Stateline Headlines

Advocates for Climate Action Urge Insurers to Join Up

Some are pushing the insurance industry to not only to crank up the volume on its longstanding calls for hardier building and safer land use in disaster-prone areas, but also to push for cuts to the carbon emissions.

Billions on the Ballot

In November, voters in a number of states will consider ballot measures that, if passed, would have enormous fiscal consequences. Some would raise taxes, others would slash them, and still others would impact state spending in dramatic ways.

Va. Tech Tragedy Likely to Affect State Policy

Last month's shocking shooting at Virginia Tech - the nation's deadliest, with 33 killed - is likely to have lasting policy repercussions. A look at the legacy of the 1999 shootings at Colorado's Columbine High School shows how such tragic events have an impact on state laws and policies.

Few Governors Tout Bold Initiatives

In his state of the state address last month, Vermont Gov. James H. Douglas said that the state should track convicted drug dealers the same way it does sexual predators, by publicizing their names and addresses. This proposal is one of only a handful of truly innovative programs proposed by governors in their state of the state addresses this year.

Western States Launch Virtual University

Out West, where vast prairie lands and expansive desert highways bring new meaning to the term distance learning, governors have hopped on the bandwidth wagon and created an 18-state virtual university to bring higher education to far-flung populations at a reasonable price.

State School Funds On Trial, Again

Texas, Colorado, Kansas and others will see action on school finance lawsuits next year, but it could be years before they make a difference in the classroom.

Democrats Have Edge in Statehouse Races

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Democrats are likely to make gains in state legislative races this year, but it's a toss-up whether the seats they win will be enough to overtake control of a handful of narrowly divided statehouses, a panel of election experts said at the National Conference of State Legislatures annual conference here.

Wind Subsidies Raise a Storm in Heartland States

Wind-energy has been a booming industry in many states the past few years. But the federal tax credits that have helped fuel that growth is likely to disappear in a few months.

Gay Activists Hopeful in Colo., S.D., Wis.

After a series of stinging judicial defeats for same-sex marriage this summer, both sides of the issue are looking to November's elections as a test of how far public attitudes have changed toward gay couples.

States To Brush Up On Childrens Oral Health

Representatives of eight states will gather in Charleston, S.C. next month for a closed-door policy workshop designed to strengthen oral health care initiatives for children.Selected from 28 states that applied for the workshop, delegations from Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina and Virginia will attend the National Governors Associations Policy Academy for State Officials on Improving Oral Health Care for Children Dec. 13-15.

Former Cranston Mayor Laffey to run for governor in Colorado

Openly Gay Lawmakers Selected To Lead Chambers

Oregon Representative Tina Kotek is poised to join openly gay lawmakers in Colorado and Washington as a leader of a state legislative chamber.

Governors Push Natural Gas-Powered Vehicles

With oil prices still high, group of 13 governors on Monday (April 30) asked automakers for input on how states might boost demand for natural gas-powered vehicles.

Ten States Join Effort to Buy Natural Gas Vehicles

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Last fall, the governors of Oklahoma and Colorado announced a plan to get states to buy 5,000 vehicles powered by natural gas. So far, 10 states have joined the effort.

Natural Gas Growth Adds Strain to State Regulators

To keep pace with a surge of natural gas drilling, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is looking to triple its staff of well inspectors. In many other states, inspection teams remain small while wells go unchecked.

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.

States Say No to Teen Tanning

No smoking. No drinking. No talking on cell phones while driving. Now, the latest no-no in state laws aimed at underage teens is indoor tanning.

Handicappers See State, Local Faces In A Gore Lineup

Should Al Gore and Joseph Lieberman make it to the White House, Gore would probably rely on congressional contacts to fill most of his cabinet slots, political analysts speculate. However, they say there are some state and local politicial leaders who could wind up in a Gore administration.

The 'Amazon Tax' War Escalates

Colorado and North Carolina tried a new approach to taxing the sales of internet retailers like Amazon.com. But Amazon is fighting back, both in the courts and by shutting down a key marketing program in those states. How far will the tax war go?

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.

Feds: New Mexico, other western states see oil production jump over 3 years

States' green-building laws 'lead by example'

While rarely requiring private developers to meet eco-aware standards enacted for public buildings, some states are offering builders tax breaks and other incentives to pursue energy-efficient construction. Long-term energy savings are a bonus.

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.

Toll Roads Hit Speed Bumps

As states increasingly look to toll roads and leases for quick road-funding fixes, the public, consumer advocates and motorist and trucking associations are putting up barriers to pay-as-you-drive proposals.

Interior issues new public land fracking rule

Missouri is Toughest on Crack Cocaine

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Missouri punishes crack dealers more severely than those who sell the powder version of the same drug… Police are stretched thin in one of the nation's most dangerous cities… The Colorado probation agency comes under scrutiny, and other public safety news.

States Try to Help Veterans Find Jobs

With U.S forces out of Iraq and combat troops slated to leave Afghanistan in 2013, states are readying for an influx of returning troops who will be looking for work.

Mississippi Tops List Of Fattest States — Again

For the seventh straight year, Mississippi has claimed a dubious title: the nation’s fattest state. That’s according to the latest estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2011, nearly 35 percent of adult Mississippians were considered obese, according to data released on Monday (Augu

Minnesota Senate Votes to Shrink State Government

MANAGEMENT BEAT: There may be 15 percent fewer workers in Minnesota state government … California Governor Jerry Brown weighs in with a pension overhaul plan … Nebraska looks to compromise on collective bargaining, and other government management news.

States Test Whether Public Pension Benefits Given Can Be Taken Away

Most changes made to shore up state pension funds have been aimed at new employees. Now, three states are targeting current retirees - a group that has been considered off limits.

Term Limits Will Create Rookie League in Some Legislatures

Many anti-incumbent voters eager to oust their state legislators in 2010 will find term limits doing it for them. Nearly 400 lawmakers in 14 states are being forced by law to retire this year, including a fifth of the nation's house speakers and other key leadership figures. That has raised worries about how newcomers will deal with governing during a budget crisis.

After Expanding Coverage, Health Care Pioneer Seeks to Tame Costs

The Affordable Care Act will extend health care coverage to almost everybody. Now states are moving on to the next frontier in health care reform: containing costs. Once again, Massachusetts is taking the lead by putting its health care industry on an annual budget and requiring all insurers and medical providers to make detailed price lists available to the public.

Some Rookie Governors Fumble

From Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) indulging in $12,000 drapes for his office to Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D) enraging labor supporters with his first veto, some of this year's freshmen governors have gotten off to a wobbly start.

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty, Sixth State in Six Years

Maryland became the sixth state in as many years to repeal the death penalty. But the fate of the state’s five remaining death row inmates is up to Governor Martin O'Malley.

Courts Differ on Police Use of DNA

Taking DNA samples from suspects immediately upon arrest is an increasingly common law enforcement practice. But some courts have ruled it unconstitutional.

Teach for America Alums Take Aim at State Office

Some alumni from the teaching program are making runs for state office. Many are facing opposition from teachers’ unions.

Md. vote may pave way for 'Wal-Mart' bills

Round two in the battle over whether states should require large employers such as Wal-Mart to spend a certain amount on employee health benefits could get under way this week in Washington state. Workers' rights advocates, bolstered by enactment of a new Maryland law, plan to push similar measures in 30 other states this year.

LePage Struggles to Fill Maine Cabinet Due to Salary Concerns

TRANSITION WATCH: Maine's governor-elect says top choices for key roles have turned him down, Alaska Governor Sean Parnell promises a fight with the feds over Medicaid funding, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Seniors Are New Target for Tax Increases

Over the years, states have carved out ever more generous tax breaks for the elderly. Now, Kentucky and a few other states are beginning to question whether these policies cost too much.

Secretaries of State Up the Political Ante

In most American states, the job of secretary of state has long been seen as a largely non-partisan post, invested for the most part with administrative and caretaker duties. A new crop of activists is working hard to change that.

As Layoffs Mount, Governors Seek Support on Wind Tax Credit

With election season politics behind them, several governors are reapplying pressure on Congress to extend a tax credit whose looming expiration is stirring angst within the wind industry.

Illinois Debates School Consolidation

EDUCATION BEAT: School consolidation plan earns mixed reviews in Illinois ... Georgia's first-of-its-kind HOPE scholarships are in danger of running out of money ... Budget cuts could force some Michigan colleges and universities to close, and more education news from the states.

Governors-Elect Plan Low-Budget Inaugural Celebrations

TRANSITION WATCH: New governors arrange no-frills inaugurations as acts of symbolism, redistricting roles are reversed in Ohio, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Western Governors Wary of Federal Road-Free Forest Plan

A nervous group of Western governors says a Clinton administration proposal to make 54 million acres of national forest road-free would wreak havoc with logging, mining and tourism taking place on adjoining state and private property.

High Court Hears States Rights' Case Involving Motorists

A policy that infuriated citizens in South Carolina, Florida and Colorado this year -- the disclosure of driver's license information -- is getting a U.S. Supreme Court review. At issue is whether the federal government can use the Driver's Privacy Protection Act to keep states from using motor vehicle records as they please.

Governors Target Rules at Businesses' Behest

Newly elected Republicans - and some Democrats - have made rethinking regulations a top priority. That has environmentalists and consumer advocates nervous.

Rhee is Possible Education Commissioner for Florida's Scott

TRANSITION WATCH: Florida's governor may offer a job to one of the best-known figures in public education, Colorado's new governor pledges apolitical appointments and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

First State Last on 2008 Drunken Driving Law

Delaware is the last state in the nation to resist cracking down further on drunken drivers by lowering the blood-alcohol level that determines intoxication. Other holdout states -- Colorado and Minnesota -- joined the rest of the country last month in enacting laws to lower the blood-alcohol concentration threshold to .08 percent from .10 percent. Delaware is jeopardizing millions of dollars in federal highway construction funds if state lawmakers don't lower the limit this session. Opponents of .08 argue states' rights.

As Sandy Hook Students Return to School, Connecticut Governor to Launch Gun Violence Task Force

Still reeling from the elementary school massacre that shocked the nation, Connecticut has launched an expert panel that will study current policy and make recommendations on school safety, mental health and gun violence prevention, Governor Dan Malloy said Thursday.

Another Mass Shooting Revives Debate on Gun Laws

Another mass shooting is fueling another debate about the nation’s patchwork of gun laws. But this time some new and prominent faces are calling for the stricter gun measures.

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

Hold on to rights, Colorado

Death penalty is Gov. Hickenlooper's issue now

Colorado Sen. Evie Hudak recall effort suspended

Hickenlooper accused of trying to have it both ways with death penalty

Politicians, family pay respects to longtime strategist Jim Monaghan

Colorado wildlife agency determined to make CNG-powered pickups work

Colorado parole chief Tim Hand placed on paid temporary leave

Nathan Dunlap granted "temporary reprieve" by governor

Big tuition hikes won't fly in long run

Colorado's stoned-driving bill draws lawsuit

Attorney: Evan Ebel threatened woman into buying him murder weapon

Colorado school finance bill signed by Hickenlooper, but awaits tax vote

Gun recall effort against Colorado lawmaker fails, 3 more pending

Colorado gubernatorial GOP primary getting crowded

Hickenlooper may announce decision on Nathan Dunlap's fate Wednesday

Two bill signings mark dog day at the Legislature

Colorado GOP expecting a crowded field of possible challengers to Hickenlooper

Hickenlooper supports Bennet bill to protect Thompson Divide

A definitive review of Colorado gun laws

Xcel Energy seeks power from forest waste in Colorado

Dems strike back at GOP voting measures

Colorado research universities struggle to stop poaching of faculty

CU gives fundraising the old college try

Colorado should consider a two-step income tax rate

Gov. Hickenlooper signs four bills aimed at helping Colorado outdoors

Robert Dewey set to reap benefits of new Colorado compensation law

Magpul joins Colorado sheriffs in filing lawsuit against gun-control bills

Aurora theater shooting prompts Colorado mental health law

Colorado sheriffs suing over gun control measures

Scott Gessler evaluating run for Colorado governor in 2014

IRS asked Colorado conservative groups for names of friends, donors

Gov. John Hickenlooper visits Boulder to sign bill reforming Colorado's enterprise zones

Gov. Hickenlooper consults on clemency in death row case

Colorado needs a felony DUI law, not a stricter BAC standard

A breakdown in Colorado's sentencing system

Colorado gets A- for effort encouraging electric vehicle ownership

CU regents give Bruce Benson green light to launch search for chief fundraiser

Radioactive material at Mesa County landfill raises health concern

Colorado board of education approves new graduation requirements

Tom Tancredo considering a run for Colorado governor in 2014

Core standards are education's best hope

Colorado child welfare bills signed by Gov. Hickenlooper

Updated graduation requirements on Colorado board of education agenda

CU president Bruce Benson wants to break protocol to hire fundraiser

Colorado corrections alerting judges of hundreds of sentencing flaws

Colorado Tea Party groups believed to be targeted by IRS

Second federal suit challenging Colorado foreclosure law emerges

Colorado Dems leave stamp with guns, pot and fracking policies

Hickenlooper signs two pet bills, including response to police shootings of dogs