http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=104280464 Stateline is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news service of the Pew Center on the States that reports and analyzes trends in state policy. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-oklahoma-law-sparks-end-of-life-care-debate.html A new law in Oklahoma severely restricting end-of-life options for patients raises a number of questions for doctors and is adding fuel to the national debate about end of life care. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-states-performance-cutting-carbon-emissions.html Over the past decade, 32 states have successfully cut their carbon emissions, while 18 states have seen increases. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-legislation-save-state-mineral-revenues-from-sequestration.html Wyoming Republicans Sen. Mike Enzi and Rep. Cynthia Lummis plan to introduce bills next week allowing states to collect royalties directly from companies that develop oil, gas and coal on federal lands. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-cities-fight-states-over-mandatory-sick-leave-policies.html Mandatory sick leave is being championed by several localities across the nation. At the same time the progressive public health measure is sparking fierce opposition in several state legislatures. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-voting-rights-activists-strike-back-election-laws.html Trying to stem the tide of restrictive voting measures passed in recent years by Republicans, voting rights activists have successfully targeted states controlled by Democrats to win reforms expanding voting rights. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-north-carolina-carefully-weighs-fracking-options.html As the legislature considers lifting a decades long ban on unconventional drilling which would allow hydraulic fracturing the state's unique geography is prompting concerns about disposal of the wastewater the drilling produces. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-road-deaths-see-first-yearly-increase-since-2006.html A newly released federal report reveals that the number of people who died in traffic accidents inched up last year, reversing a downward trend in road deaths that began in 2006. http://www.governing.com/news/state/forest-service-asks-states-return-funds-sequestration.html The U.S. Forest Service has asked a dozen states to return $17.9 million in federal revenue-sharing funds, so the agency can meet its sequestration budget cut obligations. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-states-make-needed-upgrades-to-capitol-buildings.html At least ten states are considering renovations to their capitol building. Though repairs and upgrades are expensive and can take years, more than two-thirds of the states have carried them out since 2000. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-feds-strengthening-cybersecurity-partnerships-states.html With cybersecurity legislation stalled in Congress, the White House is looking to partner with states to protect critical infrastructure from attacks. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-use-mortgage-interest-deducation-varies-by-state.html The mortgage interest deduction, widely viewed as a tax break for a broad slice of middle-class America, benefits the residents of some states far more than others, according to a new report by the Pew Charitable Trusts. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-small-businesses-fear-fines-from-affordable-care-act.html Small businesses in states that choose not to expand Medicaid could be liable for billions in federal tax penalties that companies in states that do expand will not have to pay. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-boston-bombings-highlight-need-public-safety-broadband-network.html The wireless crashes that law enforcement experienced in the aftermath of the deadly bombing reinforced the need for a dedicated national public safety broadband network that's now in its planning stage. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-texas-oklahoma-water-war-could-have-national-implications.html A decision in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court could unleash a flood of litigation asking courts to crack open some of the more than 30 compacts that determine how states share water. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-boston-bomber-case-must-balance-state-and-federal-roles.html The accused Boston bomber may face the death penalty as a result of federal charges filed against him, even though his crimes were committed in a state where the death penalty is outlawed.