• New Bill Proposed to Boost Penalities on IRS Lawbreakers
• Source: Politico   |   Nation   |   May 13, 2013
• In the wake of an admission by an IRS official that conservative groups had been targeted for additional scrutiny, Rep. Michael Turner will introduce legislation Monday that would increase the penalty for singling out ideological organizations —including the possibility of jail time.

• Voting Rights Activists Strike Back on Elections Laws
• BY: Stateline   |   Nation   |   May 10, 2013
• 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.
• 2 Comments

• California Assembly Approves Two Bills for Transgender Rights
• Source: The Sacramento Bee   |   California   |   May 10, 2013
• Two bills aimed at eliminating obstacles facing transgender people cleared the Assembly largely along party lines Thursday, including one measure to let students choose the bathroom and sports team that correlates with their gender identity.

• Georgia Quietly OKs Immigration Crackdown
• BY: McClatchy News   |   Georgia   |   April 26, 2013
• As Congress considers immigration reform, Gov. Nathan Deal signed sweeping legislation that bars undocumented immigrants from obtaining state driver's licenses, grants, public housing and retirement benefits.

• GOP Leaders in Wisconsin Vow to Block New Gun Control Legislation
• BY: McClatchy News   |   Wisconsin   |   April 19, 2013
• In the wake of failed firearms legislation in the U.S. Senate, Gov. Scott Walker and a top Republican lawmaker made clear Thursday that GOP officials will also block similar legislation in Wisconsin to expand background checks on gun sales.

• Paid Sick Leave Gaining Momentum in Massachusetts
• Source: Boston Globe   |   Nation   |   April 15, 2013
• A nearly decade-long effort to require Massachusetts employers to offer paid sick days is gaining momentum as lawmakers pass similar proposals across the country.

• Louisiana Town Bans Saggy Pants
• Source: Huffington Post   |   Terrebonne Parish, La.   |   April 15, 2013
• Louisiana's Terrebonne Parish passed an ordinance to ban saggy pants in public. Offenders will be fined $50 for the first offense.

• First State to Pay Lawyers to Practice in the Country
• BY: Brian Peteritas   |   South Dakota   |   April 12, 2013
• To help rural America's drought of lawyers, South Dakota has passed the nation's first law to pay them to live and work in rural areas.

• Is a Lieutenant Governor Necessary? Illinois Doesn't Think So.
• Source: Chicago Tribune   |   Illinois   |   April 12, 2013
• The Illinois House approved a measure that would ask voters whether to eliminate the job of lieutenant governor. The bill's sponsor says the job is a "luxury" that the cash-strapped state cannot afford.
• 2 Comments

• Welfare Restrictions at Issue in Tennessee, Pennsylvania
• Source: Philadelphia Inquirer   |   Nation   |   April 12, 2013
• In Tennessee, welfare benefits may be reduced for families whose children get bad grades in school. In Pennsylvania, the legislature is considering a bill that requires drug tests for all welfare recipients.

• Gay Marriage Debate Comes to Delaware
• Source: Reuters   |   Delaware   |   April 12, 2013
• Delaware became the latest state to take action to extend marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples, as Gov. Jack Markell announced a bill to legalize same-sex marriage.

• Legislatures Debate Official State Food and Drink
• Source: Stateline   |   Nation   |   April 12, 2013
• This year, at least eight states debated legislation designating official state foods, drinks, or items related to them.
• 1 Comments

• Bill Banning Internet Cafes Becomes Law in Florida
• BY: McClatchy News   |   Florida   |   April 11, 2013
• Gov. Rick Scott has signed a bill to give law enforcement authorities better tools to put an end to illegal gambling devices in strip malls and arcades throughout the state.
• 1 Comments

• New Jersey Gun Task Force Sees Little Need for Change
• Source: Philadelphia Inquirer   |   New Jersey   |   April 11, 2013
• Gov. Christie should tighten some gun laws but doesn't need to enact major initiatives such as expanded background checks, a ban on Internet gun sales, or new limits on high-capacity magazines, according to a report from a task force he commissioned.