Stateline Stories

Foreign Law Bans: Political Statement or Unconstitutional?

State lawmakers are focused on keeping U.S. courts away from the influence of foreign law. But does banning all foreign law go too far?

Attorneys General Seek Warning Label Cautioning Pregnant Women Against Using Pain Pills

State attorneys general are hoping to protect the littlest victims of prescription drug abuse.

Cities, States Face Off on Mandatory Paid Sick Leave

Stateline - NYC and Portland will require businesses to provide paid sick leave. But many states are less than enthusiastic.

Obama Administration Poised to Approve Arkansas-style Medicaid Expansions

The Obama Administration is inviting states to apply for Arkansas-style Medicaid expansions in an effort to woo those balking at traditional Medicaid expansion.

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty

Maryland has executed five people since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976. But nobody else will be sentenced to death in the Old Line State.

States That Skip Medicaid Expansion May Favor New Immigrants Over U.S. Citizens

The law of unintended consequences will strike states that decline to expand Medicaid.

NFL Plays Offense to Get Public Money for Stadiums

Why are so many teams asking taxpayers to build new pro football stadiums this year?

Drone Limits Become Law

Police agencies in five states already have drones, and lawmakers want to make sure protections are in place before more agencies spend more money. Which cities already have drones?

Florida Governor Knocks Obama for Unpaid Port Bill

Florida Gov. Rick Scott wants more than just a presidential visit to Miami’s port; he wants the federal government to pay its share of the bill for big improvements under way at Florida’s biggest ports.

State Higher Ed Funding Support Continues Decline

Per-student funding has declined in 48 states over the past five years, with New Hampshire and Florida reducing support the most.

Florida State of the State Address 2013

Following is the preparded text of Flordia Gov. Rick Scott's (R) 2013 State of the State Address

Backlash for Red-Light Cameras Hasn’t Slowed Spread

Throughout the country, state legislatures are considering how broadly to use traffic cameras, but the number of communities using them keeps growing.

States in Recovery: Housing

The housing crisis that threw states into economic free fall is helping them climb back out.

States Seek Legal Limits on Domestic Drones

Lawmakers in nearly half the states are working to set legal limits on the use of drones, before they become a key part of domestic policing.

Pay Boost on the Horizon for Some State Workers

Far fewer people are working for state governments than before the recession began, but those who remain may get modest salary increases this year.

States Struggle To Keep Online Schools Accountable

As concerns grow about performance in the booming online education sector, some states are working to define their oversight role.

After Chaotic Election, Florida Governor Backs Voting Changes

The Republican governor said he is backing three major changes: adding early voting days and extending hours, including the Sunday before Election Day; opening more early voting locations; and shortening a wordy ballot that last year ran six pages long, confusing voters and increasing wait times.

Florida Hires Outgoing Indiana Ed Chief

When Indiana voters chose last month not to renew the tenure of the state’s top education official, Tony Bennett, it was seen as a blow to the so-called “Education Reform” community nationally.

Best of #StateReads: United States of Subsidies

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

Oklahoma Among States Limiting Property Taxes

Lowering property taxes is always popular, and results from the November 6 elections show this year was no exemption

Best of #StateReads: Why Colorado Children Die of Abuse and Neglect

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

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.

In Some States, Election Season Could Linger Long After Tuesday

Here’s a look at several states whose elections may remain undecided long after Tuesday night.

Do Police Need Search Warrants for Drug-Sniffing Dogs?

States asked the U.S. Supreme Court this week to let them use drug-sniffing dogs to investigate homes and cars without warrants.

Best of #StateReads: Michigan Term Limits Encourage Politicians To Go Professional

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

Best of #StateReads: Abuse Suits Against Scouts Hinge on State Laws

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

Best of #StateReads: Special Interests, Politics Delay Changes After Sandusky Scandal

This week’s collection of #StateReads includes an examination at what derailed child advocacy improvements in Pennsylvania following the Jerry Sandusky scandal, an investigation into the 15 percent of homicides in Washington, D.C. that have gone unsolved and a look at a region in Utah that contains as much as 80 percent of the state’s homeless population.

Best of #StateReads: “State Faces Major Doctor Shortage”

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

Former Florida Regulators Want Water Funding Boost

A group of 20 former water regulators in Florida is urging Governor Rick Scott to restore funding to the state’s five water management districts, whose budgets have shrunken dramatically under the governor.

Florida Law Requires Public Hospitals to Justify Their Tax-Supported Status

A scandal in one Florida public hospital puts all of them in the spotlight

Religious Liberty Emerges as Sensitive Political Issue

Freedom of religion is a universal American ideal, but there is growing disagreement about just what it means.

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.

Best of #StateReads: N. C. Regulators Miss Catching Cheating Businesses

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

Obama’s Surprise Supporter: A Former Republican Governor

President Obama notched a surprising endorsement ahead of the GOP convention from Charlie Crist, Florida’s former Republican Governor.

Distant Allies: Mitt Romney and Florida Governor Rick Scott

Governor Rick Scott of Florida hosts Republicans in Tampa this week, but he might be more at home at a Tea Party convention.

Florida — and the GOP — Brace For Isaac’s Winds and Rain

As Tropical Storm Isaac swirls towards the Florida coast, Republican officials say next week’s party convention in Tampa is still a go.

Florida Poised to Elect First Openly Gay State Lawmaker

With a narrow victory in the Democratic primary, a Miami Beach CPA is set to become Florida’s first openly gay state legislator.

Safety Net Hospitals Imperiled by High Court Ruling

Hospitals that serve the poor thought they would be helped by the Affordable Care Act. Now it looks as if they will be hurt by it.

State Test Results Questioned

Minnesota education officials this week credited tougher standards and a new online testing system as part of the reason 5 percent more students passed the state’s math test this year than last. Brenda Cassellius, the state’s education commissioner, predicted that those tougher standards, adopted in 2007, will lead to

Florida Governor Appeals Ruling On Law Barring Doctors From Asking About Guns

Governor Rick Scott has appealed a court ruling that blocked Florida from implementing a law prohibiting doctors from asking patients about guns.

Best of #StateReads: Florida Closes TB Hospital as Outbreak Spreads

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

For Some States, Medicaid Expansion May Be a Tough Fiscal Call

GOP governors appear poised to leave federal dollars on the table.

More GOP Officials Vow to Decline Medicaid Expansion

Republican state leaders say they’d rather forfeit federal money than dip into state coffers to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

Best of #StateReads: Iowa Felons Struggle for Voting Rights

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

Questions Swirl Around Nuclear Cost Recovery

Charging ratepayers for nuclear plant construction made sense to many legislatures a few years ago. Attitudes have shifted since then.

Conservative Activists Take Aim at Florida Justices

Judicial retention elections, which used to be just a formality, are becoming much more competitive and expensive. In Florida, conservative activists are targeting three members of the state’s Supreme Court.

Battle Against Stalking Escalates

Concerns over in-person and online stalking have led lawmakers to create new orders of protection. But enforcement is often up to the victims and most don’t pursue it.

Best of #StateReads: When a State Runs Out of Psychiatric Beds

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

Courthouse Costs Engender Controversy

Many courthouses around the country are in dreadful physical shape. But spending the money to replace them can be a politically dicey proposition.

States Struggling to Slow Tuition Growth

Arizona has led the nation in tuition increases over the past 5 years. Next year, the cost will be frozen. Is tuition growth slowing?

'Stand Your Ground' Law Criticized After Fatal Shooting of Florida Teen

TODAY'S TAKE: The deadly shooting of an unarmed 17-year-old boy in Florida last month has focused attention on a state law providing legal protection to the shooter.

Fate of Ballot Measures Often Depends on the Wording

When a proposal comes before the voters, somebody has to produce the ballot language describing it. Sometimes, the people who write that language have other priorities than simply making it clear.

Restored Education Funds Fail to Make Up for Earlier Cutbacks

CRESTVIEW, Florida - Florida Governor Rick Scott urged legislators to put back $1 billion toward K-12 education after making severe budget cuts last year. Educators appreciate the help, but say they will still be struggling in 2013.

Congressional Wrangling Leaves Sales Tax Deduction in Question

TODAY'S TAKE: Residents of seven states without an individual income tax are watching the budget debate on Capitol Hill to see whether they will be able to keep writing off state sales taxes on goods they purchase.

Eastern Ports Scramble to Get Ready for New Panama Canal Era

As the Panama Canal expands to allow larger cargo ships to pass through, states along the Eastern Seaboard are maneuvering to make their ports compatible with the bigger and more lucrative vessels. But there is no guarantee the expensive bets will pay off.

'Parent Trigger' Bills in Florida Would Change Rules for Failing Schools

EDUCATION BEAT: Supporters of the plan say it would empower parents in failing schools, but opponents say it's being pushed more by charter schools than by parents.

Water Rights Shift in Florida Could Foreshadow Debates to Come

Who owns recycled water? Florida environmentalists are wary about a move toward privatization of the state's supply. As states get more creative with scarce water resources, that debate could be among the first of many across the United States.

Florida State of the State Address 2012

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - January 10 govuser 12.00 - Following is the prepared text of Governor Rick Scott's (R) 2012 State of the State address: My fellow Floridians, President Haridopolos, Speaker Cannon, members of the Florida Senate and Fl

Plan to Lower Florida Water Rates Said to Threaten Conservation

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: An effort to reduce utility bills in Florida has run into opposition from environmentalists who say it could hinder the state's efforts to conserve its scarce water supply.

Minimum Wage Set to Rise in Eight States

TODAY'S TAKE: Workers in eight states will see slightly larger paychecks beginning January 1, thanks to laws requiring minimum wages to rise with inflation.

Jurors on the Internet: A Dilemma for Courts

Most jurors are warned not to use electronic media to discuss a case while they are trying it. But some just ignore the warnings.

Studies Point to Flaws in Florida's Medicaid Managed Care

HEALTH BEAT: Fresh off a round of serious cuts to the state Medicaid budget, Florida Governor Rick Scott is proposing painful new ones. By 2013, he wants private health plans to to take over the entire Medicaid program. But how much money the move would save is a matter of debate.

Casinos, Online Poker Get State Attention

Massachusetts is planning new resort-style gambling casinos, and Florida and New York may open their first commercial casinos as a way to generate more tax revenue. Meanwhile, states that already have casinos are looking at new ways to tap the gambling that takes place online illegally.

Motorists Face an 'Avalanche' of Higher Tolls

Toll rates are climbing on highways, bridges and tunnels across the country, but it is not just because of the economy. Many big toll hikes are helping to pay for new construction.

Infographic: Southern Strength

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

Biggest States Face New Budget Gaps

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: Recent reports have delivered gloomy fiscal news for the nation's five most populous states, making clear that budget problems in California, Texas, New York, Florida and Illinois aren't over yet.

A Backlash Against Rising State Fees

Want to renew your driver’s license, go to a state park, or sue someone in civil court? Chances are you’ll pay higher fees for those and other government services than you would have just a few years ago. Raising fees

Florida Governor Revises Goal of 700,000 New Jobs

TODAY'S TAKE: When he campaigned for Florida governor last year, Rick Scott said he would create 700,000 jobs in seven years - on top of the million that state economists were already projecting during that period. Scott now says his job target was always 700,000, not 1.7 million.

Massive Prison Privatization Voided by Judge in Florida

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Florida lawmakers pushed through legislation to turn all of South Florida's prisons private. But the Police Benevolent Association challenged the law and prevailed in court.

Public Schools Chase Charters

EDUCATION BEAT: As support for charter schools builds in the states, in Congress and in the Obama administration, a number of traditional public schools are trying to emulate their chartered competitors.

Drug Tests Ordered for Florida Welfare Applicants

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Florida became the first state this year to require that all welfare applicants be tested for illegal drugs at their own expense. Alabama already is eyeing similar legislation for next year.

As States Cut Unemployment Benefits, Higher Business Taxes Loom

Millions of unemployed workers and businesses are feeling the pain as states try to pay down on the billions they borrowed from the federal government to keep aid going to the jobless.

Public, Private Prisons to Go 'Head to Head' in Florida

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Florida is pressing forward on a major prison privatization plan that would outsource operations at 30 facilities by the end of the year. The state corrections secretary says it will provide a test of how private prisons match up against their public counterparts.

Business Moves to Center of School Policy Debate

Long counted on mainly as a funder and promoter of K-12 education, corporate America is immersing itself in discussion about the way school systems should be organized and operated.

Fate of Florida Commuter Rail Line Up to Governor

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Florida's governor weighs the arguments for a commuter rail line ... California regulators deal with the unintended consequences of a clean fuel requirement … Minnesota drivers could be caught in traffic if a budget is not passed on time, and other transportation news.

As Shuttle Program Ends, States Step Up Roles in Space

With NASA focused on deep-space missions, the federal government is increasingly turning to private companies to handle more routine flights. Now, states are competing to lure the space entrepreneurs-and the high-tech jobs they promise-to their new or refashioned launch facilities.

Lawsuit Limits Find Success in Two More States

TODAY'S TAKE: Florida and Pennsylvania are the latest in a string of Republican-led states making it harder on plaintiffs who file lawsuits against doctors and businesses.

Tuition Hikes of 15 Percent Coming in Two States

TODAY'S TAKE: Higher education officials in Florida and Tennessee agreed Thursday (June 23) to raise tuition at public colleges and universities by up to 15 percent. In Florida's case, it's the third straight year of a 15-percent increase.

After Stormy Session, Florida Governor's Advisers Depart

TODAY'S TAKE: In his first legislative session, Florida Governor Rick Scott clashed early and often with members of his own party. Now, fundamental changes are coming to Scott's inner circle of advisers.

Budget Cuts Hitting Poor in Unusual Ways

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: As more legislatures finish their budgets, programs that help the poor in Kansas and Florida are among those getting scaled back or eliminated altogether.

Business Tax Cuts Pass in Michigan But Falter Elsewhere

Republican governors are trying to make good on their promises to cut corporate taxes, but some are finding a bit more resistance than they may have expected.

Florida Hopes Its Future Looks Like the Past

Florida is banking on an expected influx of retiring baby boomers to buy up the state's glut of empty housing and get an old formula for the state's fiscal health working again.

California, New Jersey Offer Low-Fee Unemployment Cards

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: California and New Jersey offer the best prepaid cards with the fewest fees to access unemployment benefits … Florida uses Twitter to help find homes for foster children ... Nine states could face penalties for missing welfare's work participation thresholds, and other social policy news.

Florida Cedes Growth Management to Localities

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Developers may face less oversight in Florida ... Connecticut increases energy taxes ... New Jersey approves offshore wind, and more energy and environmental news.

States Boost Security After bin Laden Raid

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Homeland security officials warn of possible reprisals after the U.S. killing of terror leader Osama bin Laden … California Governor Jerry Brown grants parole to convicted killers … A major court overhaul moves ahead in Florida, and other public safety news.

Is Telephone Regulation Obsolete?

Phone companies think now is the time to end regulation of the dwindling number of traditional landline phones still in use. Critics say doing that would lead to higher rates, especially for seniors and those who live in rural areas where cell phone service can be erratic.

Several States Wrap Up Their Budgets

TODAY'S TAKE: Lawmakers in Connecticut, Florida, Missouri and Vermont have finished their budgets or are expected to do so this week, while Alaska is closing in on a deal to end a divisive special session over spending.

Florida Lawmakers Reject Governor's Tax Cuts

TODAY'S TAKE: Republican leaders in the Florida Legislature flexed their political muscle on Tuesday (April 26), announcing a budget deal that ignores Governor Rick Scott's calls for broad corporate income and property tax cuts.

'Sovereign Citizens' Make Noise in Wyoming

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: A fringe political group that considers the U.S. government illegitimate is something the FBI would rather not talk about ... Michigan's governor asks for major concessions from a correctional officers' union ... Democrats see a chance to gain Pennsylvania's top law enforcement job for the first time in decades, and other public safety news.

Florida Governor Scott Pressed to Join Oil Spill Lawsuit

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Florida's governor faces a choice over oil spill litigation ... Maine backs down from aggressive regulatory overhaul ... gas drilling's climate change implications, and more energy and environment news.

Foreclosure Aid Program Gets Underway in Florida

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Florida rolls out a program to help homeowners avoid foreclosure … A GOP plan to turn food stamps into a block grant gets mixed reviews … Texas experiences a child boom, and other social policy news.

Budget Deal Means Prison Closures in New York

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: The governor of New York follows through on a pledge to close prisons, even if they provide employment in rural communities…California's governor orders thousands of state inmates transferred to local facilities, despite a lack of funding for the plan…Michigan is proving more reluctant than other states to grant parole, and other public safety news.

Governors React to Medicaid Block Grant Proposal

HEALTH BEAT: A GOP plan to turn Medicaid into a block grant gets mixed reviews … A new study predicts some big states will pay a huge tab for Medicaid expansion … Raising Medicare's eligibility age would shift costs to state retiree health benefit plans, and other health care news.

Arkansas Asks Voters for Highway Money

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Arkansas voters will get a chance to decide whether better roads are worth a tax increase ... Florida's decision to give back federal high-speed rail money has other states scrambling for the funds … Officials in the Northwest and Midwest explore public-private partnerships for new projects, and other transportation news.

Drop in Foreclosures Plunges Florida Courts into Crisis

TODAY'S TAKE: Florida courts need $72.3 million to get through the fiscal year after a drop in foreclosure filings deprived them of the fees they need to operate. Courts could be forced to furlough workers unless lawmakers approve emergency funding.

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.

Florida Contemplates Golf Courses in State Parks

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Lawmakers want Jack Nicklaus to design a trail of links on public land ... California utilities don't meet a renewable energy goal ... Alaska sues the feds over polar bear habitat, and more energy and environment news.

Wisconsin Teachers Seek Last-Minute Contracts

EDUCATION BEAT: Wisconsin teachers want to lock in new contracts before anti-union legislation takes effect ... Pennsylvania governor calls for $1.5 billion in education cuts ... Michigan grants emergency financial managers broad powers, and other education news.

Florida State of the State Address 2011

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - March 8 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Rick Scott's (R) 2011 state of the state address: President Haridopolos, Speaker Cannon, Chief Justice Canady, members of the Supreme Court, members of the Cabinet, members of the Legislature, my fellow Floridians: It is an honor to appear bef

Florida Judge Issues Stay of Health Ruling

HEALTH BEAT: A federal judge gives the Justice Department a week to appeal his anti-Obamacare decision ... Republicans yawn at the Obama administration's offer for early waivers of the health care law … States cut health plans for the poor, and other health care news.