state legislatures News

States Clamp Down on Freight Trains, Fearing Derailments and Federal Gridlock

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Spurred on by train derailments, some states with busy criss-crossing freight railroads are pursuing their own safety remedies rather than wait for federal action amid industry opposition and questions about whether they even have authority to …

More States Adopting Professional Standards for Public Adjusters

A movement to establish professional standards for public adjusters gained ground this year, with lawmakers in five states passing bills that impose new controls over a trade that already requires a license in 46 states. Brian S. Goodman, general counsel …

Independent Shops Pushing Back as Safelite Pushes for Auto Glass Laws

Safelite AutoGlass has hired lobbyists at statehouses across the country as it seeks legislation that it says will protect consumer safety by ensuring that the sensors and cameras used for advanced driver assistance systems are properly recalibrated after replacement or …

Pandemic Backlash Jeopardizes Public Health Powers, Leaders

Tisha Coleman has lived in close-knit Linn County, Kansas, for 42 years and never felt so alone. As the public health administrator, she’s struggled every day of the coronavirus pandemic to keep her rural county along the Missouri border safe. …

Viewpoint: Federal and State Civil Immunity from COVID-19 Lawsuits

Hundreds of COVID-19 lawsuits have been filed across the country and business leaders say liability immunity is necessary in order to protect against abusive and meritless lawsuits. The stakes are high. Big and small businesses alike are targets for opportunistic …