PLI Bulletin
Climate, Health, Crime and More
Posted on July 23, 2025
Climate Change Impact Assessment Act: Recent weather disasters remind us that climate change will eventually affect every state and locality with more and worse hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, drought and wildfire. Some of these problems can be predicted and some of the damage mitigated with planning. The Climate Change Impact Assessment Act directs jurisdictions to study, create and implement climate change action plans.
Recent statistics destroy conservative arguments about crime: In the first half of 2025, crime plummeted across the United States. Over the past few years, there has been an extraordinary reduction in violent crime and homicide, especially in major cities. This trend proves that the conventional right-wing arguments about crime prevention are demonstrably false. For details, read the latest IdeaLog, our blog intended to raise eyebrows and engage minds.
Not Another Political Podcast: This is a different take on politics, sometimes rather off-the-wall but interesting, from the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago.
Stand-your-ground laws linked to higher homicide rates: A new report finds that stand-your-ground laws are linked to approximately 10 percent increases in monthly homicide and firearm homicide rates, especially in AL, FL, GA and LA, reports Stateline.
Getting courts to send text reminders to criminal defendants can save time, money and trouble: Missed court appearances are the number one reason people are booked into jail and the most common reason for missing court dates is that people forgot. Like many businesses do, courts should send text reminders and lawmakers can help make that happen, according to a column in Route Fifty.
Featured model bills on Health Policy: These include easy enrollment, health enterprise zones, prescription drug affordability and restrictions on tobacco products, published in our 2025 Progressive Agenda.
Robinson’s Rules, Passive News, PLI Podcasts and More
Posted on July 9, 2025
Pet Insurance Act: More than four million pets, mostly cats and dogs, are covered by their own health insurance policies. The Pet Insurance Act, based on model legislation from the National Association of Insurance...
Ranked Choice Voting, Medical Decisions, Anthropology of MAGA and More
Posted on June 25, 2025
Register New Residents Act: Whenever people move, they should register to vote or update their preexisting voter registration. That’s why Seattle enacted a simple ordinance that requires landlords to provide information on voter registration...
Preemption, Green Earth, Police Force and More
Posted on June 12, 2025
Police Use of Force Act: Here we go again. Donald Trump is encouraging excessive force by police. The Police Use of Force Act limits law enforcement officers, requiring them to use no more force...
Rideshare Protections, Election Analysis, Right-Wing Lies and More
Posted on May 28, 2025
Too Young to Test: Given their age, skills and abilities, it is developmentally inappropriate to administer standardized tests to students in prekindergarten through grade two unless it is necessary for diagnostic screening. In recognition...
Open Meetings, Congestion Pricing, Speed Limiters and More
Posted on May 13, 2025
Open Meetings Act: Livestreaming has become cheap and technologically easy so there’s no reason why public meetings shouldn’t be livestreamed. The Open Meetings Act requires government boards and commissions to make their meetings open...
Full Disclosure, Fighting Back, Lawlessness and More
Posted on May 1, 2025
Full Disclosure Act: America has a long history of cynicism about politics and politicians. It is essential to ensure not only that public officials are ethical, but that there is no appearance of impropriety....
Climate Laws, Drug Affordability, War Room and More
Posted on April 16, 2025
Prescription Drug Affordability Act: Maryland recently strengthened and broadened its landmark drug pricing law. The Prescription Drug Affordability Act, based on the Maryland model, establishes a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to review and establish...
Climate Disasters, Warehouse Workers, Musk Mistakes and More
Posted on April 2, 2025
Warehouse Worker Protection Act: Many warehouse workers are subjected to dangerous conditions and unfair practices. The Warehouse Worker Protection Act requires employers to disclose production quotas, prevents quotas from interfering with meal or rest...
Schools, Vaccines, Bullies and More
Posted on March 18, 2025
Cellphone Free Schools Act: With a few exceptions, the use of cellphones by students during school is disruptive to learning. The Cellphone Free Schools Act generally prohibits students from using electronic communication devices in...