Stateline Stories

States Prepare to Launch New Health Law

Debates over Medicaid expansion got most of the attention, but states enacted dozens of other laws that will affect how millions of Americans receive health care next year.

Q&A: Will Consumers Find Bargains on Health Insurance Exchanges?

Some states are beginning to roll out their plans for health insurance exchanges under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Despite Governors’ Opposition, Strong Southern Support for Medicaid Expansion

New poll shows Deep South politicians are out of step with their constituents on Medicaid expansion.

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.

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?

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.

Governors Ask Lawmakers to Prevent Future Shootings

The recent mass shootings in Colorado and Connecticut reshaped governors’ legislative agendas this year, and many used their once-a-year legislative addresses to ask lawmakers to take up gun control, mental health treatment and school safety.

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.

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:

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.

Best of #StateReads: Roots of a Voting Rights Challenge

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alabama’s Largest County Faces Bankruptcy Without State Help

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

Federal Court Blocks Parts of Anti-Immigration Law in Alabama, Georgia

A federal appeals court on Monday blocked several provisions of anti-immigration laws in Alabama and Georgia, while leaving intact each state’s so-called “so me your papers” policies.

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

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

Alabama’s Past, Future on the Ballot

Alabama voters will get the chance this fall to rid their state constitution of antiquated references to the “telegraph” and use of the gold standard and eliminate racist language adopted during the time of Jim Crow laws.

Best of #StateReads: Former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman's Political Career Ended with a 'Mighty Fall'

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

Dire Warnings in Alabama Budget Vote

Alabama’s leaders want to transfer oil and gas revenues to the state’s beleaguered general fund. But voters have to approve the deal.

States Reconsider Juvenile Life Sentences

The Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life without parole for juveniles convicted of murder is unconstitutional. But the court left little guidance for states on what to do next.

Alabama Police Start Slowly in Enforcing Immigration Law

CLANTON, Alabama — Alabama is off to a slow start in rolling out its law requiring police to check the immigration status of suspects. But it is ahead of the other states, including Arizona, that approved similar measures.

Alabamans Get Sales Tax Holiday for Storm Supplies

State hopes discounted storm supplies will prompt residents to prepare for emergencies

Mandatory Life Sentences for Juveniles Ruled Unconstitutional

Many states will have to reexamine their sentencing guidelines following a Supreme Court ruling that mandatory life sentences without parole are unconstitutional for juveniles.

Best of #StateReads: Getting Aggressive With Pension Investments

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

Public School Alternatives Gather Steam in States

Louisiana gave advocates of charter schools, vouchers and other publicly funded education alternatives everything they could have asked for, but opposition remained fierce elsewhere.

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.

Alabamans Consider Cutting Segregation Language

Alabama voters this fall will get another chance to rid its state constitution of segregation language that was adopted along with other Jim Crow laws.

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.

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.

Alabama Immigration Debate Heats Up

While justices of the U.S. Supreme Court deliberate over the fate of Arizona’s anti-immigration law, Alabama lawmakers are deciding whether to tweak a similar they passed last year that is considered even harsher.

Best of #StateReads: Michigan Emergency City Managers Wield Great Power

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

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.

Best of #StateReads: Wyoming Depends on Business to Reduce Workplace Deaths

This week’s collection of #StateReads covers on the job fatalities in Wyoming, secrets in Alabama’s execution protocol and the far reaching effects of drought in Texas. These examples of extraordinary journalism about state government were recommended in tweets using the #StateReads hashtag on Twitter.

Jobless in 15 States to Lose Extended Benefits

Lower state unemployment rates are usually a cause for celebration. But in as many as 15 states, that good news also has triggered the loss of unemployment benefits for thousands of workers starting next month.

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.

Gambling Revenue Promises Rarely Met

More than two-thirds of states that legalized casinos, lotteries or racetrack casinos in the past 10 years have yet to see the state and local revenue that political and industry champions of legalization had promised.

Alabama State of the State Address 2012

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - Feb. 7 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Robert Bentley's (R) 2012 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Ivey, Speaker Hubbard, President Pro Tem Marsh, distinguished guests, members of the Legislature and my fellow Alabamians: It is in indeed an honor t

New Rules Could Save Billions in Prescription Drug Costs

HEALTH BEAT: The federal government is proposing to help states cut prescription costs by creating a national database of prices pharmacies pay for the drugs they dispense.

Alabama Governor's Education Plan Draws Controversy

The governor of Alabama wants to shore up the state budget by moving money from an education fund to general revenue accounts. Plenty of politicians in both parties wonder whether that's such a good idea.

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.

Largest Municipal Bankruptcy Ever Prompts Muted Reaction Elsewhere

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: Jefferson County, Alabama, filed the largest municipal bankruptcy in American history last week, but experts don't expect the event to have a large effect on other governments' ability to borrow.

Infographic: Southern Strength

Republican dominance in the South started with presidential elections and only later came to statehouses.

U.S. Sues Alabama Over Tough Immigration Law

TODAY'S TAKE: "To put it in terms we relate to here in Alabama, you can only have one quarterback in a football game," a federal prosecutor says. "In immigration, the federal government is the quarterback."

Judge Won't End Alabama Bingo Trial

TODAY'S TAKE: A federal judge on Thursday (July 28) declined to drop charges against state legislators and other members of Alabama's political establishment in a corruption trial that has gripped the state for weeks.

Alabama Cuts Medicaid Drug Costs by Examining Pharmacy Receipts

Traditionally, states have taken drug makers at their word about how much prescription medications cost. Alabama has found it pays to double-check. Soon, more states will be using the Alabama method.

Alabama GOP Racks Up Victories

TODAY'S TAKE: In control of the Legislature for the first time since Reconstruction, Alabama Republicans easily pushed through their agenda, including the nation's toughest immigration bill and a requirement that voters show photo identification at the polls.

Alabama One-Ups Arizona on Immigration

TODAY'S TAKE: The Alabama Legislature has sent Governor Robert Bentley a bill that goes beyond last year's controversial immigration crackdown in Arizona.

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.

DROP Pensions: A Sound Investment or a Waste of Taxpayer Money?

In the 1990s, some states began promising lump sum retirement checks to employees they wanted to keep. Some have decided it's a practice they can no longer afford.

Where Labor is Weak, State Workers Face Huge Cutbacks

As the nation debates collective bargaining in Wisconsin, public workers in Alabama, Texas and many other states are fighting over massive pay cuts, huge increases in health premiums and basic civil service protections.

Alabama Parents Go to Court Over Property Tax

EDUCATION BEAT: Alabama school advocates sue the state over funding ... Arizona senators approve drastic cuts to school budget ... New Jersey governor continues to battle teachers' unions, and other education news.

A Health Care Q&A With Alabama Governor Robert Bentley

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - One of two governors to have worked previously as a doctor, Bentley is seeking to pass a Republican alternative to what he sees as a "federal takeover" of health care.

Alabama State of the State Address 2011

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - March 1 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Robert Bentley's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Ivey, Speaker Hubbard, President Pro Tem Marsh, distinguished guests, my fellow public servants and my fellow Alabamians: It is with great honor and great privilege that

States' Unemployment Debit Cards Often Carry Hidden Costs, Fees

If you receive jobless benefits, you can get a free debit card to carry your benefits in some 30 states. Free at first, that is. As time goes on, you could end up paying quite a bit of money for the bargain.

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.

One Last Freebie Splurge in Alabama

A familiar treat for Alabama legislators prior to the effective date of a new ethics law, a fast policy-making start in Kentucky, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

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.

Alabama Ethics Law Angers Teachers Union

TRANSITION WATCH: Alabama Republicans restrict payroll deductions used to boost a leading teachers' group, Wisconsin Democrats' last gasp at contracts for public workers fails and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Pat Quinn Rehires His Old Chief of Staff as an Adviser

TRANSITION WATCH: Jerry Stermer returns three months after he resigned in Illinois, charges of nepotism in South Dakota and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

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.

Alabama Republicans Fight Over BP Reimbursement

TODAY'S TAKE: A dispute among top Republicans in Alabama over how the state should recoup tax revenues lost as a result of the BP oil spill is escalating. BP and Governor Bob Riley are blaming Attorney General Troy King for a lawsuit they say is complicating their negotiations over how the state can get its money back.

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.

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.

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.

Alabama Bingo Investigation Intensifies

TODAY'S TAKE: Federal officials are probing corruption in Alabama's bingo battle, yet another twist in the convoluted saga over whether the state should allow electronic bingo machines to raise money for local governments or charities. Agents from the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney's office and the FBI say they have found "substantial evidence of corruption" around a legislative battle to formally legalize the bingo machines, which look similar to slot machines, according to The New York Times. On April 11, the Birmingham News reported that at least two lawmakers had worn wires as part of the investigation after they had received offers from bingo lobbyists that they considered bribes.

Not Your Grandma's Bingo

It has the drama and suspense of a John Grisham novel: pre-dawn gambling raids by state troopers, rumors of political payoffs, rowdy demonstrations at the State Capitol and a fly-over at this year's Rose Bowl in California with a banner that read, "Impeach Corrupt Alabama Gov. Bob Riley." All this fuss over bingo? While many other cash-strapped states are trying to expand gaming as a way to get more revenue, Alabama's outgoing governor is on a mission to stamp out illegal gambling in the Heart of Dixie.

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.

Summary of the Alabama State of the State Address

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, a Republican, presented a largely optimistic outlook to legislators in his state of the state speech Jan. 12, proclaiming dire forecasts for the state's budget situation "a crock."

Alabama State of the State Address 2010

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob Riley's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Folsom, Speaker Hammett, Senator Smitherman, Representative Newton, distinguished guests, my fellow public servants and fellow citizens: When I first came to this chamber seve

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.

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.

State Officials Weigh in on Health Care

TODAY'S TAKE: The deeply partisan debate over health care legislation working its way through Congress is breaking down along similar lines in the states, which will be tasked with carrying out much of the plan.

States Draw Down Rainy Day Funds

Faced with historic revenue drops, lawmakers in states across the country tapped rainy day funds in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 at levels not seen since the recession following the 2001 terrorist attacks. And more seem poised to join them.

Tracking the Recession – Much Ado About a Small Stimulus Pot

After weeks of speculation and intense political pressure, a reluctant Republican South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford on Friday (April 3) became the last governor to formally notify the White House that he plans to accept at least some federal dollars from the stimulus package - but the controversy is far from over.

Alabama State of the State Address 2009

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Feb. 3 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob Riley's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Folsom, Speaker Hammett, Senator Mitchem, Representative Newton, distinguished guests, members of the Legislature and my fellow citizens: First, I know all of us are saddened

Nasty Judicial Races Renew Complaints

Another bruising campaign season in judicial elections has spurred calls for reform from advocacy groups, lawyers and others in the legal community, but fierce debate persists over how exactly state judges should be chosen.

Ala. Seeks Civil Rights Tourism, Racial Accord

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - As Americans send the country's first black president to the White House, a growing tourism program in Alabama embraces the state's role in the civil rights struggle and salutes the heroes who helped pave the way for Barack Obama's Election Day victory.

WORTH NOTING: Idaho kids get a new state history book

Idaho's first lady publishes "Ida Visits the Capitol." Wine drinkers have mixed feelings about a syrah named Palin. And Marylanders are urged to take a walk after eating the state cake. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Grand Old Party-Poopers

What VIPs are sending regrets to John McCain's convention bash?

Southern Govs Speak Via Videotape to Delegates

Sept. 2, 2008, 1:30 p.m. EDTST. PAUL, Minn. - Hurricane Gustav forced some of the biggest stars in the Republican Party to stay at home to help their consitutents battle the storm that many feared would rival Hurricane Katrina of just three years ago. But four of the five affected southern Republican governors addressed the opening session of the 2008 Republican National Convention Monday (Sept. 1) via taped messages. "I'm sure you can understand why Gov. Jindal couldn't participate," first lady Laura Bush said as she introduced the taped messages, referring to Republican Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal as his state was being pounded by Gustav's strong winds and rain. Jindal had been rumored to be, among others, on Republican John McCain's shortlist of possible vice presidential picks before the senator chose Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. President Bush had been scheduled to address the delegates Monday but instead went to Texas to monitor the storm. The administration had been widely criticized for its handling of Hurricane Katrina. Some Republicans, notably Texas Gov. Rick Perry, stressed that the GOP was ready. "You're seeing Republican governors ... doing a fabulous job of taking care of the citizens. That's what we do," he said via videotape.Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Hurricane Gustav The first lady also noted the governors of the affected states "happen to be Republicans," which drew a thunderous applause from the delegates at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Florida Charlie Crist, another Republican governor who also was seen as a possible VP candidate, took a less partisan approach in his remarks, remembering his experience during last month's Tropical Storm Fay: "As I traveled our state in the days following Fay's landfall, I was reminded again of the resilience and strength of our people. The kindness they extend to one another. Neighbor helping neighbor. Asking not what party you are, but instead how you can help." Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour also gave videotaped messages. Governor Jindal said Monday that seven states are helping Louisiana to shelter more than 29,000 citizens at 107 shelters. Texas has offered to shelter several thousand patients, Oklahoma has agreed to accept 4,000 general evacuees, and 150 medical patients from southwest Louisiana hospitals are expected to arrive at the Oklahoma Air National Guard Base at Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City today. The state Republican chairmen from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas formed a working group "to regularly brief their delegates and convention planners, provide access to timely information and assistance, and give input on appropriate steps that can be taken from Minnesota." The McCain 2008 campaign also agreed to charter a DC-9 to transport delegates who wished to return to home to their states.AFTER THE JUMP: More video footage of the governors on Hurricane Gustav. - Pamela M. Prah Comments

States Curb Carbon as Blueprint for Feds

An effort by Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) to focus Southern governors on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their states is the latest example of state-led policies that could be used as models for future federal action.

FEMA Change Sends States Searching For Ice

States looking for free ice from FEMA in the aftermath of a hurricane will be out of luck because of the agency's new policy.

WORTH NOTING: Phantom voter stalks Ala. State House

An Alabama lawmaker says someone's been using his voting machine. Florida's House Speaker locks the doors and turns off Internet access to make legislators pay attention. And Mayberry's Sheriff Taylor endorses a North Carolina gubernatorial candidate. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Alabama State of the State Address 2008

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Feb. 6 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob Riley's (R) 2008 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Folsom, Speaker Hammett, Senator Mitchem, Representative Newton, distinguished guests, fellow citizens and members of the Legislature: As we gather tonight I just want to say that

A Tale of Two Comebacks

Not long ago, the approval ratings of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Alabama Gov. Bob Riley were in the dumps. Both managed to climb back to popularity. Their stories hold lessons for other politicians.

WORTH NOTING: Ala. Attorney General Sings With a Legend

Alabama's top law enforcer sings with "The Man in Black." North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley (D) recommends regifting Christmas cards. And a freshman lawmaker takes the slow road to Denver. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Police join feds to tackle immigration

A program that allows local and state police to work hand-in-hand with federal immigration agents is skyrocketing in popularity. There are 34 programs in 15 states and another 77 programs are pending. But critics question whether it could hamper police officers' ability to do their core duties.

Report: States gaming NCLB system

On paper, Alabama last year showed remarkable gains in improving its schools. But a new report claims that Alabama - and a number of states - are manipulating statistics to make their schools appear better than they really are.

Drought pushes states to find new fixes

As states across the country struggle to find new solutions to water shortages in the continuing drought, governors of three Southern states - locked in a battle over a Georgia lake - turned to Washington, D.C., in search of a truce. Other states' policymakers also are responding to parched conditions.

Home Insurance Woes Mount in Coastal States

As private home insurers raise rates or pull out completely along the Gulf Coast and in other storm-prone areas of the country, states are scrambling to respond.

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.

Crist ponders pardon for rocker

A rock and roll bad boy might receive a posthumous pardon from Florida's governor. Maryland's governor hangs a "For Sale" sign on his private home - but it's no real estate bargain. And Ohio lawmakers get a dubious distinction. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

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.

Alabama State of the State Address 2007

MONTGOMERY, Ala., March 6 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob Riley's (R) 2007 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Folsom, Speaker Hammett, Senator Mitchem, Representative Newton, esteemed judges, members of the Legislature and my fellow Alabamians: As a governor, you have the pleasure and h

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.

Battles for gavels kick off 2007 sessions

The newly elected Democratic majority in the Pennyslvania House chose a speaker from the minority party for the first time in state history. Majority Republicans in the Tennessee Senate banded together to oust their Democratic leader, a 36-year veteran and the longest-serving presiding officer in the nation. Those are just two of the bruising leadership battles fought as all 50 state legislatures launch their lawmaking sessions.

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.