okayed

Alabama and Tennessee legislators are in special session dealing with tax issues, while Massachusetts lawmakers cleared the way for adjournment by finally passing a budget. For more information, click on

Two New Governors Cause Early Political Stirs

TODAY'S TAKE: New governors in Alabama and Maine have found themselves at the center of controversy days after taking office as a result of widely publicized comments that offended minority groups.

Jindal Stays Put as Isaac Swirls Toward Coast

This week was supposed to be Bobby Jindal’s time in the limelight — a chance at complete redemption for the Louisiana governor, whose star in the Republican Party is rising once again. But a hurricane named Isaac thought otherwise.

Bashing Oil Industry is Tricky Politics in Gulf States

Now that oil has stopped gushing in the Gulf of Mexico, state and local governments are tallying the economic losses they have suffered-and vowing to hold BP accountable. But they are moving carefully, mindful that much of the region's economy depends on the industry they are confronting.

Gulf States Fear Long-Term Fiscal Effects of Oil Disaster

The Gulf Coast states were hopeful that 2010 would be a year of economic revival. Now, one of the worst environmental tragedies in U.S. history is jeopardizing the future of the tourism, fishing and deep-water oil drilling industries. Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida do not have the money to offset the revenue losses and are counting on BP to rescue them.

Did Race to the Top Help or Hurt the Push for a Common Curriculum?

States were working on a common set of education standards before the Obama administration decided to make adoption of them part of Race to the Top. The prospect of winning federal money motivated some states to pass the standards, but the administration's blessing may have turned others away.

In Iowa and Florida, Judges Survive Expensive Ouster Attempts

Three justices in Florida and one in Iowa held off conservative efforts to remove them from office. In Michigan and North Carolina, conservatives retained power on the Supreme Court following expensive campaigns.

A Labor Challenge to Republicans in Indiana

In some states, labor unions have decided the best way to regain influence may be to work on the Republican Party from within.

States Move Slowly Toward Digital Textbooks

Despite enthusiasm for digital textbooks at the national level, states have been slow to get on board. But the movement is gaining strength.

Four States Share Bonus For Curbing Out-of-Wedlock Births

Four states and the District of Columbia have bucked the national trend and are reporting dips in their rates of births to unmarried mothers, the Department of Health and Human Services reported Friday. While the percentage of out-of-wedlock births in the nation as a whole climbed slightly over the two years from 1997 to 1998, it fell in Alabama, Arizona, Illinois, Michigan and the District of Columbia.

Delaware Gov Defends Common Core

A handful of states are reconsidering their pledges to adopt the common national standards in English and math, citing concerns about federal intrusion into the states. Supporters say that’s misguided.

UPDATE: More States Decriminalize Safe Baby Abandonment

In February, Stateline.org reported that seven states were considering abandoned baby laws; that number has now climbed to at least 23. Since mid-April alone, Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Minnesota, and West Virginia have enacted abandoned baby or "safe haven" laws, often in response to tragic stories of infants left in dumpsters, alleyways, shallow graves, public restrooms or parking lots. For an in-depth report on this policy trend, click on

Death Penalty Rulings Raise Issues For Lawmakers

The Colorado Legislature will convene in special session July 8 in order to bring state law into line with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down the authority of judges to impose sentencing in death penalty cases. At least four other states directly affected by the decision may have to hold special sessions as well.

Best of #StateReads: Ex-Parks Official Had Criminal Past

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Schedules Get a Makeover in Schools Across the Country

Tourism and budget cuts have dictated, and in some cases shortened, the school year in some states, but a growing movement thinks students need more time in school.

California's Brown Shifts Gears in Debate Over Prisons

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Governor Jerry Brown says tax extensions are necessary in California for public safety ... Crime labs close because of Alabama budget cuts ... Michigan reconsiders its sex offender rules, and other public safety news.

At Last, a State Budget Year When the Sky Is Not Falling

PART FIVE OF FIVE: After four years of epic budget woes, states are ready for an improved 2012. Some are even poised to add dollars back to programs they wish they never had to cut.

Once, Twice, Three Times a Gov?

Among the fresh faces running in the nation's 36 gubernatorial races this year are three who have seen it all before - because they used to be governors. Former Govs. Tony Knowles (D) of Alaska, Don Siegelman (D) of Alabama and William Weld (R) of Massachusetts are seeking second shots at their old jobs. Since 1977, 16 of 45 former state chief executives who have attempted gubernatorial comebacks have regained their seats.

Gov. Robert Bentley says legislators 'better be listening to the people' on school tax credits

Sponsor -- Still work to do on campaign finance bill

Senator to Bentley -- "I will not sit by and passively allow... children being subjected to a less than stellar education"

Five bond issues totaling $280 million could clear Legislature on Monday

Bentley urges city officials to call lawmakers to support delay of private school tax credits

10 minutes per month -- Alabama probation, parole officers get little time with 67,410 they oversee

Bentley changes like the wind

Legislature -- Lawmakers expecting a busy last day

Bentley defends 2-year delay for school tax credits

Bond issues still pending on last day of legislative session

AG Luther Strange says Lowell Barron seeking 'special treatment' in sealing part of case file

Bentley's amendment to Alabama Accountability Act drawing opposition from some Republican lawmakers

Existing Alabama laws, public awareness already effective tools to combat impaired driving, officials say

Alabama Accountability Act architect Sen. Del Marsh says Gov. Bentley's changes to law DOA

Delay gives failing schools a fighting chance

Shelby provision in water bill would benefit state docks

Tax credit delay rejected

Gov. Robert Bentley -- Budgets look good, no plans for special session

State Sen. Cam Ward expects Alabaster annexation, elder abuse bills to pass

Sen. Dick Brewbaker says Republicans likely to disagree over Bentley amendment

Abortion clinic's website history is latest focus in state's shutdown attempt

Bentley signs law calling for Gulf State Park upgrades

Jeffco's $105 million non-sewer deal another step to exit bankruptcy, officials say

Gov. Robert Bentley signs bill creating a 'crown jewel' conference center in Gulf Shores

Alabama AG Luther Strange calls for special prosecutor in IRS scandal

Cheers! All 50 States Embrace the Home Brew Boom

As of July 1, all 50 states will allow aspiring brewers to make their own beer at home. But states are still figuring out how to regulate the popular hobby.

Alabama -- Give us your tarred, your poison, your puddled morasses

Alabama tea party groups targeted by IRS

Gov. Robert Bentley considering possible executive amendments to Alabama Accountability Act

Road, bridge improvements to aid all Alabama counties

Bentley -- 'Good possibility' Airbus supplier jobs will come to Montgomery

Almost all over but the shouting -- A look back at the 2013 legislative session so far

Legislators' to-do list for final day includes bills on guns, campaign finance, drug testing welfare applicants

GOP considers campaign changes while raising money

The Alabama Democratic Party -- "We're broke, broke, broke."

State needs nonprofit vet clinics

Lawmakers vote to remove AEA chief from teachers' retirement board

Nullification -- More states are pushing back against federal laws and court rulings but it's nothing new in Alabama

Lawmakers near agreement on gun legislation, Senate approves conference committee report

State education budget headed to governor, would spend 3.6 percent more than this year

Campaign finance law revisions pass House; headed back to Senate

Lawmakers give final approval to General Fund budget, send it to governor

Sharp disagreements surface again as lawmakers amend Alabama Accountability Act

Bentley signs law to legalize home brewing in Ala.

Committee approves bill to change voter registration deadline

Lawmakers won't address whether private school students are eligible for tax credits under Alabama Accountability Act

Bill before House today repeal state limit on corporate campaign contributions; Lawmaker says it's a 'pretend' cap

Home brewers wait on Gov. Robert Bentley's decision

Lawmaker -- Let VictoryLand have same machines as Poarch casinos

Home brewing: Soon to be legal in all 50 states

How tribal sovereignty was born and what that means for bingo in Alabama

Second Amendment Preservation Act just a GOP election stunt

Medicaid bill goes to Bentley

Alabama Senate passes budget, granting teachers first pay raise since 2007

Alabama House panel OKs school security officer bill

Alabama's tourism up 5 percent, state welcome center director says

Alabama income tax collections up, sales taxes down slightly so far this year

One spay/neuter bill could pass, another appears to have hit roadblock in Alabama Legislature

Federal law trumps state law

Alabama's private schools don't want state involvement (update)

Two percent teacher pay raise looks more likely in education budget

Online tax could be state budget windfall

New Health Exchanges Unlikely to End Insurance Monopolies in Some States

The new health insurance exchanges are supposed to lead to lower prices by spurring competition between carriers. But what if insurers stay away?

Alabama State of the State Address 2013

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Feb. 5 -- Following is the prepared text for Gov. Robert Bentley's (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

Seizing Medicaid Expansion as a Means to Reform

Alabama aims to make its Medicaid program more efficient, before expanding it. Under consideration is a regional care plan developed in Oregon.

Arizona Can’t Divert Land Trust Fund, Court Rules

The Arizona Legislature violated the constitution when it tapped a trust fund earmarked for education to help plug the state’s budget gap, the Arizona Supreme Court has ruled.

Alabama’s Dam Oversight Void Stirs Safety Concerns, Confusion

Alabama is the only state that doesn’t regulate dams, leaving thousands of aging structures never inspected or regulated in any way. It likely includes dams built over a century ago, and hundreds the state doesn’t know exist.

States Get More Time to Decide If They Will Run Their Own Health Insurance Exchanges

Only a few new states have opted to build and operate their own insurance exchanges. More are taking a wait and see approach.

Alabama’s Largest County Faces Bankruptcy Without State Help

History, a fear of raising taxes, dissuaded Alabama from helping its largest county avoid insolvency