State law

Public school districts across California, including those in the Bay Area, are implementing new policies to limit cellphone use on campus. These measures are being enforced amid a new state law as students return to school.

A record number of Indiana school districts are requesting voter approval for property tax increases in November due to financial strain from declining enrollment, rising operational costs, and property tax reform. The state law allows districts to seek additional funds via referendums during the general election, but the changes have created revenue challenges for schools.

Montgomery County Public Schools will implement a bell-to-bell cellphone ban for all students starting the 2026-27 school year. The policy, introduced ahead of a state law, aims to reduce distractions and improve academic performance, with officials emphasizing a non-punitive approach focused on student learning.

Kitsap residents are being asked to consider replacing Puget Sound Energy (PSE) due to concerns over electric bills. Under state law, voters may have the opportunity to decide whether to support establishing a public electric utility.

Governor Josh Green concluded the 2026 bill signing session by signing over 200 bills into state law, with one bill from the Intent to Veto List not signed. The session resulted in the passage of numerous laws, but one bill was vetoed.

Washington state has announced a cap on rent hikes for 2027, stemming from a state law passed last year that limits rent increases to 7% plus inflation, with a maximum of 10%.

South Carolina voters who participated in the Democratic primary in June are prohibited from voting in the Republican U.S. Senate primary on August 11. The South Carolina Election Commission based this decision on state law, which restricts participation to voters who either cast a Republican ballot in June or did not vote in the previous primary.

Turtle Bay Resort's plans have been paused following a judge's ruling. The pause is due to the presence of a recently listed endangered species requiring a new environmental review under state law.

Smyrna officials may overturn the town's ban on firearms in parks following a court ruling deeming the law unconstitutional. A public hearing is scheduled to update town code to align with Tennessee's firearm laws, including changes to discharging firearms during lawful hunting within town limits.

Chicago's mayor has not created a noncitizen advisory board for the school board, as mandated by state law, despite 18 months passing since the first elected members were seated. The advisory panel, intended to give noncitizen families a voice in school board matters, remains unestablished ahead of the November school board elections.

Washingtonians established public records transparency in state law in 1972. The article claims this transparency has been gradually reduced over time.

A new Virginia state law allows lottery winners to remain anonymous, with winners being notified by email after drawings. The Virginia Lottery is urging players to update their contact information before July 1st to comply with the changes.

Amigos Vending has filed a lawsuit against Manor, claiming a city ordinance affecting their business oversteps state law. Manor is responding to the legal action brought by the local game room vendor.

Douglas County commissioners passed an emergency ordinance requiring helmets for riders under 18 and imposing up to $1,000 fines for reckless riding of electric dirt bikes (e-motos). The regulations address public safety concerns highlighted by Sheriff Darren Weekly and residents like Lynne Bussard, who reported dangerous behavior on roads and sidewalks. The ordinance, effective immediately, does not apply to e-bikes with pedals and includes educational efforts with schools.

The VITAL Trust and VITAL Foundation provide performance-based bonuses to teachers in Indianapolis charter schools, with the latter expanding to 11 additional schools. The initiative aims to attract and retain educators through merit pay, despite ongoing debates about its effectiveness. Federal and state programs have previously supported merit pay systems, but research on their impact remains mixed.

A raccoon was found trapped in a leg trap at a Mecklenburg County park, suffering heat stroke and injuries. Children discovered the trap, which was attached to a fence on an adjoining property, and alerted authorities. Multiple illegal traps were found, though no arrests have been made.

A new Colorado state law effective July 1 mandates all school districts to implement policies regulating student cellphone use during the school day. The law requires districts to establish guidelines for when and how students can use devices.

The Los Angeles Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission sued the Sheriff’s Department for failing to comply with subpoenas seeking documents related to a deputy shooting and two deputy beatings. The department provided redacted documents, citing confidentiality, while a new state law grants civilian oversight boards access to previously restricted records. The department argues it must meet with unions before releasing confidential information, a claim criticized by the commission’s lawyer.

A new California state law allowing denser housing near major transit stops will take effect in July, potentially enabling over 1 million new condo units in urban areas to support transit commuters.

New York Democrats passed a bill replacing 'mother' and 'father' with gender-neutral terms like 'gestating parent' and 'non-gestating parent' in state law, sending it to Gov. Kathy Hochul for approval. Critics, including Republican candidates Bruce Blakeman and Rep. Claudia Tenney, oppose the changes, calling them unnecessary and part of a broader push to erase traditional family terms.

Apple begins requiring age verification for App Store use in Texas. The state law governing app use by minors takes effect tomorrow.

Nebraska counties like Otoe are considering moratoriums on data centers due to concerns over water usage, energy demands, and heat islands. A new state law requiring faster development decisions may prompt more counties to implement temporary bans to revise regulations. Opposition to data centers is growing nationally, with similar actions in 14 states and other Nebraska counties.

Several Los Angeles candidates were surprised by a new state law that prevents their names and contact information from appearing on the list of voters at in-person polling places. Their names were on the ballot but not on the registered voter rolls.

Several Los Angeles candidates discovered a new state law prevents their names and contact information from appearing on the list of voters at in-person polling places. The candidates expressed surprise at this regulation.

Medical marijuana can be legally packed on flights departing from California, but federal regulations create uncertainty about whether passengers can keep their products upon landing in other states. Experts warn that while California permits the practice, the legality depends on the destination state's laws and federal transportation rules.

Utah lawmakers passed a new law to increase penalties for retailers like Family Dollar and Dollar General that repeatedly overcharge customers at checkout. The law, effective 6 May, was prompted by a Guardian investigation into pricing discrepancies at these stores.