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Resolution to Prioritize Victim Restitution
Model Resolution WHEREAS, restitution is a critical mechanism by which the criminal justice system acknowledges and addresses the direct harm on victims and survivors of crime; WHEREAS, failure to collect…
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Asset Forfeiture Reforms Happening in the States
A number of states, including, Montana, New Mexico and Nevada, recently passed reforms to their civil asset forfeiture laws. Civil asset forfeiture starts with the seizure of property by police that is…
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Nevada: Setting New Precedents in Education Choice
Nevada has become the first state in the nation to provide parents uncompromised educational freedom through the passage of Universal Education Savings Accounts (ESA). Nevada’s Senate Bill 302…
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An Open Letter to Kansas Lawmakers: All Taxes Hinder Economic Growth…But Some Taxes are Worse Than Others
On May 20, 2015, ALEC CEO Lisa B. Nelson and Vice President of the Center for State Fiscal Reform Jonathan Williams distributed the following letter to lawmakers in the Kansas…
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Arbitrary Pole Attachment Fees Can Limit the Spread of Broadband
The value of access to broadband is well-known, and discussions of how to increase the spread of broadband most effectively and efficiently are common. But, often not discussed are the…
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Texas Legislature Preempts Denton Fracking Ban
Last November, citizens of Denton, TX voted via referendum to ban the oil and gas well stimulation technique commonly known as hydraulic fracturing or “fracking.” The outcome was significant…
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American Legislative Exchange Council Hosts 2015 Spring Task Force Summit in Savannah
American Legislative Exchange Council Hosts 2015 Spring Task Force Summit in Savannah Savannah, Georgia (May 15, 2015)—The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) will bring together…
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Sued for Someone Else’s Products? Alabama Says No.
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/alabama-state-capitol-building-29724400 Alabama Governor Robert Bentley signed into law legislation that would protect drug manufacturers from being sued for products created by their generic brand competitors. In January of 2013 and…
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Federal Complexities Cause Overcriminalization of America
In addition to state and local laws, more than 4,500 federal criminal laws and an estimated 300,000 federal regulations carrying potential criminal penalties threaten to place Americans on…
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Massachusetts Governor Sets the Bar for Regulatory Reform
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/massachusetts-state-house-boston-ma-196584359 In late March, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued Executive Order NO.562 to enforce regulatory pause and review by the Executive Department in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As a…
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Bipartisan Group of U.S. Senators Working to Repeal Section 526
Last week a bipartisan group of senators – Sens. John Barasso (R-Wyo.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Heidi Heitkamp (D.-N.D.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) – introduced S. 1026,…
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Oklahoma Legislature Ensures Public Safety and Fiscal Responsibility with Justice Safety Valve
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/oklahoma-state-capitol-building-188655350 Update: On Tuesday May 5, 2015, Governor Mary Fallin signed HB 1518. Wednesday, the Oklahoma legislature passed HB 1518, which allows for judicial discretion to depart…
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Empowering Victims of Crime through Outreach and Involvement
Crime, at its core, inflicts harm on the victim. As such, one of the primary purposes of the criminal justice system should be to repair the damage done by the…
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Operating on Constitutional Boundaries – Is There a Need for Legislative Updates to Electronic Privacy Protection Laws?
Long gone are the days when law enforcement surveillance meant officers with cameras standing on corners wearing trench coats, hats and sunglasses. Now law enforcement can use thermal imaging cameras…
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Recidivism Reduction: Community-Based Supervision Alternatives to Incarceration
Recidivism Reduction: Community-Based Supervision Alternatives to Incarceration As a result of failed corrections practices, our criminal justice system has created a revolving door of offenders. More than 40 percent of…
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Even Supreme Court Justices Show Up for Jury Duty: Exploring Jury Service Exemptions
Last week, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Roberts showed up for jury duty in Montgomery County to serve his patriotic duty. He may not have been assigned…
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7 Things Every American Needs To Know About Taxes
Today is tax day in America. As always, it features a lot of confusion with tax forms, some rushed trips to the post office and a whole lot of heartburn…
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West Virginia Latest State to Curb Asbestos Lawsuit Abuse
Anyone who watches late night TV knows that asbestos lawsuits are still abound even though the substance was largely dropped from use in the 1970’s. That’s because the diseases associated…
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West Virginia and Arkansas Engage on EPA’s Clean Power Plan
The Clean Air Act notably identifies states as being first among equals to the federal government when implementing environmental regulations. Indeed, the preamble of the Clean Air Act states…
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Taxpayers Foot Bill for Union Interests
Prior to a court case ruling otherwise, taxpayers in the city of Phoenix paid $950,000 a year in salaries and benefits to send six city police officers to work…