For the past several years, consumers have been fighting for their right to more privacy when using online platforms. And under a new California law, they might just get the online privacy protections they've been asking for. California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a new law into effect that is considered the nation's more strict law regarding online privacy. The law goes into effect in January 2020 and will allow consumers to know what personal information is being collected by companies and where it's being shared. Furthermore, consumers will be allowed to have their information deleted by companies that obtain it and not allow them to ... Read More >
Jun 1
5 Propositions to Be Voted on in June 5 Primary Ballot
On June 5, California voters will have the opportunity to vote on the statewide primary ballots. In total, there are five propositions that have been written by the California legislative counsel. Along with these five propositions, there will be more than a dozen voter-circulated ballot measures in November's elections. Here's what California residents can expect to see in the ballots next month. Borrowing for the protection of parks and wildlife (Proposition 68): This $4.1 billion bond proposal was drafted last fall. Lawmakers hope this funding could be put towards conservation projects, water resources, and new parks in struggling ... Read More >
May 4
Weird Liquor Laws From Across the U.S.
Legislative history is the foundation for new state laws to be made. While all laws are in place for a reason, there are a few laws that seem strange. Because laws can vary so much from state to state, we're going to look at a few weird liquor laws that can be found in states throughout the country. First up, we have drive-through liquor stores in Arizona. This seems a little strange, seeing as how drinking and driving itself is against the law. Of course, these establishments don't encourage drinking the liquor as soon as drivers pull away from the window, but that doesn't make them any less unusual. Speaking of drinking and driving, ... Read More >
Apr 5
The California Senate Joint Resolution 21: What it’s Asking for
There exists a significant amount of legislation at the state level, as anyone would surmise. Many of the laws passed at the state level are, for the most part, known by residents. However, there are amendments and resolutions that slightly alter or add to those laws; including the Constitution which has been amended 27 times since its creation. These resolutions widely go unnoticed by the public and are often dismissed by the lawmakers themselves once an alteration is passed. These resolutions to state legislation offer little no actual enforcement and are, in essence, forms of recognition or a means to pacify constituents in times of ... Read More >
Mar 15
FAQ: Understanding SLAPP and Anti-SLAPP Laws
If you've ever been in a courtroom, or if you are just addicted to legal television shows and courtroom dramas, you may have heard the term anti-SLAPP. SLAPP laws, or strategic lawsuits against public participation, are exactly what they sound like -- lawsuits designed not to right a wrong, but to intimidate or suppress public action, usually speech. Because corporations usually have the financial resources to fund lawsuits and pay endless legal fees, simply filing a lawsuit against an ordinary citizen is enough to silence them. Looking for more information on SLAPP lawsuits and anti-SLAPP laws? Legal research websites such as Legislative ... Read More >
Jan 23
FAQ: Do All Functions of Government Stop During a Shutdown?
The United States government officially shut down at midnight on Friday, January 19. It's not the first time the federal government has shutdown in the 21st century, and unless there are some radical changes in Washington, D.C., it won't be the last time either. As is traditional during government shutdowns, both parties believe the opposing party is 100% responsible for the shutdown. Republicans in the House of Representatives passed a short-term continuing resolution (CR) that would fund the government for four weeks, but the Senate failed to agree on a spending bill. The disagreement resulted in a government shutdown. In any ... Read More >