PLI Bulletin
Gig Workers, Small Claims, Proactive Policy and More
Posted on September 20, 2023
Fair Small Claims Court Modernization Act: In 45 states, the small claims courts have monetary limits of $10,000 or less, which is woefully low considering today’s costs. The Small Claims Court Modernization Act increases the monetary limit for small claims court jurisdiction to $15-$25,000.
Six reasons to fight for proactive policy even in red and purple states: If there’s one thing that the Public Leadership Institute stands for, it’s proactive strategy and policy. Instead of being mostly reactive and defensive, we urge lawmakers and advocates to create a strategic policy agenda and try to change the terms of debate. For more, see the latest IdeaLog, our blog intended to raise eyebrows and engage minds.
Latest research in criminal justice: The federal Bureau of Justice Statistics hosts a periodic Justice Today Podcast which explores how funding, technology and innovation affect public safety.
States and Cities Eye Stronger Protections for Gig Workers: One in six adults have been gig workers. Generally, they lack basic employee protections, so many states and localities are considering laws to help them, according to an article in Stateline.
Local elected officials are more popular than statewide or federal officials: According to a July 2023 poll by the Pew Research Center, 56 percent of Americans rate the job performance of local elected officials as “good” with only 26 percent saying “bad.” In contrast, members of Congress are perceived unfavorably by a 3-to-1 margin.
How to build relationships with the media: News coverage is an urgent need for both policymakers and advocates, and it’s Chapter 12 of our advocacy book, Preparing to Win.
Right to Repair, Homeschooling, Disinformation and More
Posted on September 5, 2023
Digital Right to Repair Act: By requiring manufacturers to make information available to owners and independent repair providers, the Digital Right to Repair Act ensures that, on fair and reasonable terms, owners are able to get...
Affirmative Action, Homelessness, Banality of Evil and More
Posted on August 23, 2023
Fair Chance Licensing Act: Because of a years-long trend to require background checks for a wide range of business licenses, more than 70 million Americans find it hard to work in licensed professions. Created...
Full Disclosure, Overworked 911, Latest Indictment and More
Posted on August 10, 2023
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....
Tenants, Interrogations, Narratives and More
Posted on July 26, 2023
Electronic Recording of Custodial Interrogations Act: Every year, innocent people are jailed because of false confessions. Every state and locality with a police force can help protect the innocent and convict the guilty by...
Immigration, Discrimination, How to Win and More
Posted on July 12, 2023
Don’t Ask Immigration Status Act: Both authorized and unauthorized immigrants are less likely to report violations of law when they fear they may be harassed by immigration authorities. The Don’t Ask Immigration Status Act...
Income Taxes, Abortion Clinics, Both-Siderism and More
Posted on June 27, 2023
Control on Government Use of Artificial Intelligence Act: AI is developing fast and automated decision-making is already used by some government programs, sometimes perpetuating racial bias. The Control on Government Use of Artificial Intelligence...
Indictment, Detentions, AI and More
Posted on June 14, 2023
No Involvement in Immigration Detentions Act: Immigration control is a federal responsibility, yet through contracts, thousands of people are detained at local jails and private prisons. The No Involvement in Immigration Detentions Act prohibits...
Swatting, Unemployment, Night Mayors and More
Posted on May 31, 2023
Malicious False Reporting Relief Act: There’s been an increase in false 911 calls, including so-called “swatting,” intended to harass or intimidate a targeted individual. While false reporting is a crime, it often goes unprosecuted....
Education, Public Safety, What We Stand For and More
Posted on May 17, 2023
School Spending Disclosure Act: In many high-poverty schools, a huge portion of instruction has become little more than test prep, with multiple pre-tests, test-driven curricula and homework, testing consultants, and shaming of students with...