National Conference of State Legislatures

Flock Safety is tightening privacy controls for its automated license plate reader network amid growing scrutiny from states and communities. The company announced plans to reduce data retention from 30 days to seven days, restrict inter-agency data sharing, and require law enforcement searches to be associated with case codes. These changes follow incidents of misuse and a decline in contracts, with over 50 agencies having canceled or deactivated their cameras since the beginning of 2026.

Flock Safety is tightening safeguards for its automated license plate reader network amid growing public concern and calls for restriction. The company announced it will recommend reducing data retention from 30 days to seven days and adding tools that require police searches to be associated with case codes. Despite these changes, civil liberties advocates question the system's broader privacy implications.

Flock Safety is implementing new safeguards for its nationwide automated license plate reader network in response to growing concerns from states and communities. The company announced it will reduce data retention time from 30 days to seven days and add tools to restrict data sharing between law enforcement agencies. These changes come amid scrutiny over the technology's misuse potential, including inaccurate readings and tracking individuals without suspicion.

As community and legal scrutiny increases over its automated license plate reader surveillance network, Flock Safety is tightening privacy controls, recommending a reduction in data retention from 30 to seven days. The company also plans to restrict data sharing between agencies and mandate that law enforcement searches be associated with case codes. These changes come amid concerns about misuse of the technology, including inaccurate information contributing to wrongful police stops.

Amid growing scrutiny over misuse and privacy concerns, Flock Safety announced tightening safeguards for its nationwide network of automated license plate readers. The company plans to reduce the data retention period from 30 days to seven days and require law enforcement users to associate searches with case codes. These changes follow increased pressure from lawmakers and more than 50 communities that have canceled or suspended their contracts.

Online prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket face scrutiny from state lawmakers who argue they undermine state gambling regulations. The platforms claim to be commodity markets regulated by the CFTC, but states have initiated legal actions and legislation, leading to heated debates and lawsuits. The Trump administration has also intervened, seeking to limit state oversight.

Online prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket face scrutiny from state lawmakers who argue they bypass gambling regulations, particularly around sports betting. At a recent summit, legislators criticized the platforms, citing concerns over underage participation and lack of transparency, while Kalshi claimed it operates under federal commodity futures regulations.

Online prediction markets Kalshi and Polymarket are facing scrutiny from state lawmakers who argue they bypass gambling regulations. Iowa Republican state Sen. Dan Dawson highlighted student use of Kalshi for illegal sports betting, leading to legal battles and calls for national regulation over state oversight.

A bipartisan group of 13 state lawmakers is advocating for a childcare system overhaul, citing affordability and access challenges. They propose solutions like increased employer involvement, higher provider wages, and updated regulations. The lawmakers emphasize the need for investment from governments, businesses, and philanthropy to address the crisis.

Online prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket face scrutiny from state lawmakers who argue they bypass gambling regulations. Lawmakers at a state legislators' summit criticized the platforms, which claim they operate as commodity markets regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, not sports betting. Legal battles and legislation are emerging as states challenge these platforms' compliance with local laws.

A bipartisan group of 13 state lawmakers is calling for an overhaul of the U.S. childcare system, citing high costs, low provider pay, and access gaps. Their recommendations include increased private sector involvement, higher wages for providers, and updated regulations, as presented at the National Conference of State Legislatures in Chicago.

Online prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket face scrutiny from state lawmakers who argue they bypass gambling regulations. States have initiated lawsuits and proposed legislation, while the platforms claim regulation should be handled nationally by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Kalshi preemptively sued Iowa's attorney general to block enforcement actions.

Online prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket face scrutiny from state lawmakers who argue they circumvent gambling regulations. State legislators criticized the platforms at a summit in Chicago, while Kalshi claimed federal oversight by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Legal actions and regulatory conflicts have emerged as states and the Trump administration challenge jurisdiction over the markets.

Online prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket face scrutiny from state lawmakers who argue they circumvent gambling regulations. The platforms claim they operate like commodity markets, but states are enacting legislation and lawsuits to enforce oversight, with the Trump administration opposing state regulation. A conflict over jurisdiction between states and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has intensified, as 44 state attorneys general challenge the agency's authority.

A bipartisan group of state lawmakers urges an overhaul of the U.S. childcare system, citing affordability and access issues. Their report recommends higher provider pay, private sector involvement, and regulatory reforms to address shortages.

A bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers highlighted childcare shortages and high costs nationally, with New Mexico implementing a universal childcare system and a trust fund exceeding $11 billion. The group proposed seven solutions to address childcare challenges, including expanding access and investing in the workforce.

A bipartisan group of state lawmakers is calling for an overhaul of the U.S. childcare system, citing high costs, low provider pay, and access gaps. They proposed solutions like increased employer involvement and higher wages, emphasizing the need for investment beyond government funding.

A bipartisan group of 13 state lawmakers from both parties has called for an overhaul of the U.S. childcare system, citing affordability, access gaps, and inadequate pay for providers. Their policy recommendations include increased private sector involvement, higher wages for workers, and updated regulations. The group emphasized the need for investment beyond government funding, urging collaboration with businesses and philanthropy.

The legality of taking a selfie with a ballot varies by state in the U.S. Fifteen states explicitly prohibit ballot selfies, while 27 allow them, and four restrict them to absentee or mail-in voting. The debate centers on voting secrecy laws and free speech concerns, with some states adjusting rules to address social media trends.

The U.S. House passed a bill combining restrictions on congressional stock trading and voter ID requirements, with 232-198 votes. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Steil, mandates voter ID for ballot access and prohibits Congress members and their families from certain stock purchases. It faces Senate challenges requiring 60 votes for passage.

The US House approved a bill to restrict stock trading by Congress members and impose voter ID requirements. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Steil, includes penalties for insider trading and provisional ballots for voters lacking acceptable ID. It aligns with President Donald Trump’s push for federal election reforms but faces potential Senate hurdles.

The US House passed a bill combining restrictions on congressional stock trading with a voter ID requirement. The measure requires voters to present state-issued IDs and prohibits Congress members from purchasing certain stocks, with penalties for violations. The bill now faces potential challenges in the Senate.

The U.S. House passed a bill to restrict stock trading by Congress members and require voter ID, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Steil. The measure faces challenges in the Senate and includes provisions like penalties for non-compliance and provisional ballots for voters without ID. Democrats criticized the removal of funding for voter ID costs.

The US House passed a bill to restrict stock trading by Congress members and require voter ID, combining the Stop Insider Trading Act with a voter ID provision. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Steil, requires voters to present specific IDs and prohibits Congress members from purchasing certain stocks, facing potential Senate hurdles.

The U.S. House passed a bill to restrict stock trading by Congress members and their families while requiring voters to present specific state-issued IDs. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Steil, combines financial transparency provisions with voter ID requirements and faces potential challenges in the Senate. Democrats criticized the removal of a grant provision to cover voter ID costs and argued the bill exceeds existing strict state laws.

The U.S. House passed a GOP bill combining new voter ID requirements with restrictions on congressional stock trading. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Steil, requires voters to present state-issued IDs and prohibits lawmakers from purchasing certain stocks, but faces potential obstacles in the Senate. Democrats criticized the bill for removing funding for voter IDs and exceeding existing state laws.

Democrats have flipped two Iowa state Senate seats and are seeking to expand gains in November, with national momentum and voter dissatisfaction creating opportunities to challenge GOP supermajorities in multiple states. The National Conference of State Legislatures identifies 10 Republican-held chambers as potential targets for partisan control shifts.

Democrats flipped two Iowa state Senate seats in 2023 to break the GOP supermajority, with momentum to expand seats in November. The National Conference of State Legislatures is monitoring 10 Republican-held chambers and others for potential control shifts, as voter dissatisfaction with Washington and high prices fuel Democratic enthusiasm in state contests.

Iowa Democrats flipped two state Senate seats in special elections last year, breaking the GOP supermajority. Democrats aim to expand gains in November, with the National Conference of State Legislatures tracking potential flips in 10 Republican-held chambers. Voter dissatisfaction and high prices are influencing election dynamics.

Democrats aim to flip Republican-held legislative chambers and break GOP supermajorities in multiple states this November, following recent special election gains. The National Conference of State Legislatures identifies 10 Republican-held chambers and other divided or Democratic-held chambers as potential targets for partisan shifts.

Democrats have gained momentum by flipping state Senate seats in Iowa and are aiming to break GOP supermajorities in multiple states this November. The National Conference of State Legislatures identifies 10 Republican-held chambers as potential targets for partisan control shifts, with Democrats seeking to weaken Republican majorities or achieve trifectas in key states.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would establish year-round Daylight Saving Time and eliminate bi-annual clock changes. The bill requires Senate approval and presidential signing, with supporters citing benefits like improved sleep and public safety, while opponents highlight challenges for farmers and early risers.

The US House passed a bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide, with a vote of 308 to 117. The measure now moves to the Senate, where its future is uncertain. Proponents highlight benefits like avoiding clock changes and reducing seasonal depression, while critics warn of economic impacts, particularly for farmers. President Donald Trump endorsed the bill, and 19 states have passed legislation to adopt year-round Daylight Saving Time if Congress approves it.

Indiana K-12 schools must meet four standards, including an 'A' grade in state accountability and minimum teacher salaries, to qualify for a four-day school week waiver. Vinton Elementary School, piloting the model, reports reduced disciplinary referrals and staff absences, but faces uncertainty about meeting new criteria after its pilot expires.

The US House will vote on a bill to implement year-round Daylight Saving Time, with support from President Donald Trump and 19 states. The measure faces uncertain approval in the Senate and has sparked debate over its economic and health impacts, particularly affecting farmers and standard time observers.

Ohio eliminated its four-day absentee ballot grace period before a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, but the court later upheld grace periods as valid. Governor Mike DeWine signed the bill reluctantly, fearing a potential ruling against grace periods, though the court's 5-4 decision affirmed states' authority to set deadlines for receiving ballots. The change will impact Ohio voters in the November 2025 election.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi's law allowing mail-in ballots to be counted up to five days after election day if postmarked by election day. The 5-4 ruling permits similar laws in 14 states and the District of Columbia. The Republican National Committee and President Trump opposed the measure, while voting rights groups supported it.

A Trump-appointed federal judge in Maine dismissed a DOJ lawsuit seeking voter roll data from Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. The judge ruled that the federal government's request violated principles of federalism and state control over elections. This marks the seventh state where such a DOJ lawsuit has been dismissed.