Sample records for state legislative support

  1. Developing a Statewide Childhood Body Mass Index Surveillance Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Paul, David R.; Scruggs, Philip W.; Goc Karp, Grace; Ransdell, Lynda B.; Robinson, Clay; Lester, Michael J.; Gao, Yong; Petranek, Laura J.; Brown, Helen; Shimon, Jane M.

    2014-01-01

    Background: Several states have implemented childhood obesity surveillance programs supported by legislation. Representatives from Idaho wished to develop a model for childhood obesity surveillance without the support of state legislation, and subsequently report predictors of overweight and obesity in the state. Methods: A coalition comprised of…

  2. Legislative Lessons: State-Relations Strategies for Government, Alumni, and Public Relations Officers.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Van Eyck, Laila

    1995-01-01

    Techniques for college and university administrators and alumni to use in garnering support for or against state legislation include: gathering diverse experts; selecting a defense and/or offense; remaining flexible; flooding legislative offices with communications; meeting with local newspaper editors and legislators; distributing fact sheets to…

  3. Finding Your Way in the Legislation Maze: How To Pass Legislation in Your State.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gross, Steve

    1997-01-01

    Offers tips for developing and passing legislation that would protect animals. Recommends being an authority on the issue, researching current laws, recognizing support groups and lobbyists, and knowing key legislative players. Contains a description of laws passed in the state of Illinois. (PVD)

  4. Political realities of statewide smoking legislation: the passage of California's Assembly Bill 13.

    PubMed

    Macdonald, H R; Glantz, S A

    1997-01-01

    To prepare a history of the enactment of California Assembly Bill 13 (AB 13), a state law prohibiting smoking in most workplaces passed in 1994, and to discuss its initial impacts. Data were gathered from open ended interviews with representatives of voluntary health organisations, local government organisations, and principal legislators involved in the process, as well as observers around the state who could provide insight into the legislative process. Information was also obtained from legislative hearings and debates, public documents, letters and personal communications, internal memoranda, and news reports. The success of local tobacco control legislation in California led to a situation in which some health groups were willing to accept state preemption in order to attract the support of the state restaurant association for a bill. The decision to accept this preemption compromise was made by the state level offices of the voluntary health agencies without consulting the broader tobacco control community within California. In contrast, local tobacco control advocates did not accept this compromise, in part because of their belief that local legislation was a better device to educate the public, generate media coverage, and build community support for enforcement and implementation of clean indoor air and other tobacco control laws. Enactment of AB 13 was associated with a slowing of all local tobacco control legislation, including youth oriented laws. Because its supporters initially doubted that AB 13 would pass, there was never an effort to reconcile the policy differences between state oriented and locally oriented tobacco control policies. This lack of consensus, combined with the political realities inherent in passing any state legislation, led to a bill with ambiguous preemption language which replaced the "patchwork of local laws" with a "patchwork of local enforcement."

  5. An analysis of state legislation on community trails.

    PubMed

    Eyler, Amy; Lankford, Tina; Chriqui, Jamie; Evenson, Kelly R; Kruger, Judy; Tompkins, Nancy; Voorhees, Carolyn; Zieff, Susan; Aytur, Semra; Brownson, Ross

    2010-03-01

    Trails provide opportunities for recreation, transportation and activity. The purpose of this article is to describe state legislation related to community trails, to analyze legislation content, and to evaluate legislation on inclusion of evidence-informed elements. State trail legislation from 2001 to 2008 was identified using online legislative databases. An analysis of evidence-informed elements included in the legislation was conducted. These elements included: funding, liability, accessibility, connectivity, and maintenance. Of the total 991 trail bills, 516 (52.0%) were appropriations bills, of which 167 (32.2%) were enacted. We analyzed 475 (48%) nonappropriation trail bills of which 139 (29.3%) were enacted. The percentage of enactment of appropriations bills decreased over time while enactment of nonappropriations trail bills increased. Over half of the nonappropriations trail bills included at least 1 evidence-informed element, most commonly funding. Few bills contained liability, connectivity, accessibility, or maintenance. There is opportunity for providing evidence-informed information to policy-makers to potentially influence bill content. The number of bills with a funding element demonstrates that fiscal support for trails is an important policy lever that state legislatures may use to support trails. Lastly, trails should be considered in over-all state-level physical activity legislation to provide opportunities for communities to be active.

  6. State legislative staff influence in health policy making.

    PubMed

    Weissert, C S; Weissert, W G

    2000-12-01

    State legislative staff may influence health policy by gathering intelligence, setting the agenda, and shaping the legislative proposals. But they may also be stymied in their roles by such institutional constraints as hiring practices and by turnover in committee leadership in the legislature. The intervening variable of trust between legislators and their support staff is also key to understanding influence and helps explain how staff-legislator relationships play an important role in designing state health policy. This study of legislative fiscal and health policy committee staff uses data from interviews with key actors in five states to model the factors important in explaining variation in the influence of committee staff on health policy.

  7. Sexual Minority Women's Satisfaction with Health Care Providers and State-level Structural Support: Investigating the Impact of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Nondiscrimination Legislation.

    PubMed

    Baldwin, Aleta M; Dodge, Brian; Schick, Vanessa; Sanders, Stephanie A; Fortenberry, J Dennis

    Structural discrimination is associated with negative health outcomes among sexual minority populations. Recent changes to state-level and national legislation provide both the opportunity and the need to further explore the impact of legislation on the health indicators of sexual minorities. Using an ecosocial theory lens, the present research addresses the relationship between structural support or discrimination and satisfaction with one's health care provider among sexual minority women. Data were drawn from an online survey of sexual minority women's health care experiences. Using the Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services Utilization to operationalize the variables in our model, we examined the relationship between state-level nondiscrimination legislation and satisfaction with provider-a widely used measure of health care quality-through regression analysis. Participants in structurally supportive states (i.e., those with nondiscrimination legislation) were more likely to disclose their sexual identity to their providers and to report higher satisfaction with their providers. The absence of nondiscrimination legislation was associated negatively with satisfaction with providers. Results of our study show that the external environment in which sexual minority women seek health care, characterized by structural support or lack thereof, is related to perceived quality of health care. Copyright © 2017 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Legislative Priorities for the 105th Congress.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Association of State Directors of Vocational Technical Education Consortium.

    The National Association of State Directors of Vocational Technical Education Consortium (NASDVTEC) supports enactment of legislation that is dedicated solely to vocational-technical education (VTE). NASDVTEC urges the 105th Congress to build on the existing foundation of a strong state role in VTE by drafting legislation that achieves the…

  9. Enact legislation supporting residential property assessed clean energy financing (PACE)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Saha, Devashree

    Congress should enact legislation that supports residential property assessed clean energy (PACE) programs in the nation’s states and metropolitan areas. Such legislation should require the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase residential mortgages with PACE assessments while at the same time providing responsible underwriting standards and a set of benchmarks for residential PACE assessments in order to minimize financial risks to mortgage holders. Congressional support of residential PACE financing will improve energy efficiency, encourage job creation, and foster economic growth in the nation’s state and metropolitan areas.

  10. Supports for Community-Based Mental Health Care: An Optimistic Review of Federal Legislation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bentley, Kia J.

    1994-01-01

    Describes and summarizes recent relevant federal legislative initiatives and analyzes their potential in providing support for community-based mental health care for adults in United States. Contends that these legislative mandates and options can be source of optimism and ammunition for advocates and change agents as they work to improve mental…

  11. Texas Employee Health and Fitness Program. An Example of Unique Legislation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Haydon, Donald F.; And Others

    1986-01-01

    The Texas State Employee Health Fitness and Education Act of 1983 enables state agencies and educational institutions to finance employee health and fitness programs. This legislation is discussed and an example of the state-supported program is given. (MT)

  12. State Legislative Recommendations to Promote Fair and Effective School Discipline. NEPC Discipline Resource Sheet

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Losen, Daniel J.

    2011-01-01

    This document presents a summary of the larger report "Discipline Policies, Successful Schools, and Racial Justice." State legislation is an important lever for improving the equity of student discipline policies. However, states vary tremendously, and only some provide accurate public reports on school discipline, support effective…

  13. Enacting legislation to restrict youth access to tanning beds: a survey of advocates and sponsoring legislators.

    PubMed

    Obayan, Busayo; Geller, Alan C; Resnick, Elissa A; Demierre, Marie-France

    2010-07-01

    Passing tanning bed legislation restricting underage use has remained challenging. We sought to determine the resources required to pass tanning bed legislation restricting use to children and identify key barriers to its passage. A total of 15 states sought to pass tanning bed legislation in 2006; in-depth surveys were completed with advocates in 10 states and legislators in 5 states. Advocates sought advice from the sponsoring legislator or legislators (n = 9), held discussions with other organizations (n = 8), and used a lobbyist (n = 5). The 3 major barriers were strong lobbying efforts by the tanning bed industry (n = 10), proceedings after the bill was filed (n = 5), and obtaining support from other organizations (n = 4). For legislators, the most significant barrier was making colleagues aware of the health effects of tanning bed use. Five of 10 legislators and 10 of 15 advocates responded to the survey. Barriers to passage of tanning bed legislation can potentially be surmounted with advice to advocates and coordinated efforts by multiple organizations. Copyright (c) 2009 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. The route to a national health policy lies through the states.

    PubMed Central

    Silver, G. A.

    1991-01-01

    National health program legislation has been becalmed in the Congress for almost 80 years. Despite periodic cries of "crisis," legislation never emerges from committee. Periodically, campaigns have been mounted without success. Tactical efforts to circumvent direct action by legislating bits and pieces of related programs, Medicare and Medicaid, health maintenance organization support, and pre-budgeting, have complicated operation of the medical care system and stimulated intractable cost inflation. For the first 150 years of American history, responsibility for public health and welfare legislation rested with the states. Most public health policies originated in a state or a few states and then later became national legislation. The state efforts were, in effect, natural experiments. After the Depression and the flood of funding from the federal government in subsequent years, the states faded as innovators. It is proposed that funding a few state models to restimulate state initiative in this regard will provide a more effective route to a national health program. PMID:1814058

  15. A Campaign of Gratitude

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kaaland, Christie

    2009-01-01

    Political advocacy continues to gain ground in the state of Washington after the landmark Washington state legislative support of emergency funding ($4.09 million) for library media centers during the 2008 legislative session. This stepped-up political advocacy is due to the efforts of the Washington Library Media Association Advocacy members…

  16. Medicaid Expansion in a Litmus State: The Missouri Struggle.

    PubMed

    Brasfield, James

    2016-12-01

    For a century Missouri was a bellwether state in presidential elections, always picking the winner. Since 2008 it has been experiencing a partisan divide along urban/rural lines with President Obama losing the state twice. The battle over Medicaid expansion found a Democratic governor unable to convince a Republican legislative majority to support ACA-based expansion. The more highly partisan legislative environment has rendered traditional bargaining and negotiations impossible on the controversial question of Medicaid expansion.Despite supportive advocacy by hospitals and the business community, the Republican legislative leaders have opposed any movement on Medicaid expansion over the past four years. There will be a new occupant in the governor's mansion in 2017, which may create a fork in the road. Democrats are unlikely to regain a legislative majority, and one path is continued Republican refusal to consider expansion. The other path features the new governor responding to the national 2016 election outcome, and creating the prospects for a deal, perhaps around a waiver plan. Copyright © 2016 by Duke University Press.

  17. Policy Shop Casts Long K-12 Shadow

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ujifusa, Andrew

    2012-01-01

    In nearly 40 years of legislative advocacy, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)--a free-market, limited-government group now drawing intense scrutiny for its support of a controversial self-defense law--has had a significant influence on K-12 education through its model legislation and work with state lawmakers to promote such…

  18. Impact of Legislation upon Management: A U.S. Perspective.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Trezza, Alphonse F.

    Federal and state legislation which provides funds in support of library programs and legislation that has financial implications for libraries are reviewed with examples from public and academic libraries. Implications of accepting library funds, the impact of the Copyright Act law, Title II-C of the Higher Education Act, postal regulations, the…

  19. New Science Standards: A Readiness Assessment for State Boards of Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Center on Great Teachers and Leaders, 2015

    2015-01-01

    State implementation of new standards (revising, adapting, and adopting new standards) is a significant undertaking. Such an effort at the state level requires extensive support, planning, and resources. Implementing new state standards also requires the support of multiple education leaders--governors, legislators, state departments of education,…

  20. Evidence and argument in policymaking: development of workplace smoking legislation

    PubMed Central

    Apollonio, Dorie E; Bero, Lisa A

    2009-01-01

    Background We sought to identify factors that affect the passage of public health legislation by examining the use of arguments, particularly arguments presenting research evidence, in legislative debates regarding workplace smoking restrictions. Methods We conducted a case-study based content analysis of legislative materials used in the development of six state workplace smoking laws, including written and spoken testimony and the text of proposed and passed bills and amendments. We coded testimony given before legislators for arguments used, and identified the institutional affiliations of presenters and their position on the legislation. We compared patterns in the arguments made in testimony to the relative strength of each state's final legislation. Results Greater discussion of scientific evidence within testimony given was associated with the passage of workplace smoking legislation that provided greater protection for public health, regardless of whether supporters outnumbered opponents or vice versa. Conclusion Our findings suggest that an emphasis on scientific discourse, relative to other arguments made in legislative testimony, might help produce political outcomes that favor public health. PMID:19534777

  1. Five Things Education Supporters Should Know about Pension Reform. A Special Education Sector Guide for Legislators

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tucker, Bill

    2012-01-01

    As a state legislator, you're well aware of the fiscal pressures that have caused many states to change their pension systems. But you should also be aware of the impact that pension reform has on public education. This brief guide shows you how and why pension programs affect your state's efforts to attract and retain the best teachers. It…

  2. Tobacco Taxes in the Southeastern US States: Views from Former Legislators

    PubMed Central

    Berg, Carla J.; Solomon, Madeleine; Barkley, Amy; Bailey, Eric; Goodwin, Sherell Brown; Kegler, Michelle C.

    2015-01-01

    Objectives We examine influences on southeastern state legislators’ actions related to tobacco tax increases. Methods In 2014, we interviewed 26 former state legislators in southeastern states via phone. Results Themes regarding factors impeding increasing tobacco taxes included: tobacco's legacy in the South, protecting vulnerable populations from increased cigarette costs, concern about economic impact, opposing “sin” taxes, concern about impact on reelection, and perceptions that constituents oppose all taxes. The major theme in support of increasing tobacco taxes was health concern. Prior attempts at passing legislation resulted in political leveraging, deal-making, or compromising. Conclusions Legislators’ misperceptions of constituent opposition and impact on economy, among other impediments to increased tobacco taxes, must be addressed. PMID:26236755

  3. Legislators' positions on gay and lesbian rights: the personal and political.

    PubMed

    Herrick, Rebekah

    2010-01-01

    This article examines state legislators' public position on gay and lesbian rights by using responses to survey data on their positions toward civil unions and inclusion of sexual orientation in anti-job discrimination laws. The research finds that although state legislators are mixed on their positions, they are less supportive of gay and lesbian rights than is the general public. It also finds that their public positions are a product of both their personal beliefs and values as well as their political calculations. The implications of these findings are explored.

  4. Legislators' beliefs on tobacco control policies in Nevada.

    PubMed

    York, Nancy L; Pritsos, Chris A; Gutierrez, Antonio P

    2012-02-01

    The purpose of this study was to identify Nevada legislators' views on comprehensive smoke-free (SF) policy development. The Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act (NCIAA) is a weak law that prohibits smoking in most indoor public places, excluding stand-alone bars and casino gaming areas. Nevada's state senators and assembly members were contacted to participate in the study. A literature review guided modifications of an instrument previously used to measure county-level officials' policy views in Kentucky. Descriptive statistics were conducted for selected variables, while independent t tests and one-way analysis of variance were used to examine differences between various groups. 23 of 63 legislators participated. Even though the majority of officials recognized smoking as a health hazard and nicotine as addictive, there was not overwhelming support for strengthening the NCIAA, raising cigarette excise taxes or providing cessation benefits to citizens. Officials believed that the NCIAA was having a negative economic impact on smaller gaming businesses, but not on the casino industry. Democrats were more likely than Republicans to agree that raising the excise tax by $1 is important for needed state revenues. 63% of legislators believed that they would be persuaded to strengthen the NCIAA regardless of its financial impact on small businesses, if their constituents supported such a move. No other state relies on gaming revenues as much as Nevada. Given that legislators are strongly influenced by their constituents' views, policy advocates need to establish grassroots support for strengthening the current NCIAA and also tobacco control laws in general.

  5. The debate over weight- versus price-based taxation of snuff in the United States' state legislatures.

    PubMed

    Timberlake, David S; Sami, Mojgan; Patel, Sonam; Thiagarajan, Shamili; Badiyan, Ramin; Willard, Shay

    2014-08-01

    Discount snuff, known for its cheap price, high nicotine content, and popularity among youth, has increased substantially in market share in the United States. As a likely result, the leading manufacturer of premium snuff has supported legislation changing the basis for taxing snuff from price to weight. To determine which public health issues arose in legislative debates, we transcribed 17 of 52 bills from US state legislatures and coded for arguments broadly categorized into public health, fair taxation, tax revenue, tax efficiency, and anti-competitiveness. State legislators expressed frustration that equitable taxation, revenue generation, and prevention of youth tobacco use were frequently conflated in the debates. Public health advocates expressed concerns over youths' incentives to purchase low-weight snuff, but seldom discussed youths' growing preference for discount snuff. The evolving market of moist snuff is a critical consideration for US state legislators as well as policy makers from other countries who may evaluate taxation methods for alternate tobacco products.

  6. Expressing the sense of the Congress that State and local governments should be supported for taking actions to discourage illegal immigration and that legislation should be enacted to ease the burden on State and local governments for taking such actions.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Rep. Poe, Ted [R-TX-2

    2009-01-09

    House - 02/09/2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  7. Community lay rescuer automated external defibrillation programs: key state legislative components and implementation strategies: a summary of a decade of experience for healthcare providers, policymakers, legislators, employers, and community leaders from the American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee, Council on Clinical Cardiology, and Office of State Advocacy.

    PubMed

    Aufderheide, Tom; Hazinski, Mary Fran; Nichol, Graham; Steffens, Suzanne Smith; Buroker, Andrew; McCune, Robin; Stapleton, Edward; Nadkarni, Vinay; Potts, Jerry; Ramirez, Raymond R; Eigel, Brian; Epstein, Andrew; Sayre, Michael; Halperin, Henry; Cummins, Richard O

    2006-03-07

    Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death for adults > or =40 years of age. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that sudden cardiac arrest is responsible for about 250,000 out-of-hospital deaths annually in the United States. Since the early 1990s, the AHA has called for innovative approaches to reduce time to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation and improve survival from sudden cardiac arrest. In the mid-1990s, the AHA launched a public health initiative to promote early CPR and early use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) by trained lay responders in community (lay rescuer) AED programs. Between 1995 and 2000, all 50 states passed laws and regulations concerning lay rescuer AED programs. In addition, the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (CASA, Public Law 106-505) was passed and signed into federal law in 2000. The variations in state and federal legislation and regulations have complicated efforts to promote lay rescuer AED programs and in some cases have created impediments to such programs. Since 2000, most states have reexamined lay rescuer AED statutes, and many have passed legislation to remove impediments and encourage the development of lay rescuer AED programs. The purpose of this statement is to help policymakers develop new legislation or revise existing legislation to remove barriers to effective community lay rescuer AED programs. Important areas that should be considered in state legislation and regulations are highlighted, and sample legislation sections are included. Potential sources of controversy and the rationale for proposed legislative components are noted. This statement will not address legislation to support home AED programs. Such recommendations may be made after the conclusion of a large study of home AED use.

  8. Indoor Tanning Legislation: Shaping Policy and Nursing Practice.

    PubMed

    Driscoll, Donna W; Darcy, Jennifer

    2015-01-01

    Legislation exists regulating adolescents' use of tanning beds; however, the rate at which adolescents use these devices has not been reduced. The purpose of this study was to provide an analysis of indoor tanning bed legislation in the United States specifically related to legal issues and parental consent along with enforcement of current laws. The investigators collected data via review of state health department websites or telephone interviews of identified contacts for all 50 states. Findings reveal wide variation in legislation related to adolescents' access to tanning devices and enforcement of violation of legal statutes. Nurses and other health care professionals can play key roles in educating families and adolescents to the dangers from the use of tanning beds along with being role models for proper skin protective behaviors. In addition, nurses should become advocates by supporting legislative efforts that ban tanning salons for all minors, with the long-term goal of reducing skin cancer caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure from the use of tanning salons today.

  9. Vouchers Draw Bipartisan Look

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maxwell, Lesli A.

    2010-01-01

    The momentum in Florida to expand one of that state's voucher programs is a subtle but significant sign that such programs, which have been anathema to many Democrats, are beginning to win bipartisan support in a number of states. State lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in Florida are already voicing support for new legislation that would…

  10. A user's guide to coping with estuarine management bureaucracy: An Estuarine Planning Support System (EPSS) tool.

    PubMed

    Lonsdale, Jemma; Nicholson, Rose; Weston, Keith; Elliott, Michael; Birchenough, Andrew; Sühring, Roxana

    2018-02-01

    Estuaries are amongst the most socio-economically and ecologically important environments however, due to competing and conflicting demands, management is often challenging with a complex legislative framework managed by multiple agencies. To facilitate the understanding of this legislative framework, we have developed a GISbased Estuarine Planning Support System tool. The tool integrates the requirements of the relevant legislation and provides a basis for assessing the current environmental state of an estuary as well as informing and assessing new plans to ensure a healthy estuarine state. The tool ensures that the information is easily accessible for regulators, managers, developers and the public. The tool is intended to be adaptable, but is assessed using the Humber Estuary, United Kingdom as a case study area. The successful application of the tool for complex socio-economic and environmental systems demonstrates that the tool can efficiently guide users through the complex requirements needed to support sustainable development. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. A resolution calling for the protection of the Mekong River Basin and increased United States support for delaying the construction of mainstream dams along the Mekong River.

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Sen. Webb, Jim [D-VA

    2011-07-07

    Senate - 12/01/2011 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 249. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  12. Hoosier Lawmaker? Vouchers, ALEC Legislative Puppets, and Indiana's Abdication of Democracy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shaffer, Michael B.; Ellis, John G.; Swensson, Jeff

    2018-01-01

    "Getting poor kids out of failing schools" sounds like an altruistic cause most Americans support. However, one policy mechanism utilized to achieve that result, parental choice vouchers, has a checkered past. This descriptive analysis explores the policy-bubble created when state legislators eschewed their constitutional responsibility…

  13. Group Health's participation in a shared decision-making demonstration yielded lessons, such as role of culture change.

    PubMed

    King, Jaime; Moulton, Benjamin

    2013-02-01

    In 2007 Washington State became the first state to enact legislation encouraging the use of shared decision making and decision aids to address deficiencies in the informed-consent process. Group Health volunteered to fulfill a legislated mandate to study the costs and benefits of integrating these shared decision-making processes into clinical practice across a range of conditions for which multiple treatment options are available. The Group Health Demonstration Project, conducted during 2009-11, yielded five key lessons for successful implementation, including the synergy between efforts to reduce practice variation and increase shared decision making; the need to support modifications in practice with changes in physician training and culture; and the value of identifying best implementation methods through constant evaluation and iterative improvement. These lessons, and the legislated provisions that supported successful implementation, can guide other states and health care institutions moving toward informed patient choice as the standard of care for medical decision making.

  14. Child Support Collection: A Stick-and-Carrot Approach.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cullen, Francis T.; And Others

    1980-01-01

    New York State's attempt to reduce welfare expenditures by collecting the child support payments of defaulting parents reinforces federal incentives containing penalties for localities operating ineffective collection programs. The state's program may serve as a model for the more effective implementation of legislation in other jurisdictions.…

  15. Smoke-Free Medical Facility Campus Legislation: Support, Resistance, Difficulties and Cost

    PubMed Central

    Sheffer, Christine; Stitzer, Maxine; Wheeler, J. Gary

    2009-01-01

    Although medical facilities restrict smoking inside, many people continue to smoke outside, creating problems with second-hand smoke, litter, fire risks, and negative role modeling. In 2005, Arkansas passed legislation prohibiting smoking on medical facility campuses. Hospital administrators (N=113) were surveyed pre- and post-implementation. Administrators reported more support and less difficulty than anticipated. Actual cost was 10–50% of anticipated cost. Few negative effects and numerous positive effects on employee performance and retention were reported. The results may be of interest to hospital administrators and demonstrate that state legislation can play a positive role in facilitating broad health-related policy change. PMID:19440281

  16. Federal restructuring legislation: A recipe for successful action

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kanner, M.

    Without a doubt, electric restructuring legislation will assume a prominent position during the 105th Congress. But whether this attention results in enactment of meaningful legislation or simply wheel-spinning exercises will depend on the substantive approach Congress seeks to take. There is both the political will and the substantive need to enact legislation: (1) The base of political support for retail competition has expanded well beyond a handful of large industrial consumers. Retail chains, small commercial establishments and residential consumer representatives in some states see the potential savings and benefits that can result from choosing power suppliers. (2) States are movingmore » forward--with various degrees of seriousness--to test or implement retail competition. But the authority of the states is ambiguous, and a successful legal challenge could bring this progress to a halt. (3) While a `cookie-cutter` approach to retail wheeling may not be necessary, there are substantive and economic reasons to promote certain consistent (though not necessarily identical) policies and actions. (4) Congress cannot stand aside and passively watch the states (and the market) act. Certain actions are needed to promote effective retail competition that only Congress can take. Congress should send to the President a comprehensive restructuring package during the 105th Congress. If Congress fails to act, it will increase the political risks of any subsequent legislative effort to `get it right.` This article attempts to outline a legislative package that should gather sufficient support for enactment in the 105th Congress. The author asks the reader`s indulgence to remember the prime objective--passage of meaningful legislation that extends the option of choice to electricity customers. While the proposal below will fall short of the objectives of some, the author believes it embraces the most comprehensive approach to a package that is politically feasible.« less

  17. State health agencies and the legislative policy process.

    PubMed

    Williams-Crowe, S M; Aultman, T V

    1994-01-01

    A new era of health care reform places increasing pressure on public health leaders and agencies to participate in the public policy arena. Public health professionals have long been comfortable in providing the scientific knowledge base required in policy development. What has been more recent in its evolution, however, is recognition that they must also play an active role in leading and shaping the debate over policy. A profile of effective State legislative policy "entrepreneurs" and their strategies has been developed to assist health agencies in developing such a leadership position. Based on the experiences of State legislative liaison officers, specific strategies for dealing with State legislatures have been identified and are organized into five key areas--agency organization, staff skills, communications, negotiation, and active ongoing involvement. A public health agency must be organized effectively to participate in the legislative policy process. Typically, effective agencies centralize responsibility for policy activities and promote broad and coordinated participation throughout the organization. Playing a key role in the agency's political interventions, the legislative liaison office should be staffed with persons possessing excellent interpersonal skills and a high degree of technical competence. Of central importance to effective legislative policy entrepreneurship is the ability to communicate the agency's position clearly. This includes setting forward a focused policy agenda, documenting policy issues in a meaningful manner, and reaching legislators with the proper information. Once a matter is on the legislative agenda, the agency must be prepared to negotiate and build broad support for the measure. Finally, public health agencies must be active policy players. To take advantage of new opportunities for action, the public health (policy) leader must monitor the political environment continually.By working to anticipate and formulate legislation,health officials can form meaningful relationships with legislators and the community, which are the cornerstones of political strength.

  18. Cross Section of Legislative Approaches to Reducing Indoor Dampness and Mold

    PubMed Central

    Boese, Gerald W.

    2017-01-01

    Exposure to indoor dampness and mold is associated with numerous adverse respiratory conditions, including asthma. While no quantitative health-based threshold currently exists for mold, the conditions that support excessive dampness and mold are known and preventable; experts agree that controlling these conditions could lead to substantial savings in health care costs and improvement in public health. This article reviews a sample of state and local policies to limit potentially harmful exposures. Adoption of laws to strengthen building codes, specify dampness and mold in habitability laws, regulate mold contractors, and other legislative approaches are discussed, as are key factors supporting successful implementation. Communicating these lessons learned could accelerate the process for other jurisdictions considering similar approaches. Information about effectiveness of legislation as prevention is lacking; thus, evaluation could yield important information to inform the development of model state or local laws that significantly address mold as a public health concern. PMID:27977504

  19. Fostering Diversity. Reflecting on September 11.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Constitutional Rights Foundation, Los Angeles, CA.

    In this lesson, students examine issues surrounding hate crimes. Students read and discuss an article on hate crimes. In small groups, students role play state legislators and supporters and opponents of hate-crime legislation who must discuss and vote on a bill designed to increase sentences for hate crimes. Following an overview, the lesson plan…

  20. A resolution supporting the role of the United States in ensuring children in the world's poorest countries have access to vaccines and immunization through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ

    2014-11-13

    Senate - 12/04/2014 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 614. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  1. 2004 Oregon traffic crash summary

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2005-07-01

    on city streets, county roads and state highways. The data supports various local, county and state traffic : safety programs, engineering and planning projects, legislative concepts, and law enforcement services. : Legally reportable motor vehicle t...

  2. Stepchild Support Obligations of Stepparents.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kargman, Marie Witkin

    1983-01-01

    Examines the legal responsibilities of support by stepparents for stepchildren during a remarriage and notes the impact of the divorce on child support and visitation and custody after divorce from the remarriage. Reviews recent state legislation and recent court decisions about stepchildren. (Author/JAC)

  3. Federal supports for state oral health plans.

    PubMed

    Edelstein, Burton L

    2012-01-01

    The past decade has witnessed both a proliferation of state oral health plans that include very specific proposals for action and an emergence of federal laws that include support for oral health. This paper provides an overview of state oral health priorities for action as reflected in 40 oral health plans that were developed independently by states. It examines four federal laws - the 2002 Safety Net Improvement Act, the 2009 CHIP Reauthorization Act, the 2009 economic stimulus law, and the 2010 health reform law - to identify opportunities for alignment with action steps proposed in state plans. This analysis identifies 23 categories of activity proposed by states in their action plans and determines that all but six of these activities are now supported by one or more of these four federal laws. State activities undertaken through grants provided under the 2002 Safety Net Improvement Act are analyzed as an example of how states can leverage federal legislation to advance their oral health plans. The paper concludes with consideration of the steps needed for states to promote their oral health plans by leveraging the full capacity of federal legislation. © 2012 American Association of Public Health Dentistry.

  4. Tricky Times for the Top 10 Percent Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Roach, Ronald

    2007-01-01

    Both supporters and critics of Texas' Top 10 Percent law have been surprised at its popularity, but some UT officials and legislators would like to see the program scaled back. As a Texas state legislator, Jim McReynolds, D-Lufkin, knows a thing or two about influencing the voting positions of his colleagues. This past spring, when Texas House…

  5. AIHEC CEO Carrie Billy Explains What Drives Her as Public Servant, Mother

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schilling, Vincent

    2009-01-01

    This article profiles American Indian Higher Education Consortium's (AIHEC) President and CEO Carrie Billy. Billy's experience in law, a U.S. senator's office, and in the legislative and administrative branches of government is crucial for an institution that relies on state and federal legislative processes to gain funding and support. AIHEC is a…

  6. Technical Assistance for States | State, Local, and Tribal Governments |

    Science.gov Websites

    on energy efficiency and renewable energy policies and issues for state and local government decision issues for state and local government decision makers. The expert assistance is intended to support legislators, regulators, state agencies, and their staff members in making informed decisions about solar

  7. Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that specialty crops are a vital part of agriculture in the United States, that the Committee on Agriculture should propose funding for programs that support specialty crops priorities, and that legislation should be passed that includes funding reflecting specialty crops as a growing and important part of United States agriculture.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1

    2013-04-25

    House - 05/03/2013 Referred to the Subcommittee on Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology, and Foreign Agriculture. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  8. [A new stage of development of gerontology and geriatrics in Russia: problems of creation of a geriatric care system. Part 1. Relevance, regulatory infrastructure].

    PubMed

    Anisimov, V N; Serpov, V Yu; Finagentov, A V; Khavinson, V Kh

    2017-01-01

    This article is a 1st part of the analytical review, focused on a new step in development of geriatrics in Russia. Creation of state system geriatric care as important part of state politics in the area of enhancement of quality of life was proved. General aspects of improvement of social support of disable elderly persons in condition of restricted budget and interagency separation was presented. Establishment of unified system of medical social support and gerotechnologies for the elderly was substantiated, as a mechanism facilitated life activity and decreasing of demographic loading on economic status of regions of Russian Federation. Legislative and normative regulations of gerontology and geriatric development were observed as well. Accepted legislative and normative acts were analyzed for period since 1977 to 2014. The necessity of approaches to regulation modernization for elderly was demonstrated. Analytical review on number of legislative state documents issued after meeting of Presidium of State Council of the Russian Federation being in August 2014 was also presented. Applicability of these documents for realization new strategy of gerontology and geriatrics development in Russia was proved.

  9. Effect of the Uniform Accident and Sickness Policy Provision Law on alcohol screening and intervention in trauma centers.

    PubMed

    Gentilello, Larry M; Donato, Anthony; Nolan, Susan; Mackin, Robert E; Liebich, Franesa; Hoyt, David B; LaBrie, Richard A

    2005-09-01

    Alcohol screening and intervention in trauma centers are widely recommended. The Uniform Accident and Sickness Policy Provision Law (UPPL) exists in most states, and allows insurers to refuse payment for treatment of injuries in patients with a positive alcohol or drug test. This article analyzed the UPPL's impact on screening and reimbursement, measured the knowledge of legislators about substance use problems in trauma centers, and determined their opinions about substance use-related exclusions in insurance contracts for trauma care. A nationwide survey of members of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma was conducted. A separate survey of legislators who are members of the Senate, House, or Assembly and serve in some leadership role on committees responsible for insurance in their state was also performed. Ninety-eight trauma surgeon and 56 legislator questionnaires were analyzed. Surgeons' familiarity with the UPPL was limited; only 13% believed they practiced in a UPPL state, but 70% actually did. Despite lack of knowledge of the statute, 24% reported an alcohol- or drug-related insurance denial in the past 6 months. This appeared to affect screening practices; the majority of surgeons (51.5%) do not routinely measure blood alcohol concentration, even though over 91% believe blood alcohol concentration testing is important. Most (82%) indicated that if there were no insurance barriers, they would be willing to establish a brief alcohol intervention program in their center. Legislators were aware of the impact of substance use on trauma centers. They overwhelmingly agreed (89%) that alcohol problems are treatable, and 80% believed it is a good idea to offer counseling in trauma centers. As with surgeons, the majority (53%) were not sure whether the UPPL existed in their state, but they favored prohibiting alcohol-related exclusions by a 2:1 ratio, with strong bipartisan support. The study documents strong support for screening and intervention programs by both trauma surgeons and legislators. Surgeons experience alcohol-related insurance denials but are not familiar with the state law that sanctions this practice. A majority of legislators are also not familiar with the UPPL but support elimination of insurance statutes that allow exclusion of coverage for trauma care on the basis of intoxication.

  10. Implementing Legislation to Improve Hospital Support of Breastfeeding, New York State, 2009-2013.

    PubMed

    Dennison, Barbara A; Hawke, Bethany A; Ruberto, Rachael A; Gregg, Deborah J

    2015-07-30

    Increasing breastfeeding is a public health priority supported by strong evidence. In 2009, New York passed Public Health Law § 2505-a, requiring that hospitals support the World Health Organization's (WHO's) recommended "Ten Steps for Successful Breastfeeding" (Ten Steps). This legislation strengthened and codified existing New York State's hospital perinatal regulations. The purpose of this study was to assess hospital policy compliance with New York laws and regulations related to breastfeeding. In 2009, 2011, and 2013, we collected written breastfeeding policies from 129 New York hospitals that provided maternity services. A policy review tool was developed to quantify compliance with the 28 components of breastfeeding support specified in New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations and the new legislation. In 2010 and 2012, hospitals received individual feedback from the New York State Department of Health, which informed hospitals in 2012 that formal regulatory enforcement, including potential fines, would be implemented for noncompliance. The number of components included in hospital policies increased from a mean of 10.4 in 2009, to 16.8 in 2011, and to 27.1 in 2013) (P < .001); a greater increase occurred from 2011 through 2013 than from 2009 through 2011 (P < .001). The percentage of hospitals with fully compliant policies increased from 0% in 2009, to 5% in 2011, and to 75% in 2013 (P < .001), and the percentage that included all WHO's 10 steps increased from 0% to 9% to 87%, respectively (P < .001). Although legislation or regulations requiring certain practices are important, monitoring with enforcement accelerates, and may be necessary for, full implementation. Future research is needed to evaluate the impact of improved hospital breastfeeding policies on breastfeeding outcomes in New York.

  11. Replacing State Appropriations with Alternative Revenue Sources: The Case of Voluntary Support

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cheslock, John J.; Gianneschi, Matt

    2008-01-01

    Public higher education's changing financial environment is well documented. Facing shrinking budgets, competing priorities, public resistance to increasing state levies, and prohibitions on deficit spending, state legislators more and more often find themselves in the unenviable position of debating the relative essentiality of state services,…

  12. "If We Only Told Our Story Better...": Re-Envisioning State-University Relations through the Lens of Public Engagement. WISCAPE Viewpoints

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weerts, David J.

    2011-01-01

    A prevailing notion among higher education leaders is that public relations and marketing efforts must be intensified to boost legislative support for colleges and universities. However, this view fails to consider whether the academy might increase its standing among legislators and the general public by becoming more productively engaged in…

  13. An Introduction to the Children's Trust Fund. Prevention Focus Working Paper No. 005.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Birch, Thomas L.

    Beginning in 1980, legislation in six states to establish a Children's Trust Fund has been enacted. The legislation creates new sources of support for preventive services in the area of child abuse in Kansas, Washington, Iowa, Virginia, Michigan, and California. To show how the trust-fund concept has been and can be adapted to different political…

  14. How State Departments of Education Influence Collective Bargaining and Employee Strike Actions.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stevens, Dwight M.

    There is little question that state agencies can have a great deal of influence on collective bargaining. In many states, state departments of education have been actively involved in supporting, proposing, amending, or resisting collective bargaining legislation. State departments ought to come up with answers for streamlining laws and advancing…

  15. Federal Legislation and Education in New York State.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    New York State Education Dept., Albany.

    As education reform continues among the states, the scope of federal support for education is becoming clearer. The Regents of the New York State Education Department believe that the federal government has a historically defined educational role that should be maintained and coordinated with state and local activities. The brochure outlines the…

  16. Legislative Studies in State Education Policy, 1976-1988: A Final Summary.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Conference of State Legislatures, Denver, CO.

    During the period from 1976 through 1988, the National Conference of State Legislatures and the United States Department of Education's Office of Educational Research and Improvement collaborated to develop a program supporting educational policy studies for state legislatures. The program contributed 69 studies on a variety of topics. This report…

  17. A resolution strongly supporting the full implementation of United States and international sanctions on Iran and urging the President to continue to strengthen enforcement of sanctions legislation.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC

    2013-02-28

    Senate - 05/22/2013 Resolution agreed to in Senate with an amendment and with a preamble by Yea-Nay Vote. 99 - 0. Record Vote Number: 133. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  18. Comparative Analysis Of River Conservation In The United States And South Africa

    EPA Science Inventory

    Both the United States and South Africa are recognized for their strong and innovative approaches to the conservation of river ecosystems. These national programs possess similar driving legislation and ecoregional classification schemes supported by comprehensive monitoring prog...

  19. Public/Private Partnerships in Child Care.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sonnier, Catherine

    1988-01-01

    The amount of state legislation dealing with child care issues has significantly increased in the last 5 years. This report focuses on state strategies for expanding and improving the child care system through incentives and support for employers and providers. State policymakers are exploring partnerships of public and private resources for…

  20. Immunization in Texas: Progress and Challenges [and] Teacher's Guide.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smith, David R.

    Two documents are presented here. One is a report of the Texas state health department concerning the immunization needs of the state's population, the extent of federal, state, and private financial support for public vaccination programs, legislation and current efforts to extend immunization to all children, and future directions for…

  1. Highlights of Service Programs. UCPA Affiliate Presentations at 1968 Regional Hearings.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    United Cerebral Palsy Association, New York, NY. Medical and Scientific Dept.

    Focusing on community service programs for the cerebral palsied, organizational patterns considered are program implementation, a state advisory and evaluation board, a program committee, continuing staff education, staff training at state schools for the retarded, training sub-professional volunteers, state legislation, and financial support.…

  2. Physician-Assisted Suicide and Midwest Social Workers: Where Do They Stand?

    PubMed

    Gaston, N Rose; Randall, Jill M; Kiesel, Lisa R

    2018-01-01

    Physician-assisted suicide (PAS) is explicitly legal in five states and by court decision in one. Legislative bills have been introduced in other states including Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. This quantitative study was designed to understand Midwest, hospice and palliative care at end-of-life social workers' attitudes toward PAS, preferred terminology, perception of preparedness for the implementation, and awareness of PAS legislation in their state. Sixty-two social workers from Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin completed an anonymous online survey. The results indicated that over one-half of the participants supported PAS legislation and is consistent with previous research on social workers across the country. While there was a range of perceived preparedness for implementation, a majority felt moderately to very prepared. Professional and personal values as well as professional experience influenced their perceived preparedness. Few social workers had accurate awareness of PAS legislation in their state or had attended workshops/events for further education or as a policy advocate. To practice competently and advocate at all levels of practice, hospice and palliative care at end-of-life social workers' need to understand their own attitudes and values toward PAS and pursue additional education around this ethical issue.

  3. Unconventional politics of unconventional gas: Environmental reframing and policy change

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kear, Andrew Robert

    The present Rocky Mountain West natural gas boom, enabled by historic pro-resource-development political, institutional, economic, and cultural structures, is a politically contested battle over values. Volatile political action, unconventional coalitions, and unconventional politics engulf this unconventional gas boom -- especially at the state level. In this comparative case study of natural gas policy in Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico, I measure and compare these values, expressed as frames, through textual analysis of interest group public documents and state legislative bills and statutes from 1999-2008. By developing a new measure of state legislative framing, I test the relationship between interest group and institutional framing and also provide a viable measure of policy change useful to Narrative Policy Analysis theory. Results show that competing interest group and state legislative framing efforts are dynamic, measurably different, and periodically correlative. Competing interest groups rarely engage each other, except as the conflict matures when status-quo-supporters break their silence and engage the challengers' frames that have gained legislative traction. Environmental and land-use counter-framing ensues, but status-quo-supporters remain vigilant in their economic framing. Economic frames retain their institutional privilege within Wyoming and New Mexico, but natural gas policy undergoes a complete environmental reframe in the Colorado state legislature. Although the historically dominant economy frame based on "Old West" values remains largely intact, the respective state legislatures partially reframe policy (within 4 years) using environment, alternative land-uses, and democracy frames based on "New West" and long-extant but previously marginalized status-quo-challenger definitions. This reframing is not a strictly partisan issue, but rather it is influenced by political context, policy diffusion, and long-term interest group advocacy and framing efforts. A policy punctuation is observed in state legislative reframing and by the passage of three status-quo-challenging statutes in Wyoming (2005), four in Colorado (2007), and one in New Mexico (2007). Policy reframing, although rare in most policy areas, is common during this natural gas policy punctuation. The politics of successful reframing is the politics of punctuation.

  4. State Support for Health Professions Education. Prepared for the Committee on Labor and Human Resources, United States Senate, by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, Ninety-Sixth Congress, Second Session.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources.

    Information about state support for health professions education and for students attending health professions schools is presented, based on a request by the Senate Subcommittee on Health and Scientific Research. The Subcommittee will be considering legislation, during the 96th Congress, to extend and modify Titles VII and VIII of the Public…

  5. Effect of Personal Characteristics on Individual Support for Indoor Smoke-Free Air Laws, Indiana, 2008

    PubMed Central

    Zollinger, Terrell W.; Robinson, Joshua J.; Jay, Stephen J.; Spitznagle, Miranda H.

    2012-01-01

    Introduction Policy makers should understand the attitudes and beliefs of their constituents regarding smoke-free air legislation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of selected personal characteristics on attitudes and beliefs about secondhand smoke in Indiana and on support for smoke-free air laws. Methods Data were obtained from the 2008 Indiana Adult Tobacco Survey of 2,140 adults and included 11 sociodemographic variables. Chi-square and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to test for significant associations between sociodemographic characteristics and support for statewide or community smoke-free air legislation. Results Most respondents (72.3%) indicated that they supported laws making work places smoke-free. After adjusting for the effects of the other variables, 3 were found to be significant predictors of support: being a never or former smoker, being female, and being aware of the health hazards of secondhand smoke. Age, race/ethnicity, income, urban or rural county of residence, employment status, and having children in the household were not significant when adjusting for the other characteristics. Conclusion Most Indiana residents support smoke-free air legislation for workplaces. The support was constant among most groups across the state, suggesting policy makers would have the backing of their constituents to pass such legislation. The results of this study suggest that efforts to gain support for smoke-free air laws should focus on men, people unaware of the health hazards from secondhand smoke, and smokers and former smokers. PMID:23036612

  6. 25 years later, US abortion war still drags on.

    PubMed

    Rovner, J

    1998-01-31

    In the 25 years since the US Supreme Court's landmark Roe vs. Wade decision legalizing abortion, activists on both sides of the issue have drawn further apart as they have vied for the support of the majority of US voters who express ambivalence towards the law. These voters believe that abortion may be murder but that it must be legal. The Roe vs. Wade anniversary has sparked new legislative priorities on both sides. Abortion-rights activists will seek legislation that attempts to decrease the need for abortion by increasing funding for family planning services in the US and abroad, supporting funding for contraceptive research, and requiring health insurers to pay for contraceptives. Abortion opponents will continue to press for "partial birth" abortion bans and will support efforts to make it a federal crime for an adult to transport a minor across state lines to evade state parental notification or consent laws.

  7. Wisconsin statutes regarding HIV testing in primary care: frequent questions and answers.

    PubMed

    Vergeront, J M; Reiser, W J; Druckenmiller, J K; Krchnavek, K A; Davis, J P

    1998-12-01

    The authors review Wisconsin statutes related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in primary care, including the areas of written informed consent, documentation of consent, testing without consent, testing of minors, disclosure of test results without the consent of the test subject, reporting requirements, discrimination, access by insurance companies and third-party payors to HIV test results, and civil liabilities and criminal penalties associated with violation of HIV-related state statutes. During the course of the HIV epidemic in Wisconsin, many individuals (service providers, legislators, consumers and advocates) supported the enactment of HIV-related legislation. Today, Wisconsin has some of the nation's most comprehensive HIV legislation. These laws have set a legal framework that balances the rights of individuals with protection of public's health. The relatively low seroprevalence of HIV infection in Wisconsin can be attributed, in part, to the state's HIV-related legislation. While Wisconsin HIV legislation is broadly focused, much of it is concerned with HIV testing. This article examines common questions as they pertain to HIV testing in primary care and to the following areas addressed by state statutes: counseling and referral for health and support services [Wisconsin statute s. 252 14(3)] informed consent for testing or disclosure [Wisconsin statute s. 252.15(2)] written consent to disclose [Wisconsin statute s. 252.15(3) & (4)] testing without consent of the test subject [Wisconsin statute s. 252.15(2)] confidentiality of an HIV test [Wisconsin statute s. 252.15(5)] reporting of positive test results [Wisconsin statute s. 252.15(7)] discrimination [Wisconsin statute s. 252.14(2)] civil and criminal liabilities [Wisconsin statute s. 252.14(4); 252.15(8) & (9)].

  8. December 2012 Policy Update: School Climate and Bully Prevention Trends State-by-State Assessment. School Climate Brief, Number 6

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bellizio, Dan

    2012-01-01

    This December 2012 Brief updates NSCC's 2011 report "State Policies on School Climate and Bully Prevention Efforts: Challenges and Opportunities for Deepening State Policy Support for Safe and Civil School"s (www.schoolclimate.org/climate/papers-briefs.php). This Brief provides a summary of State level: (1) anti-bullying legislation; (2)…

  9. EQUAL PAY FACTS.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Women's Bureau (DOL), Washington, DC.

    EQUAL PAY MEANS PAYMENT OF "RATE OF THE JOB" WITHOUT REGARD TO SEX. EQUAL PAY LAWS WERE ENACTED IN 29 STATES FROM 1919 TO 1965. FOUR ADDITIONAL STATES HAVE FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES LAWS. SUPPORT FOR SUCH LEGISLATION HAS COME FROM WOMEN'S AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS, AFL-CIO, AND THE PRESIDENT'S AND STATE COMMISSIONS ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN. THE…

  10. Patterns and predictors of enactment of state childhood obesity legislation in the United States: 2006-2009.

    PubMed

    Eyler, Amy A; Nguyen, Leah; Kong, Jooyoung; Yan, Yan; Brownson, Ross

    2012-12-01

    We developed a content review for state policies related to childhood obesity, and we have quantitatively described the predictors of enactment. We collected an inventory of 2006 through 2009 state legislation on 27 childhood obesity topics from legislative databases. We coded each bill for general information, topic content, and other appropriate components. We conducted a general descriptive analysis and 3 multilevel analyses using bill- and state-level characteristics to predict bill enactment. Common topics in the 27% of the bills that were enacted were community physical activity access, physical education, and school food policy. Committee and bipartisan sponsorship and having term limits significantly predicted enactment in at least 1 model. Bills with safe routes to school or health and nutrition content were twice as likely to be enacted. Bills containing product and menu labeling or soda and snack taxes were significantly less likely to be enacted. Bipartisan and committee support and term limits are important in bill enactment. Advocacy efforts can be tailored to increase awareness and sense of priority among policymakers.

  11. Patterns and Predictors of Enactment of State Childhood Obesity Legislation in the United States: 2006–2009

    PubMed Central

    Nguyen, Leah; Kong, Jooyoung; Yan, Yan; Brownson, Ross

    2012-01-01

    Objectives. We developed a content review for state policies related to childhood obesity, and we have quantitatively described the predictors of enactment. Methods. We collected an inventory of 2006 through 2009 state legislation on 27 childhood obesity topics from legislative databases. We coded each bill for general information, topic content, and other appropriate components. We conducted a general descriptive analysis and 3 multilevel analyses using bill- and state-level characteristics to predict bill enactment. Results. Common topics in the 27% of the bills that were enacted were community physical activity access, physical education, and school food policy. Committee and bipartisan sponsorship and having term limits significantly predicted enactment in at least 1 model. Bills with safe routes to school or health and nutrition content were twice as likely to be enacted. Bills containing product and menu labeling or soda and snack taxes were significantly less likely to be enacted. Conclusions. Bipartisan and committee support and term limits are important in bill enactment. Advocacy efforts can be tailored to increase awareness and sense of priority among policymakers. PMID:23078482

  12. Resourcing interventions enhance psychology support capabilities in special operations forces.

    PubMed

    Myatt, Craig A; Auzenne, J W

    2012-01-01

    This study provides an examination of approaches to United States Government (USG) resourcing interventions on a national scale that enhance psychology support capabilities in the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community. A review of Congressional legislation and resourcing trends in the form of authorizations and appropriations since 2006 demonstrates how Congress supported enhanced psychology support capabilities throughout the Armed Forces and in SOF supporting innovative command interests that address adverse affects of operations tempo behavioral effects (OTBE). The formulation of meaningful metrics to address SOF specific command interests led to a personnel tempo (PERSTEMPO) analysis in response to findings compiled by the Preservation of the Force and Families (POTFF) Task Force. The review of PERSTEMPO data at subordinate command and unit levels enhances the capability of SOF leaders to develop policy and guidance on training and operational planning that mitigates OTBE and maximizes resourcing authorizations. A major challenge faced by the DoD is in providing behavioral healthcare that meets public and legislative demands while proving suitable and sustainable at all levels of military operations: strategic, operational, and tactical. Current legislative authorizations offer a mechanism of command advocacy for resourced multi-functional program development that enhances psychology support capabilities while reinforcing SOF readiness and performance. 2012.

  13. Legislation for smoking control in Western Australia.

    PubMed Central

    Musk, A W; Shean, R; Woodward, S

    1985-01-01

    This historical analysis of public issues relating to smoking control in Western Australia examines relevant Western Australian state and Australian federal laws, their introduction, and their consequences. Public and political support and opinion led by the health professions resulted in two attempts to legislate against all forms of cigarette advertising in 1982 and 1983. Both attempts failed, and public support for such measures has been seen to be affected by the campaigns mounted in opposition by the tobacco and advertising industries. Other smoking control measures which have been successfully introduced in 1983 and 1984 are higher tobacco taxes and a comprehensive coordinated public education and information programme. The activities associated with the legislative initiatives resulted in a greatly increased level of community awareness of the dangers of smoking and acceptance of the need for some action on this major health problem. PMID:3924165

  14. Competing Conceptions of Academic Governance: Negotiating the Perfect Storm

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tierney, William G., Ed.

    2004-01-01

    Today, institutional leaders face numerous struggles: intervention from boards of trustees, alumni, and state legislators; decline in financial support from the states; and competition in an increasingly global marketplace. While it is agreed that effective governance structures allow institutions to respond creatively to these challenges, how…

  15. Church-State Separation: Recent Trends and Developments.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sinensky, Jeffery P.; Kahn, Jill L.

    1984-01-01

    This report analyzes recent cases and legislation in the area of church-state separation. A brief introduction asserts that the Supreme Court's method of evaluating establishment clause controversies is undergoing pervasive changes that have permitted incursions on establishment principles. The rest of the paper, providing support for this…

  16. Implementing Legislation to Improve Hospital Support of Breastfeeding, New York State, 2009–2013

    PubMed Central

    Hawke, Bethany A.; Ruberto, Rachael A.; Gregg, Deborah J.

    2015-01-01

    Introduction Increasing breastfeeding is a public health priority supported by strong evidence. In 2009, New York passed Public Health Law § 2505–a, requiring that hospitals support the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) recommended “Ten Steps for Successful Breastfeeding” (Ten Steps). This legislation strengthened and codified existing New York State’s hospital perinatal regulations. The purpose of this study was to assess hospital policy compliance with New York laws and regulations related to breastfeeding. Methods In 2009, 2011, and 2013, we collected written breastfeeding policies from 129 New York hospitals that provided maternity services. A policy review tool was developed to quantify compliance with the 28 components of breastfeeding support specified in New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations and the new legislation. In 2010 and 2012, hospitals received individual feedback from the New York State Department of Health, which informed hospitals in 2012 that formal regulatory enforcement, including potential fines, would be implemented for noncompliance. Results The number of components included in hospital policies increased from a mean of 10.4 in 2009, to 16.8 in 2011, and to 27.1 in 2013) (P < .001); a greater increase occurred from 2011 through 2013 than from 2009 through 2011 (P < .001). The percentage of hospitals with fully compliant policies increased from 0% in 2009, to 5% in 2011, and to 75% in 2013 (P < .001), and the percentage that included all WHO’s 10 steps increased from 0% to 9% to 87%, respectively (P < .001). Conclusion Although legislation or regulations requiring certain practices are important, monitoring with enforcement accelerates, and may be necessary for, full implementation. Future research is needed to evaluate the impact of improved hospital breastfeeding policies on breastfeeding outcomes in New York. PMID:26226069

  17. An audience research study to disseminate evidence about comprehensive state mental health parity legislation to US State policymakers: protocol.

    PubMed

    Purtle, Jonathan; Lê-Scherban, Félice; Shattuck, Paul; Proctor, Enola K; Brownson, Ross C

    2017-06-26

    A large proportion of the US population has limited access to mental health treatments because insurance providers limit the utilization of mental health services in ways that are more restrictive than for physical health services. Comprehensive state mental health parity legislation (C-SMHPL) is an evidence-based policy intervention that enhances mental health insurance coverage and improves access to care. Implementation of C-SMHPL, however, is limited. State policymakers have the exclusive authority to implement C-SMHPL, but sparse guidance exists to inform the design of strategies to disseminate evidence about C-SMHPL, and more broadly, evidence-based treatments and mental illness, to this audience. The aims of this exploratory audience research study are to (1) characterize US State policymakers' knowledge and attitudes about C-SMHPL and identify individual- and state-level attributes associated with support for C-SMHPL; and (2) integrate quantitative and qualitative data to develop a conceptual framework to disseminate evidence about C-SMHPL, evidence-based treatments, and mental illness to US State policymakers. The study uses a multi-level (policymaker, state), mixed method (QUAN→qual) approach and is guided by Kingdon's Multiple Streams Framework, adapted to incorporate constructs from Aarons' Model of Evidence-Based Implementation in Public Sectors. A multi-modal survey (telephone, post-mail, e-mail) of 600 US State policymakers (500 legislative, 100 administrative) will be conducted and responses will be linked to state-level variables. The survey will span domains such as support for C-SMHPL, knowledge and attitudes about C-SMHPL and evidence-based treatments, mental illness stigma, and research dissemination preferences. State-level variables will measure factors associated with C-SMHPL implementation, such as economic climate and political environment. Multi-level regression will determine the relative strength of individual- and state-level variables on policymaker support for C-SMHPL. Informed by survey results, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with approximately 50 US State policymakers to elaborate upon quantitative findings. Then, using a systematic process, quantitative and qualitative data will be integrated and a US State policymaker-focused C-SMHPL dissemination framework will be developed. Study results will provide the foundation for hypothesis-driven, experimental studies testing the effects of different dissemination strategies on state policymakers' support for, and implementation of, evidence-based mental health policy interventions.

  18. Can state-supported interprofessional coalitions cure preceptor shortages?

    PubMed

    Woodall, Lesli; Smith, Gigi; Garr, David; Hopla, Deborah; Kern, Donna

    2018-06-01

    The shortage of clinical preceptors compromises the current and future supply of healthcare providers and patient access to primary care. This article describes how an interprofessional coalition in South Carolina formed and sought government support to address the preceptor shortage. Some states have legislated preceptor tax credits and/or deductions to support the clinical education of future primary care healthcare providers. As a result of the coalition's work, a bill to establish similar incentives is pending in the South Carolina legislature.

  19. Supporting State Systems of Early Learning Act

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4

    2011-11-02

    House - 11/18/2011 Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  20. State Legislative Leaders: Keys to Effective Legislation for Children and Families. A Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    State Legislative Leaders Foundation, Centerville, MA.

    In 1993, the State Legislative Leaders Foundation launched a research project, "State Legislative Leaders: Keys To Effective Legislation for Children and Families." This report documents the findings of the project involving 177 of the most influential Republican and Democratic state legislature leaders from all 50 states. For more than…

  1. Framing messages about weight discrimination: impact on public support for legislation.

    PubMed

    Puhl, R M; Heuer, C; Sarda, V

    2011-06-01

    To assess the public support for potential legislation to prohibit weight-based discrimination against obese individuals in the United States, and to examine whether certain message frames about weight discrimination influence public support. Participants were randomly assigned to read one of the four paragraphs that framed the topic of weight discrimination in a distinct way (or a control condition with no paragraph). Participants were then asked to indicate their level of support for six antidiscrimination laws. A national sample of 1114 participants (48% women, 52% men), mean age 44.78 years (s.d. = 15.93). There was moderate support for several laws to prohibit weight-based discrimination, but gender differences were observed across experimental conditions indicating that some message frames may increase support for certain laws among women, but not men. However, message frames had no effect on support for laws with specific provisions to prohibit weight discrimination in the workplace, suggesting that public support for these particular legal measures is consistent and high (65% of men and 81% of women expressed support) regardless of how the issue of weight discrimination is framed to the public. The present findings provide evidence of current levels of public support for legislation to prohibit weight-based discrimination, and offer potential ways for policy makers and interest groups to communicate messages about weight discrimination in efforts to increase support.

  2. Noblesse Oblige? Social Status and Economic Inequality Maintenance among Politicians

    PubMed Central

    Kraus, Michael W.; Callaghan, Bennett

    2014-01-01

    Economic inequality is at historically high levels in the United States and is among the most pressing issues facing society. And yet, predicting the behavior of politicians with respect to their support of economic inequality remains a significant challenge. Given that high status individuals tend to conceive of the current structure of society as fair and just, we expected that high status members of the U.S. House of Representatives would be more likely to support economic inequality in their legislative behavior than would their low status counterparts. Results supported this prediction particularly among Democratic members of Congress: Whereas Republicans tended to support legislation increasing economic inequality regardless of their social status, the social status of Democrats – measured in terms of average wealth, race, or gender – was a significant predictor of support for economic inequality. Policy implications of the observed relationship between social status and support for economic inequality are considered. PMID:24465526

  3. Noblesse oblige? Social status and economic inequality maintenance among politicians.

    PubMed

    Kraus, Michael W; Callaghan, Bennett

    2014-01-01

    Economic inequality is at historically high levels in the United States and is among the most pressing issues facing society. And yet, predicting the behavior of politicians with respect to their support of economic inequality remains a significant challenge. Given that high status individuals tend to conceive of the current structure of society as fair and just, we expected that high status members of the U.S. House of Representatives would be more likely to support economic inequality in their legislative behavior than would their low status counterparts. Results supported this prediction particularly among Democratic members of Congress: Whereas Republicans tended to support legislation increasing economic inequality regardless of their social status, the social status of Democrats - measured in terms of average wealth, race, or gender - was a significant predictor of support for economic inequality. Policy implications of the observed relationship between social status and support for economic inequality are considered.

  4. Developing genetic privacy legislation: the South Carolina experience.

    PubMed

    Edwards, J G; Young, S R; Brooks, K A; Aiken, J H; Patterson, E D; Pritchett, S T

    1998-01-01

    The availability of presymptomatic and predisposition genetic testing has spawned the need for legislation prohibiting health insurance discrimination on the basis of genetic information. The federal effort, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, falls short by protecting only those who access insurance through group plans. A committee of University of South Carolina professionals convened in 1996 to develop legislation in support of genetic privacy for the state of South Carolina. The legislation prevents health insurance companies from denying coverage or setting insurance rates on the basis of genetic information. It also protects the privacy of genetic information and prohibits performance of genetic tests without specific informed consent. In preparing the bill, genetic privacy laws from other states were reviewed, and a modified version of the Virginia law adopted. The South Carolina Committee for the Protection of Genetic Privacy version went a step further by including enforcement language and excluding Virginia's sunset clause. The definition of genetic information encompassed genetic test results, and importantly, includes family history of genetic disease. Our experience in navigating through the state legislature and working through opposition from the health insurance lobby is detailed herein.

  5. Supporting State Systems of Early Learning Act

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA

    2011-03-03

    Senate - 03/03/2011 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  6. Power and Persuasion in the Vaccine Debates: An Analysis of Political Efforts and Outcomes in the United States, 1998-2012

    PubMed Central

    Lillvis, Denise F; Kirkland, Anna; Frick, Anna

    2014-01-01

    Context This article examines trends in state-level childhood vaccine policies in the United States from 1998 to 2012 and explains the trajectories for both vaccine-critical and proimmunization legislative efforts. Successful mobilization by vaccine critics during the height of the autism and thimerosal scares (roughly 1998 to 2003) yielded a few state-level expansions for the most permissive type of exemption from vaccine mandates for public school attendance, those based on personal beliefs. Vaccine-critical positions, however, have largely become discredited. How has vaccine critics’ ability to advance preferred policies and prevent the passage of unfavorable legislation changed over time? Methods We created a unique data set of childhood vaccine bills (n = 636), introduced from 1998 to 2012 across the 50 state legislatures, and coded them by type of effort (exemption, mandate, mercury ban, and information policies) and outcome. We then mapped out the trends in vaccine policies over time. In order to contextualize the trends we identified, we also reviewed numerous primary sources and conducted interviews with stakeholders. Findings In general, we found that vaccine critics’ legislative success has begun to wane. In only 20 bills in our data set were vaccine critics able to change policy in their preferred direction via the legislative process. Only 5 of those wins were significant (such as obtaining a new philosophical exemption to vaccine mandates), and the last of these was in 2007. Critics were more successful at preventing passage of proimmunization legislation, such as mandates for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Conclusions Recent legislation in California, Oregon, and Washington that tightened philosophical exemptions by means of informational requirements suggests that vaccine politics may be entering another phase, one in which immunization supporters may be able to counter increasing opt-out rates, particularly in states with recent outbreaks and politicians favoring science-based policies. PMID:25199897

  7. New York governor signs bill to track HIV cases by name.

    PubMed

    1998-07-24

    Senate Bill 4422-B, a partner notification bill that uses name-based reporting to track HIV cases, was signed by New York Governor George Pataki on July 7, 1998. The new legislation requires physicians to report the names of all HIV-positive patients to the State Department of Health so that public officials can notify spouses, sexual partners, and needle-sharing partners of possible exposure. This information will become part of a State-wide case surveillance system. Patient advocacy and civil liberties groups did not support the bill, stating that it would erode the physician-patient relationship by breaching confidentiality. The new legislation does not apply to anonymous testing sites, although once individuals begin HIV-related medical treatment, their name will be sent to the State.

  8. Dental students--dental advocates.

    PubMed

    Bensch, Brittany

    2010-01-01

    Student advocacy and involvement in the political process is built into the structure of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA), especially in its Legislative Grassroots Network and an internal communication network among students to ensure political awareness. Students are concerned with such issues as a universally accepted, non-patient-based licensure process, mid-level providers, loan availability and tax deductibility, financial support for schools, and service early in one's professional career (giving forward rather than giving back). Through collaboration with the American Dental Education Association and with many state associations, students participate in lobbying, awareness campaigns, and behind the scenes as legislative aids. Although students share the same love for the profession that animates established practitioners, they are perceived by legislators as being different. Students are involved in the legislative process because it represents their future.

  9. Advocacy for booster seat legislation in Florida: a lesson in politics and policy formation.

    PubMed

    Haring, R Sterling; Frattaroli, Shannon; Schneider, Eric B; Holland, M Becker; Vernick, Jon S

    2015-04-01

    MVCs are a major contributor to child injury and death. Infant restraint seats and child booster seats have been shown to reduce the odds of severe injury or death when used correctly. While all states have mandated the use of these restraint systems, the age at which a child can be legally restrained using an adult seat belt varies from state to state. Efforts to strengthen Florida's weak child restraint laws have failed for more than a decade; in the 2014 legislative session, advocates succeeded in raising the state's age requirement from 3 years to 5  years. While many factors contributed to this year's success, some key elements included efficient communication of supporting data, a strong and broad advocacy network and the leveraging of election year political rivalries. Efforts to further strengthen the law will continue into future legislative sessions. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

  10. Webmasters Reveal the Rules: Do Regulations Compromise Legislators' Online Communication with Constituents?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Narro, Amber Reetz

    2009-01-01

    In a nationwide study of state legislative Web sites, Narro, Mayo, and Miller found that the communication tools (i.e., weblogs, electronic newsletters, online polling) that state legislators offer vary more from state to state than legislator to legislator. Taking their information into account, this article addresses regulations put on…

  11. A review of state legislation and a state legislator survey related to not-for-profit hospital tax exemption and health care for the indigent.

    PubMed

    Jervis, Kathryn J

    2005-01-01

    This study examines recent states' legislation related to the not-for-profit (NFP) hospital tax exemption and care to the uninsured and underinsured, and compares these legislative provisions to a past survey of state legislators' opinions about appropriate criteria for the NFP hospital tax exemption. To be tax-exempt, hospitals need to provide services that benefit the community. The problem lies in the ambiguous nature of the community benefits standard and the type of information required for compliance with the standard. As a consequence, NFP hospital tax-exemption challenges have occurred across the nation, resulting most recently in a federal class action lawsuit against NFP hospitals across several states. Empirical research has examined whether the NFP hospital tax exemption is justified based on the amount of community benefits and charitable care provided, without examining the type of policy alternatives that might be proposed by legislators who are responsible to change and create tax-exemption regulations. This article surveys state legislators and examines state legislation. The survey reveals that legislators from states with tax-exempt challenge activity focus more narrowly on the provision of charitable care and that state legislators consider quantitative information to be as important as qualitative information for the tax-exemption decision. Essentially, the survey predicts that state legislation would focus primarily on charitable care policy and indigent care guidelines, which is confirmed by the review of recent state legislation; however, there is still much variation in tax-exemption legislation between states. More standardization is needed to address the needs of indigent patients equitably.

  12. Cooperative Agreements in Indian Education. Indian Education Legal Support Project: "Tribalizing Indian Education."

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McCoy, Melody

    The Indian Education Legal Support Project emphasizes the legal rights of tribes to control the formal education of their members. The project's work includes developing tribal education laws and reforming state and national Indian education legislation. This document compiles 10 voluntary cooperative agreements among federal, public, and tribal…

  13. Does the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 create a hole in ERISA preemption?

    PubMed

    Mueller, K A

    1996-01-01

    ERISA's board preemption provision has survived many challenges to its scope and effect. Now it may have succumbed in the face of a few statements tucked into the legislative history of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Language in the legislative history presents the view that the Act was meant to overturn ERISA preemption of state family and medical leave laws. The text of the FMLA contains no corroborating language to support that view. However, at least one court found the statements in the legislative history to be persuasive and ruled that under the FMLA, ERISA does not preempt state family and medical leave laws that regulate ERISA plans. If other courts follow that decision, there will be great implications to employee benefit plan regulation and administration. This article explores the court's decision and the relationship between the FMLA and ERISA preemption.

  14. Congratulating the Pennsylvania State University IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) on its continued success in support of the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-5

    2010-02-25

    House - 03/22/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  15. Collective Impact: What Does It Mean for Educational Leaders?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Thompson, Rodney; Jocius, Robin

    2017-01-01

    Due to local, state, and national accountability measures, school reform efforts have become critical of many legislative agendas. Local community members are getting off the sidelines and becoming part of the game to support local schools districts to become part of the solution. Across the United States, Collective Impact models, which propose…

  16. 77 FR 64952 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; State Government Research and Development (R&D...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-24

    ... Government Research and Development (R&D) Survey AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The... and Development Survey (SGRD) to measure research and development supported and performed by state... legislative mandate, the NSF sponsored surveys of research and development since 1953, including since 2006...

  17. A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of national cybersecurity awareness month and raising awareness and enhancing the State of cybersecurity in the United States.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA

    2009-09-24

    Senate - 09/29/2009 Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  18. Social support for terror-related victims: The Israeli system.

    PubMed

    Ellenberg, Eytan; Sasporte, Jacob; Bar-On, Zvia; Sfez, Rolland; Cohen, Osnat; Taragin, Mark; Ostfeld, Ishay

    2016-01-01

    Since its foundation, the State of Israel has been affected by terror violence toward its civilian population. For more than 45 years, the Israeli legislation has built a legal insurance allowing citizens casualties of such violence to benefit from specific coverage and support. The objective of this article is to describe the history, legal framework, and organization of social support for terror victims in Israel.

  19. State insurance parity legislation for autism services and family financial burden.

    PubMed

    Parish, Susan; Thomas, Kathleen; Rose, Roderick; Kilany, Mona; McConville, Robert

    2012-06-01

    We examined the association between states' legislative mandates that private insurance cover autism services and the health care-related financial burden reported by families of children with autism. Child and family data were drawn from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (N  =  2,082 children with autism). State policy characteristics were taken from public sources. The 3 outcomes were whether a family had any out-of-pocket health care expenditures during the past year for their child with autism, the expenditure amount, and expenditures as a proportion of family income. We modeled the association between states' autism service mandates and families' financial burden, adjusting for child-, family-, and state-level characteristics. Overall, 78% of families with a child with autism reported having any health care expenditures for their child for the prior 12 months. Among these families, 54% reported expenditures of more than $500, with 34% spending more than 3% of their income. Families living in states that enacted legislation mandating coverage of autism services were 28% less likely to report spending more than $500 for their children's health care costs, net of child and family characteristics. Families living in states that enacted parity legislation mandating coverage of autism services were 29% less likely to report spending more than $500 for their children's health care costs, net of child and family characteristics. This study offers preliminary evidence in support of advocates' arguments that requiring private insurers to cover autism services will reduce families' financial burdens associated with their children's health care expenses.

  20. What about a Disability Rights Act for Canada?: Practices and lessons from America, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

    PubMed

    Prince, Michael J

    2010-01-01

    The Harper government and most national political parties are committed to a federal act for dealing with accessibility rights for persons with disabilities. The purpose of this article is to identify progressive lessons from countries with similar legislation for consideration by Canadian authorities. Countries surveyed are the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. While disability rights legislation is widely accepted to be a necessary policy initiative in light of ongoing barriers and exclusion, experience suggests that such laws are far from a sufficient response to promote access. Other policy instruments required include supportive employment programs, tax incentives, and the direct provision of basic supports.

  1. Shared decision making in the United States: policy and implementation activity on multiple fronts.

    PubMed

    Frosch, Dominick L; Moulton, Benjamin W; Wexler, Richard M; Holmes-Rovner, Margaret; Volk, Robert J; Levin, Carrie A

    2011-01-01

    Shared decision making in the United States has become an important element in health policy debates. The recently passed federal health care reform legislation includes several key provisions related to shared decision making (SDM) and patient decision support. Several states have passed or are considering legislation that incorporates SDM as a key component of improved health care provision. Research on SDM is funded by a range of public and private organizations. Non-profit, for-profit, academic and government organizations are developing decision support interventions for numerous conditions. Some interventions are publicly available; others are distributed to patients through health insurance and healthcare providers. A significant number of clinical implementation projects are underway to test and evaluate different ways of incorporating SDM and patient decision support into routine clinical care. Numerous professional organizations are advocating for SDM and social networking efforts are increasing their advocacy as well. Policy makers are intrigued by the potential of SDM to improve health care provision and potentially lower costs. The role of shared decision making in policy and practice will be part of the larger health care reform debate. 2011. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

  2. Advisory Commission for the Study of Public Support for Post-Secondary Education in Maine.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maine State Advisory Commission for the Study of Public Support for Postsecondary Education, Augusta.

    The Advisory Commission for the Study of Public Support for Postsecondary Education in Maine reviewed the financial problems facing Maine's private higher education institutions and the impact of increasing student costs at Maine's public institutions. The text of the state legislation creating the Commission is presented, along with a summary of…

  3. Teen-Age Pregnancy Legislation in the States.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bustos, Patrick D.

    1988-01-01

    Examined are recent legislative initiatives related to the problem of adolescent pregnancy and parenting. A 50-state survey was conducted by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), and each state's legislative research agency provided information on bills and acts from the 1986 and 1987 legislative sessions, as well as programs and…

  4. State firearm laws, firearm ownership, and safety practices among families of preschool-aged children.

    PubMed

    Prickett, Kate C; Martin-Storey, Alexa; Crosnoe, Robert

    2014-06-01

    We investigated how state-level firearms legislation is associated with firearm ownership and storage among families with preschool-aged children. Using 2005 nationally representative data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort (n = 8100), we conducted multinomial regression models to examine the associations between state-level firearms legislation generally, child access prevention (CAP) firearms legislation specifically, and parental firearm ownership and storage safety practices. Overall, 8% of families with children aged 4 years living in states with stronger firearm laws and CAP laws owned firearms compared with 24% of families in states with weaker firearm laws and no CAP laws. Storage behaviors of firearm owners differed minimally across legislative contexts. When we controlled for family- and state-level characteristics, we found that firearm legislation and CAP laws interacted to predict ownership and storage behaviors, with unsafe storage least likely among families in states with both CAP laws and stronger firearm legislation. Broader firearm legislation is linked with the efficacy of child-specific legislation in promoting responsible firearm ownership.

  5. A resolution congratulating the Pennsylvania State University IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon ("THON") on its continued success in support of the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital.

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA

    2011-03-29

    Senate - 03/30/2011 Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  6. A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and raising awareness and enhancing the state of cybersecurity in the United States.

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI

    2011-10-20

    Senate - 10/21/2011 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  7. Progress on School Choice in the States. The Heritage Foundation Backgrounder.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kafer, Krista

    Progress on school choice in the statehouse and courtroom during 2002 set the stage for ambitious 2003 legislative agendas in many states and the U.S. Congress. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that voucher programs do not violate the Constitution, even when participating schools are overwhelmingly religious. Research supporting choice has grown…

  8. The Uncertainty of Policy Ambition: An Analysis of Key State Actor Perspectives on Seeking Equity through Facilities Funding

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Core, Brandon H.; Torres, Mario S., Jr.

    2016-01-01

    The purpose of the study was to broaden awareness of legislative intentions associated with a State's facilities funding policy (Texas' Instructional Facilities Allotment, IFA). Recognizing the politically contested nature of school funding, arguments in support and against investing in facilities appear equally replete. Be that as it may, some…

  9. K-12 Voucher Programs and Education Policy: An Exploratory Study of Policy Maker Attitudes and Opinions.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Laitsch, Dan

    2002-01-01

    Studied policy maker attitudes toward education and education reform in general, focusing on educational vouchers. Survey responses from 89 state legislators from 6 states show that policy makers generally accept the market arguments used by voucher supporters but are sympathetic to equity concerns and funding issues raised by voucher opponents.…

  10. Report of the Senate Select Committee on Community Junior Colleges.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Missouri State General Assembly, Jefferson City. Senate.

    The inability of Missouri community college districts--which serve 54% of the state's population but cover only 17% of the state's area--to enlarge their property tax support base, pass capital bond issues, or to increase operational levies gave rise to a legislative study of four major issues: existing laws covering community colleges; the…

  11. States Push Even Further to Cut Spending on Colleges

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kelderman, Eric

    2012-01-01

    For nearly four years, governors and state legislators have focused on little else in higher education but cutting budgets to deal with historic gaps in revenue. Now, with higher-education support at a 25-year low, lawmakers are considering some policy changes that have been off-limits in the past, such as consolidating campuses and eliminating…

  12. The Wilderness Act and fish stocking: an overview of legislation, judicial interpretation, and agency implementation

    Treesearch

    Peter Landres; Shannon Meyer; Sue Matthews

    2001-01-01

    Many high-elevation lakes in designated wilderness are stocked with native and nonnative fish by state fish and game agencies to provide recreational fishing opportunities. In several areas, this practice has become controversial with state wildlife managers who support historical recreational use of wilderness, federal wilderness managers who assert that stocking...

  13. State of Outrage: Immigrant-Related Legislation and Education in Arizona

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Powers, Jeanne M.; Williams, Tiffany R.

    2012-01-01

    In April 2010, Arizona made national headlines when Governor Jan Brewer signed SB 1070, the "Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act" which was aimed at deterring illegal immigration to Arizona. SB 1070 is the most prominent of a series of laws and other state policies targeting immigrants in Arizona that date back to the…

  14. Before and after study of bar workers' perceptions of the impact of smoke-free workplace legislation in the Republic of Ireland.

    PubMed

    Pursell, Lisa; Allwright, Shane; O'Donovan, Diarmuid; Paul, Gillian; Kelly, Alan; Mullally, Bernie J; D'Eath, Maureen

    2007-06-29

    To compare support for, and perceptions of, the impacts of smoke-free workplace legislation among bar workers in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) pre- and post-implementation, and to identify predictors of support for the legislation. Public houses (pubs) in three areas of the ROI. Comparisons pre- and post-implementation of smoke-free workplace legislation. From a largely non-random selection, 288 bar workers volunteered for the baseline survey; 220 were followed up one year later (76.4%). Level of support for the legislation, attitude statements concerning potential impacts of the law and modelled predictors of support for the legislation. Pre-implementation 59.5% of participants supported the legislation, increasing to 76.8% post-implementation. Support increased among smokers by 27.3 percentage points from 39.4% to 66.7% (p < 0.001) and among non-smokers by 12.4% percentage points from 68.8% to 81.2% (p = 0.003).Pre-legislation three-quarters of participants agreed that the legislation would make bars more comfortable and was needed to protect workers' health. Post-legislation these proportions increased to over 90% (p < 0.001). However, negative perceptions also increased, particularly for perceptions that the legislation has a negative impact on business (from 50.9% to 62.7%, p = 0.008) and that fewer people would visit pubs (41.8% to 62.7%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for relevant covariates, including responses to the attitude statements, support for the ban increased two to three-fold post-implementation. Regardless of their views on the economic impact, most participants agreed, both pre- and post-implementation, that the legislation was needed to protect bar workers' health. Smoke-free legislation had the support of three-quarters of a large sample of bar workers in the ROI. However, this group holds complex sets of both positive and negative perspectives on the legislation. Of particular importance is that negative economic perceptions did not diminish the widely held perception that the ban is needed to protect workers' health.

  15. A resolution expressing vigorous support and unwavering commitment to the welfare, security, and survival of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders, and recognizing and strongly supporting its right to act in self-defense to protect its citizens against acts of terrorism.

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY

    2012-11-15

    Senate - 11/15/2012 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  16. Carbon Geography. The political economy of congressional support for legislation intended to mitigate greenhouse gas production

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    CRAGG, MICHAEL I.; ZHOU, YUYU; GURNEY, KEVIN

    2012-04-20

    Over the last five years, the U.S Congress has voted on several pieces of legislation intended to sharply reduce the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Given that climate change is a world public bad, standard economic logic would predict that the United States would -free rideII and wait for other nations to reduce their emissions. Within the Congress, there are clear patterns to who votes in favor of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This paper presents a political economy analysis of the determinants of pro-greenII votes on such legislation. Conservatives consistently vote against such legislation. Controlling for a Representative’s ideology, representatives frommore » richer districts and districts with a lower per-capita carbon dioxide footprint are more likely to vote in favor of climate change mitigation legislation. Representatives from districts where industrial emissions represent a larger share of greenhouse gas emissions are more likely to vote no.« less

  17. Organizing a Legislative Forum

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Longmate, Jack

    2008-01-01

    Since states fund public higher education, state legislators are essential to reform efforts. An excellent way to familiarize legislators with faculty needs is through a legislative forum, where legislators are invited to discuss higher education issues. Most legislators enjoy the chance to meet with their constituents, say a few words, and learn…

  18. Educational Policy Making in the State Legislature: Legislator as Policy Expert.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weaver, Sue Wells; Geske, Terry G.

    1997-01-01

    Examines the legislator's role as education policy expert in the legislative policymaking process. In a study of Louisiana state legislators, analysis of variance was used to determine expert legislators' degree of influence in formulating educational policy, given differences in policy types, information sources, and legislators' work roles.…

  19. Recent State Action on Teacher Effectiveness: What's in State Laws and Regulations?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mead, Sara

    2012-01-01

    During the 2010, 2011, and 2012 legislative sessions, a combination of federal policy incentives and newly elected governors and legislative majorities in many states following the 2010 elections sparked a wave of legislation addressing teacher effectiveness. More than 20 states passed legislation designed to address educator effectiveness by…

  20. Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in support of the Common Core State Standards Initiative.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Rep. Fattah, Chaka [D-PA-2

    2009-12-16

    House - 02/23/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  1. United States-Israel Rocket and Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Rep. Nye, Glenn C. [D-VA-2

    2010-05-18

    Senate - 05/24/2010 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Passed HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  2. 76 FR 76023 - National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2011

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-12-06

    ... enforcement measures and effective substance abuse prevention programs. During National Impaired Driving... legislation, and support successful, evidence-based prevention programs. These ongoing initiatives are... National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2011 By the President of the United States of America A...

  3. Change Over Time in Attitudes About Abortion Laws Relative to Recent Restrictions in Texas

    PubMed Central

    Smith, Chelsea

    2016-01-01

    Objective Over the past five years, Texas has become a hotbed of debate on abortion rights and restrictions. Legislation in 2011 and 2013 made it more difficult for women to obtain abortions and for clinics to provide the procedure, laws which have resulted in practical obstacles and the closure of clinics. Less is known about whether that political activity has extended to public opinion on abortion in Texas, especially in the national context of increasing partisanship. Study Design Data from the cross-sectional Houston Area Survey (HAS; n = 4,856) were used to compare attitudes about abortion at three time points: in 2010 before the major waves of legislation, in 2012 after the 2011 legislation, and in 2014 after the 2013 legislation. Logistic regressions estimated support for legal abortion over time, after adjusting for personal characteristics, views on other social issues, religiosity, political party identification, and political ideology. Results At all three time points studied, slightly more than half of Houstonians supported legal abortion for any reason a woman wanted to obtain one. Compared to 2010, support was significantly higher in 2012 and 2014, whereas the decline in support between 2012 and 2014 was not statistically significant after adjusting for religiosity and politics. Conclusions This study identified increased public support for legal abortion following the Texas state legislature’s restrictive laws in 2011 and 2013. Implications As the Texas legislature increasingly restricts access to abortion, residents of the state’s largest and most diverse city do not hold attitudes in line with those restrictions. Clinicians may thus have more public support for their services than the divided political climate would suggest. PMID:27318007

  4. Engaging State Legislators: Lessons for the Education Sector

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Anderson, Kristen Soltis; Goldstein, Marisa

    2015-01-01

    This report distills the learnings from focus groups, in-depth interviews, and a two-day symposium with over 50 state legislative leaders and explores how they get their information, what matters most to them, and how groups that work with state legislators can engage them most effectively. As state legislators work to get education policy right,…

  5. A Multi-Case Study of Annual Giving and Fund Raising in Texas Gulf Coast Community College Consortium Foundations

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Warren, Alexander Charles

    2008-01-01

    Community college students are being forced to delay future educational goals, due to the lack of financial support. Grants, student loans and financial aid support from government sources are in short supply. While past resources from state legislative bodies are being restricted and have been reduced to historic levels; educational…

  6. Enactment of mandatory pharmacy technician certification in Kansas.

    PubMed

    Lucas, Amber; Massey, Lindsay; Gill, Taylor; Burger, Gregory; Little, Jeff D

    2016-02-01

    The successful enactment of mandatory pharmacy technician certification in Kansas is described. In 2004, Kansas began requiring registration of all pharmacy technicians with the state board of pharmacy. Registration identified individuals working as pharmacy technicians but did not require any specific education or certification. In September 2012, the Kansas Board of Pharmacy created a task force of key stakeholders including pharmacists from multiple areas of practice, the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, organizational leaders from the Kansas Council of Health-System Pharmacists (KCHP) and Kansas Pharmacists Association, and professional lobbyists. The goals of this task force were to research practices of technician certification in other states and to make recommendations to the state board of pharmacy on how Kansas could accomplish mandatory technician certification. The task force outlined the steps needed to achieve legislation that could be supported by the members. These topics included the creation of a technician trainee category, grandfathering certain technicians who had been practicing for a designated period of time, state board-approved exemptions, training requirements, age and education requirements, continuing-education requirements, and pharmacist:technician ratio. The recommendations were finalized at the August 2013 Kansas Pharmacy Summit, and the proposed legislation was introduced and passed during the 2014 legislative session. KCHP members learned many valuable lessons about advocacy and the legislative process with this initiative, including building relationships, working with legislators, and working with other professional organizations. The formation of a task force led to the successful passage of a bill granting the Kansas Board of Pharmacy the authority to issue regulations regarding mandatory pharmacy technician certification. Copyright © 2016 by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. State Firearm Laws, Firearm Ownership, and Safety Practices Among Families of Preschool-Aged Children

    PubMed Central

    Martin-Storey, Alexa; Crosnoe, Robert

    2014-01-01

    Objectives. We investigated how state-level firearms legislation is associated with firearm ownership and storage among families with preschool-aged children. Methods. Using 2005 nationally representative data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort (n = 8100), we conducted multinomial regression models to examine the associations between state-level firearms legislation generally, child access prevention (CAP) firearms legislation specifically, and parental firearm ownership and storage safety practices. Results. Overall, 8% of families with children aged 4 years living in states with stronger firearm laws and CAP laws owned firearms compared with 24% of families in states with weaker firearm laws and no CAP laws. Storage behaviors of firearm owners differed minimally across legislative contexts. When we controlled for family- and state-level characteristics, we found that firearm legislation and CAP laws interacted to predict ownership and storage behaviors, with unsafe storage least likely among families in states with both CAP laws and stronger firearm legislation. Conclusions. Broader firearm legislation is linked with the efficacy of child-specific legislation in promoting responsible firearm ownership. PMID:24825210

  8. The window of opportunity for indoor tanning legislation.

    PubMed

    Mayer, Jonathan E

    2014-12-01

    As of August 2014, 11 states in the USA have passed under-age-18 bans on indoor tanning. The Society of Behavioral Medicine, the American Academy of Dermatology, and the American Academy of Pediatrics have all issued statements in support of an under-age-18 ban. The World Health Organization and the Food and Drug Administration have both declared indoor tanning devices as carcinogenic, and this year, the Surgeon General for the first time issued a warning on the dangers of UV radiation and indoor tanning. This essay highlights how the awareness of the risks of indoor tanning, effective policies, and a conducive political atmosphere have aligned to create a window of opportunity for further under-age-18 indoor tanning legislation. The rising number of preventable skin cancers and mortalities is an issue that transcends political party lines, and now, there is a need for support from health professionals and advocates to motivate legislators to push new under-age-18 bills past their sticking points.

  9. Integrating management tools and concepts to develop an estuarine planning support system: A case study of the Humber Estuary, Eastern England.

    PubMed

    Lonsdale, Jemma-Anne; Weston, Keith; Barnard, Steve; Boyes, Suzanne J; Elliott, Michael

    2015-11-15

    Estuaries are important because of their multiple uses and users which often makes them challenging to manage since management must strike a balance between the needs of users, the estuaries' ecological and economic value and the context of multiple legislative drivers. To facilitate management we have therefore developed an Estuarine Planning Support System (EPSS) framework using the Humber Estuary, Eastern England, as a case study which integrates the current legislation tools and concepts. This integrated EPSS framework is an improvement on previous approaches for assessing cumulative impacts as it takes into account legislative drivers, management tools and other mechanisms for controlling plans/projects specific to the estuary. It therefore enables managers and users to assess and address both the current state and the way in which a new industrial, port or urban development could impact an estuary in an accessible and understandable framework. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Status of legislation and regulatory control of public health pesticides in countries endemic with or at risk of major vector-borne diseases.

    PubMed

    Matthews, Graham; Zaim, Morteza; Yadav, Rajpal Singh; Soares, Agnes; Hii, Jeffrey; Ameneshewa, Birkinesh; Mnzava, Abraham; Dash, Aditya Prasad; Ejov, Mikhail; Tan, Soo Hian; van den Berg, Henk

    2011-11-01

    Legislation and regulation of pesticides used in public health are essential for reducing risks to human health and the environment. We assessed the global situation on legislation and regulatory control of public health pesticides. A peer-reviewed and field-tested questionnaire was distributed to 142 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO); 113 states completed the questionnaire. Legislation on public health pesticides was absent in 25% of the countries. Where present, legislation often lacked comprehensiveness, for example, on basic aspects such as labeling, storage, transport, and disposal of public health pesticides. Guidelines or essential requirements for the process of pesticide registration were lacking in many countries. The capacity to enforce regulations was considered to be weak across WHO regions. Half of all countries lacked pesticide quality control laboratories, and two-thirds reported high concern over quality of products on the market. National statistics on production and trade of pesticides and poisoning incidents were lacking in many countries. Despite the shortcomings, WHO recommendations were considered to constitute a supportive or sole basis in national registration. Also, some regions showed high participation of countries in regional schemes to harmonize pesticide registration requirements. Critical deficiencies are evident in the legislative and regulatory framework for public health pesticides across regions, posing risks to human health and the environment. Recent experience in some countries with situational analysis, needs assessment, action planning, and regional collaboration has signaled a promising way forward.

  11. Firearm Legislation and Fatal Police Shootings in the United States.

    PubMed

    Kivisto, Aaron J; Ray, Bradley; Phalen, Peter L

    2017-07-01

    To examine whether stricter firearm legislation is associated with rates of fatal police shootings. We used a cross-sectional, state-level design to evaluate the effect of state-level firearm legislation on rates of fatal police shootings from January 1, 2015, through October 31, 2016. We measured state-level variation in firearm laws with legislative scorecards from the Brady Center, and for fatal police shootings we used The Counted, an online database maintained by The Guardian. State-level firearm legislation was significantly associated with lower rates of fatal police shootings (incidence rate ratio = 0.961; 95% confidence interval = 0.939, 0.984). When we controlled for sociodemographic factors, states in the top quartile of legislative strength had a 51% lower incidence rate than did states in the lowest quartile. Laws aimed at strengthening background checks, promoting safe storage, and reducing gun trafficking were associated with fewer fatal police shootings. Legislative restrictions on firearms are associated with reductions in fatal police shootings. Public Health Implications. Although further research is necessary to determine causality and potential mechanisms, firearm legislation is a potential policy solution for reducing fatal police shootings in the United States.

  12. Expressing support for democracy in Honduras and restoring normal relations between Honduras and the United States.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Rep. Rohrabacher, Dana [R-CA-46

    2010-03-18

    House - 06/15/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  13. 76 FR 66309 - Proposed Information Collection Activity; Comment Request

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-26

    ... needs assessment similar to the assessment required for all States under the legislation and (2... awards support 5-year cooperative agreements to conduct community needs assessments, plan for and... Needs Assessment and Plan for Responding to Identified Needs (``Implementation Plan Guidance'') (OMB...

  14. A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding United States support for the State of Israel as it defends itself against unprovoked rocket attacks from the Hamas terrorist organization.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC

    2014-07-10

    Senate - 07/17/2014 Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  15. A resolution recognizing the 40th anniversary of the withdrawal of United States combat troops from the Vietnam War and expressing renewed support for United States veterans of that conflict.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Thune, John [R-SD

    2013-10-31

    Senate - 11/07/2013 Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  16. A resolution congratulating the Pennsylvania State University IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon ("THON") on its continued success in support of the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA

    2014-03-11

    Senate - 03/11/2014 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  17. 1974 State Education Legislation and Activity: General Governance and Administration. A survey of the States. Research Brief, Vol. 3, No. 5.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hayas, Denise Kale; Ross, Doris M.

    This report, fifth in a series, is a collection of information on 1974 state education legislation and activity. The raw data information, rapidly processed for early release, includes 700 legislative items related to general governance and administration of elementary and secondary schools. The legislation from all 50 states reported has been…

  18. An analysis of physician antitrust exemption legislation: adjusting the balance of power.

    PubMed

    Hellinger, F J; Young, G J

    2001-07-04

    Current antitrust law restricts physicians from joining together to collectively negotiate. However, such activities may be approved by state laws under the so-called state action immunity doctrine and by federal legislation under an explicit antitrust exemption. In 1999, Texas became the first state to pass physician antitrust exemption legislation allowing physicians, under certain defined circumstances, to collectively negotiate fees with health plans. Last year, similar legislation was introduced in the US Congress, in 18 state legislatures, and in the District of Columbia. This legislation was passed only in the District of Columbia where its implementation was blocked by the city's financial control board. Nonetheless, legislation permitting physicians to collectively negotiate fees with managed care plans has been introduced in 10 state legislatures this year, and there is continued interest in introducing similar legislation in the US Congress. This analysis examines the basic features of this legislation and its potential impact on the balance of power between physicians and managed care plans.

  19. [Welfare and health in the century of social security].

    PubMed

    Westin, S

    1999-12-10

    Great achievements for public health in this century include penicillin, oral contraception, vaccination and transplantation, but the greatest contribution to the health of Norwegians may have been made by social security and the welfare state policies. The beneficial effects of social security include: less social inequality, a factor which in itself makes for better health, some degree of financial security for people who are ill and unable to support themselves or their families, universal availability of medical and health services. This paper explores the ideas and sources from which present-day social security legislation stems. The emergence of state based welfare legislation was inspired by developments in Germany under Bismarck; accident insurance for industrial workers was the first to be introduced in 1894. Several periods of active social security legislation followed at times when labour unions and socialist ideas were strong, supported, to some degree, by radical clergy and public health doctors. Social democratic governments, inspired by the British Beveridge plan towards the end of World War II, took the lead during the long post-war period until the mid 1970s. The Scandinavian model of social security is based on universal coverage and a single payer system. However, since the 1980s, as in other countries of Northern Europe, the social security system has come under pressure from market liberalism. Now at the turn of the century, increasing social inequalities cause some concern for the future of the welfare state.

  20. Expressing support for temporary protected status for Haitian nationals currently residing in the United States, and for other purposes.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Rep. Hastings, Alcee L. [D-FL-23

    2009-07-17

    House - 08/19/2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  1. Academic Norms and the University Committee.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fenton, Joann C.

    The metropolitan university is viewed from the context of individual, group, and university level of social interaction. Metropolitan universities are defined as state-supported public universities located in urban areas and legislatively mandated as teaching institutions. Resources are usually dependent upon the number of full-time equivalent…

  2. Family Literacy Legislation and Initiatives in Eleven States.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Peyton, Tony

    This report focuses on 11 states' efforts to develop state-funded family literacy initiatives either through legislation or other actions. An introduction defines family literacy. Part I includes in-depth case studies on seven states that have either passed or attempted to pass state family literacy legislation. For each state (Kentucky,…

  3. School Psychologists in Support of Transgender and Gender Diverse Students in Light of California's AB 1266 (School Success and Opportunity Act): Implications and Opportunities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Agee-Aguayo, Joseph; Bloomquist, Erik; Savage, Todd A.; Woitaszewski, Scott A.

    2017-01-01

    The present study examined the attitudes of California-based school psychologists toward transgender-identifying students and assessed their efforts and roles in supporting this student population in light of recently passed legislation in California (AB 1266; 2013), which requires public schools in the state to provide transgender students with…

  4. A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of World Malaria Day, and reaffirming United States leadership and support for efforts to combat malaria as a critical component of the President's Global Health Initiative.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [D-WI

    2010-04-22

    Senate - 04/22/2010 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  5. An Analysis of State Laws on Career Education and Pending State Legislation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jesser, David L.

    State legislation relating to career education presently exists in 14 States (Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington), with legislation pending or in some stage of discussion in seven States (Alabama, Connecticut, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode…

  6. Hawaii state legislator views on e-cigarettes and likelihood of legislative action.

    PubMed

    Juarez, Deborah Taira; Seto, Jason; Guimaraes, Alexander; Masterson, James; Davis, James; Seto, Todd B

    2015-01-01

    To examine perspectives on e-cigarette use and regulations in Hawaii through key informant interviews with state legislators. E-cigarette use is rapidly increasing, with sales in 2013 topping $1 billion in the United States, but e-cigarettes are still a largely unregulated industry. Although e-cigarettes are thought by most to be a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes, long-term health effects are not yet known. Semistructured key informant interviews were conducted with Hawaii state legislators (n = 15). We found a lack of consensus among legislators, which suggests that substantial legislative action is unlikely in the upcoming session. However, most legislators believe that some type of incremental legislation will pass, such as enactment of a small tax, limitations on advertising to protect adolescents, or regulations concerning where people can use e-cigarettes. Legislators eagerly await further research to clarify the overall benefits and harms of e-cigarettes at both the individual and population levels.

  7. Hawaii state legislator views on e-cigarettes and likelihood of legislative action

    PubMed Central

    Juarez, Deborah Taira; Seto, Jason; Guimaraes, Alexander; Masterson, James; Davis, James; Seto, Todd B.

    2017-01-01

    Objective To examine perspectives on e-cigarette use and regulations in Hawaii through key informant interviews with state legislators. Background E-cigarette use is rapidly increasing, with sales in 2013 topping $1 billion in the United States, but e-cigarettes are still a largely unregulated industry. Although e-cigarettes are thought by most to be a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes, long-term health effects are not yet known. Methods Semistructured key informant interviews were conducted with Hawaii state legislators (n = 15). Results We found a lack of consensus among legislators, which suggests that substantial legislative action is unlikely in the upcoming session. However, most legislators believe that some type of incremental legislation will pass, such as enactment of a small tax, limitations on advertising to protect adolescents, or regulations concerning where people can use e-cigarettes. Conclusion Legislators eagerly await further research to clarify the overall benefits and harms of e-cigarettes at both the individual and population levels. PMID:26340417

  8. Examination of Trends and Evidence-Based Elements in State Physical Education Legislation: A Content Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eyler, Amy A.; Brownson, Ross C.; Aytur, Semra A.; Cradock, Angie L.; Doescher, Mark; Evenson, Kelly R.; Kerr, Jacqueline; Maddock, Jay; Pluto, Delores L.; Steinman, Lesley; Tompkins, Nancy O'Hara; Troped, Philip; Schmid, Thomas L.

    2010-01-01

    Objectives: To develop a comprehensive inventory of state physical education (PE) legislation, examine trends in bill introduction, and compare bill factors. Methods: State PE legislation from January 2001 to July 2007 was identified using a legislative database. Analysis included components of evidence-based school PE from the Community Guide and…

  9. The Impact of State Legislation and Model Policies on Bullying in Schools.

    PubMed

    Terry, Amanda

    2018-04-01

    The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the coverage of state legislation and the expansiveness ratings of state model policies on the state-level prevalence of bullying in schools. The state-level prevalence of bullying in schools was based on cross-sectional data from the 2013 High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Multiple regression was conducted to determine whether the coverage of state legislation and the expansiveness rating of a state model policy affected the state-level prevalence of bullying in schools. The purpose and definition category of components in state legislation and the expansiveness rating of a state model policy were statistically significant predictors of the state-level prevalence of bullying in schools. The other 3 categories of components in state legislation-District Policy Development and Review, District Policy Components, and Additional Components-were not statistically significant predictors in the model. Extensive coverage in the purpose and definition category of components in state legislation and a high expansiveness rating of a state model policy may be important in efforts to reduce bullying in schools. Improving these areas may reduce the state-level prevalence of bullying in schools. © 2018, American School Health Association.

  10. Killer tans: state, feds crack down on indoor tanning.

    PubMed

    Conde, Crystal

    2010-05-01

    The American Cancer Society says that using a tanning bed before age 35 increases a person's risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent. Physicians hope that recent actions by the FTC, along with TMA-supported state legislation placing age restrictions on minors' use of tanning beds, will spur the tanning industry to operate more responsibly and stop spreading false information to the public.

  11. National Dance Education Organization: Building a Future for Dance Education in the Arts

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bonbright, Jane; McGreevy-Nichols, Susan

    2012-01-01

    The field of dance arts education in the United States is in an entirely different place today than it was at the turn of the century. Much of this change is due to a convergence of events that involved: federal and state legislation, policy, and funding that supported dance in arts education; a forty-year transition of dance out of departments of…

  12. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Labor to establish minimum funding levels for States for the support of disabled veterans' outreach program specialists and local veterans' employment representatives, and for other purposes.

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT

    2011-06-30

    Senate - 06/13/2012 Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 112-567. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  13. Funding Public Higher Education in Colorado: How Has the College Opportunity Funding Model Impacted Educational Funding and Performance?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Middlemist, George Edward

    2017-01-01

    During the 2004 legislative session, the Colorado General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 189 (SB189), which established the first system of college vouchers in the United States. The supporters of SB189 hoped that the voucher system, called the College Opportunity Fund (COF), would: 1) stabilize the flow of state funding to higher education; 2)…

  14. "There Were High Hopes and High Projections:" Examining the Social Construction of Target Populations in the Policy Design of the Arkansas Lottery Legislation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Copeland, Kristopher

    2013-01-01

    Lottery policies have been created by many states to generate additional funds to support public initiatives, such as higher education scholarships. In 2009, Arkansas adopted a lottery to generate higher education scholarships. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the Arkansas state lottery policy design process to better…

  15. Selected State Legislation: A Guide for Effective State Laws to Protect Children.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Washington, DC.

    This report was developed to highlight some of the most effective state laws that concern child victimization. It is intended for use by state legislators, governors, and state officials as well as by all citizens concerned about protecting children. A sampling of varied legislation from several states is included which demonstrates how the issues…

  16. Approaching 4 Decades of Legislation in the National Family Planning Program: An Analysis of Title X's History From 1970 to 2008

    PubMed Central

    Daley, Ellen M.; Perrin, Kay M.; Mahan, Charles S.; Buhi, Eric R.

    2011-01-01

    Family planning is an important public health activity. Title X (Pub L No. 91-572), enacted in 1970, remains the only national family planning program in the United States dedicated to providing voluntary and confidential services to all individuals. We conducted a thematic analysis of Title X's legislative history. Of 293 federal bills included in the legislative history, only 20 (6.8%) were enacted into law. Regardless of the proposed challenges, limited changes have been adopted. Except for technical amendments, bills involving restrictions accounted for the highest percentage of enacted bills, demonstrating efforts to undermine reproductive health rights. Title X requires political will and bipartisan support if it is to continue to protect individuals' reproductive rights. PMID:21940931

  17. School Tort Law in Illinois.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Menacker, Julius

    1990-01-01

    Illinois tort policy has swung from supporting the sovereign immunity of school districts, to completely striking down sovereign immunity, to narrowing conditions in which districts and employees could be liable. Advises Illinois and other states with similar problems to develop legislation and court precedents to reduce the complexity of tort…

  18. Supporting the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, the right to counsel.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Rep. Deutch, Theodore E. [D-FL-21

    2013-05-03

    House - 11/13/2013 On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  19. Advocacy Simplified

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dowd, Karen J.; Curva, Fely

    2008-01-01

    Most state professional associations promote and fund at some level, an advocacy program. These advocacy programs usually aim to support or plead for a program, policy, or proposal. They can range from simple communication to complex strategies, from daily interactions to annual productions, and from position papers to onsite, legislative visits.…

  20. Do scheduled caste and scheduled tribe women legislators mean lower gender-caste gaps in primary schooling in India?

    PubMed

    Halim, Nafisa; Yount, Kathryn M; Cunningham, Solveig

    2016-07-01

    Despite India's substantial investments in primary schooling, gaps in schooling persist across gender and caste-with scheduled caste and scheduled tribe (SC/ST) girls being particularly disadvantaged. The representation of SC/ST women in state legislatures may help to mitigate this disadvantage. Specifically, because of her intersecting gender and caste/tribe identities, a SC/ST woman legislator might maintain a strong sense of solidarity especially with SC/ST girls and women, and support legislative policies benefitting SC/ST girls. Consequently, for this reason, we expect that living in a district where SC/ST women represent in state legislatures in a higher proportion may increase SC/ST girls' primary school completion, progression and performance. We tested this hypothesis using district-level data between 2000 and 2004 from the Indian Election Commission, the 2004/5 India Human Development Survey, and the Indian Census of 2001. As expected, the representation of SC/ST women in state legislatures was positively associated with SC/ST girls' grade completion and age-appropriate grade progression but was apparent not SC/ST girls' primary-school performance. SC/ST women's representation in state legislatures may reduce gender-caste gaps in primary-school attainment in India. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  1. Do scheduled caste and scheduled tribe women legislators mean lower gender-caste gaps in primary schooling in India?

    PubMed Central

    Halim, Nafisa; Yount, Kathryn M.; Cunningham, Solveig

    2017-01-01

    Despite India’s substantial investments in primary schooling, gaps in schooling persist across gender and caste—with scheduled caste and scheduled tribe (SC/ST) girls being particularly disadvantaged. The representation of SC/ST women in state legislatures may help to mitigate this disadvantage. Specifically, because of her intersecting gender and caste/tribe identities, a SC/ST woman legislator might maintain a strong sense of solidarity especially with SC/ST girls and women, and support legislative policies benefitting SC/ST girls. Consequently, for this reason, we expect that living in a district where SC/ST women represent in state legislatures in a higher proportion may increase SC/ST girls’ primary school completion, progression and performance. We tested this hypothesis using district-level data between 2000 and 2004 from the Indian Election Commission, the 2004/5 India Human Development Survey, and the Indian Census of 2001. As expected, the representation of SC/ST women in state legislatures was positively associated with SC/ST girls’ grade completion and age-appropriate grade progression but was apparent not SC/ST girls’ primary-school performance. SC/ST women’s representation in state legislatures may reduce gender-caste gaps in primary-school attainment in India. PMID:27194655

  2. Research on the Legislation of Chinese Space Laws

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Dongwen

    2002-01-01

    1 Need and necessity for the legislation of Chinese space activities --Complying with UN treaties and principles on outer space --Adapting to the requirements of market economy --Promoting the further development of Chinese space activities --Developing international space cooperation 2 Research method for legislation of Chinese space activities The research method is ROCCIPI. This method was introduced into China with the project "Legislation Supports Economy Reform" supported by the UN Office of Development Planning - By analyzing the correlations among the seven factors: Rule, Opportunity, Capacity, Communication, Interest, Process and Ideology, the optimal legal measures can be found . Such analysis and research works on the master law of Chinese space activities have been made in the paper. 3 Research of international treaties &principles on outer space, and of national space laws of other countries. Studies have been made in this paper on many aspects of international outer space laws, such as framework, development stage, current characteristics, new problems will be faced with in new century, and development tendency in the future, etc. Based on the investigation and study of national space laws of other countries, analyses and researches on national space law have been made in the paper from some aspects, such as legislative purpose, legislative aim, legislative form, legislative content and etc, and some enlightenments, which can be used for reference in the legislation of Chinese Space Laws, are found. 4 Framework of Chinese Space Laws The jurisdiction of Chinese Space Laws lies in three areas: space technology - space applications and space science. Chinese Space Laws are divided into 3 levels: Master law, Administration Regulations of the State Council of the P.R.C, Rules of governmental sectors. 5 Conclusions and Suggestions --The legislation of Chinese Space Activities should be strengthened --More attentions should be paid to the research work in the policies &laws of Chinese space --The international exchanges and cooperation in the research work of space laws should be --The system of Chinese Space Laws should be constructed by the master law of Chinese space

  3. From Politics to Parity: Using a Health Disparities Index to Guide Legislative Efforts for Health Equity

    PubMed Central

    Simpson, Sean L.; Hairston, Kristen G.

    2011-01-01

    Objectives. We created an index quantifying the longitudinal burden of racial health disparities by state and compared this index to variables to guide the construction of, and validate support for, legislative efforts aimed at eliminating health disparities. Methods. We evaluated 5 focus areas of greatest racial disparities in health from 1999 to 2005 and compiled state health disparities index (HDI) scores. We compared these scores with variables representing the purported social determinants of health. Results. Massachusetts (0.35), Oklahoma (0.35), and Washington (0.39) averaged the fewest disparities. Michigan (1.22), Wisconsin (1.32), and Illinois (1.50) averaged the greatest disparities. The statistical reference point for nationwide average racial disparities was 1.00. The longitudinal mixed model procedure yielded statistically significant correlations between HDI scores and Black state population percentage as well as with the racial gap in uninsured percentages. We noted a trend for HDI correlations with median household income ratios. Conclusions. On the basis of the HDI-established trends in the extent and distribution of racial health disparities, and their correlated social determinants of health, policymakers should consider incorporating this tool to advise future efforts in minority health legislation. PMID:21233445

  4. State legislation to improve employee wellness.

    PubMed

    Lankford, Tina; Kruger, Judy; Bauer, Deborah

    2009-01-01

    Categorize and describe the content and status of state legislation of worksite wellness. State worksite wellness legislation was compiled from the Centers for Disease Control's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity State Legislative Database (http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/DNPALeg/index.asp) and from LexisNexis (http://www.lexisnexis. com). Key word searches were used to gather worksite wellness legislation (2001-2006), with the exception of resolutions and those bills not pertaining to general employee wellness. Legislation was individually examined, categorized, and analyzed for content and status. The four categories of state legislation that appeared to be most common were tax credits (n = 34; 0 passed), wellness policies and programs (n = 21; 4 passed), alternative transportation (n = 18; 4 passed), and health insurance (n = 14; 3 passed). During 2001 to 2006, seven of 27 states enacted worksite wellness bills. In the three categories in which bills passed (wellness policies and programs, alternative transportation, and health insurance), 19% to 22% were enacted. This proportion, similar to other health promotions bills, indicates that worksite health promotion legislation passed as favorably as other health promotion topics. Further, the language in the bills did not recommend a specific standard for employee health, such as that in the national Healthy People 2010 objectives.

  5. Status of Legislation and Regulatory Control of Public Health Pesticides in Countries Endemic with or at Risk of Major Vector-Borne Diseases

    PubMed Central

    Matthews, Graham; Zaim, Morteza; Soares, Agnes; Hii, Jeffrey; Ameneshewa, Birkinesh; Mnzava, Abraham; Dash, Aditya Prasad; Ejov, Mikhail; Tan, Soo Hian; van den Berg, Henk

    2011-01-01

    Background: Legislation and regulation of pesticides used in public health are essential for reducing risks to human health and the environment. Objective: We assessed the global situation on legislation and regulatory control of public health pesticides. Methods: A peer-reviewed and field-tested questionnaire was distributed to 142 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO); 113 states completed the questionnaire. Results: Legislation on public health pesticides was absent in 25% of the countries. Where present, legislation often lacked comprehensiveness, for example, on basic aspects such as labeling, storage, transport, and disposal of public health pesticides. Guidelines or essential requirements for the process of pesticide registration were lacking in many countries. The capacity to enforce regulations was considered to be weak across WHO regions. Half of all countries lacked pesticide quality control laboratories, and two-thirds reported high concern over quality of products on the market. National statistics on production and trade of pesticides and poisoning incidents were lacking in many countries. Despite the shortcomings, WHO recommendations were considered to constitute a supportive or sole basis in national registration. Also, some regions showed high participation of countries in regional schemes to harmonize pesticide registration requirements. Conclusions: Critical deficiencies are evident in the legislative and regulatory framework for public health pesticides across regions, posing risks to human health and the environment. Recent experience in some countries with situational analysis, needs assessment, action planning, and regional collaboration has signaled a promising way forward. PMID:21742577

  6. State responses to biotechnology.

    PubMed

    Harris, Rebecca C

    2015-01-01

    This article reviews biotechnology legislation in the 50 states for 11 policy areas spanning 1990-2010, an era of immense growth in biotechnology, genetic knowledge, and significant policy development. Policies regarding health insurance, life insurance, long-term care insurance, DNA data bank collection, biotech research protection, biotech promotion and support, employment discrimination, genetic counselor licensing, human cloning, and genetic privacy each represent major policy responses arising from biotechnology and coinciding with key areas of state regulation (insurance, criminal justice, economic development, labor law, health and safety, privacy, and property rights). This analysis seeks to answer three questions regarding biotechnology legislation at the state level: who is acting (policy adoption), when is policy adopted (policy timing), and what is policy doing (policy content). Theoretical concerns examine state ideology (conservative or liberal), policy type (economic or moral), and the role of external events (federal law, news events, etc.) on state policy adoption. Findings suggest ideological patterns in adoption, timing, and content of biotech policy. Findings also suggest economic policies tend to be more uniform in content than moral policies, and findings also document a clear link between federal policy development, external events, and state policy response.

  7. 1975 State Education Legislation. A Survey of the States. Research Brief, Vol. 4.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hayas, Denise Kale; Ross, Doris M.

    This publication is a state-by-state compilation of state educational legislation enacted in 1976. Brief summaries of each new law are listed by individual states. In addition, all entries are cross-referenced and indexed by subject. Most of the legislation listed deals with elementary secondary education or is too broad to be identified by level;…

  8. Preventing tobacco-caused cancer: a call to action.

    PubMed

    Orleans, C T

    1995-11-01

    Nicotine addiction is the most common serious medical problem in the country. Tobacco use is responsible for 30% of cancer deaths in the United States and 90% of all lung cancer deaths. The physical addiction to nicotine explains why over 30% of Americans continue to smoke or use tobacco despite their desires and efforts to quit. The testimony summarized in this paper recommends four broad strategies for preventing tobacco-caused cancers in the United States: a) mandating and reimbursing effective treatments for nicotine addiction; b) increasing Federal and state tobacco excise taxes and earmarking a fraction of tax revenues for tobacco prevention and cessation; c) enacting other policy changes to prevent tobacco use and addiction among children, including expanded clean indoor air legislation, comprehensive youth tobacco access legislation, and the regulation of tobacco products and their advertising and promotion; and d) expanding tobacco control research and critical Federal research support. Specific recommendations are given for each broad strategy.

  9. An academic, business, and community alliance to promote evidence-based public health policy: the case of primary seat belt legislation.

    PubMed

    Goldzweig, Irwin A; Schlundt, David G; Moore, Wayne E; Smith, Patricia E; Zoorob, Roger J; Levine, Robert S

    2013-08-01

    An academic, business, and community alliance comprising 285 organizations, including 43 national groups represented on a Blue Ribbon Panel organized by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, targeted Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin for high involvement/intervention consisting of community organization and other political action to support passage of primary seat belt laws. State-level alliance activities began in January 2003. All six states enacted a primary seat belt law between 2004 and 2009. From January 2003 to May 2010, passage of primary legislation was 4.5 times as likely (95% CI 1.90, 10.68) in states with high versus low alliance involvement. Positive interaction between high alliance involvement and offers of federal incentives may have occurred as well. This evidence of success suggests that academic-business-community alliances for action to promote evidence-based public health policy may be effective.

  10. 1994 State Legislation on Native American Issues.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Morin, Kimberly A.

    This report includes state-by-state summaries of 1994 legislation pertaining to Native American issues. Of 344 bills introduced in the state legislatures in 1994, 92 were enacted and 20 are still pending. Major issues addressed in 1994 legislation included Native American education; history, language, and culture preservation; sovereignty; law…

  11. The 1984 State Legislative Summary of Children and Youth Issues.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smith, Joan M.; And Others

    This 50-state profile identifies and summarizes new laws affecting children and youth that were enacted by the states during the 1984 legislative sessions. The information was gathered through a phone survey of state legislative contacts. The draft report was sent to the 50 state contacts for comment and review. Thus the final report represents a…

  12. A resolution recognizing the right of Israel to defend itself against attacks from Gaza and reaffirming the United States' strong support for Israel in its battle with Hamas, and supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Sen. Reid, Harry [D-NV

    2009-01-08

    Senate - 01/08/2009 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  13. A resolution affirming the support of the United States for a strong and vital alliance with Thailand.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Sen. Webb, Jim [D-VA

    2010-05-24

    Senate - 05/24/2010 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  14. Gender Equity Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board, Olympia.

    Under a legislative mandate from the state of Washington, this report provides updated information on gender equity at each of the public institutions of higher education in Washington and at the community and technical colleges, as applicable. A look at student support and services shows that pay scales in student employment are not…

  15. Supporting the Health and Well-Being of Transgender Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cicero, Ethan C.; Wesp, Linda M.

    2017-01-01

    Throughout the United States, there has been a rise in public discourse about transgender people and transgender issues. Much of this attention stems from passed and proposed anti-LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning) legislation, including "bathroom bills" that would require transgender people to use public…

  16. Developing Materials and Support for Early Childhood Educators To Increase Abilities To Become Effective Advocates.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Robinson, Barbara J.

    Because early childhood educators were minimally knowledgeable about and uninvolved in state legislative activities affecting their profession, an experienced child advocate developed a practicum to increase practitioners' knowledge and involvement. To attain practicum objectives, an advocacy handbook was developed and an advocacy project support…

  17. So What Exactly Do Teacher-Researchers Think about Doing Research?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Watkins, Amanda

    2006-01-01

    The desirability of teacher engagement with research has been made apparent by several recent secretaries of state and encouraged through legislation and some support mechanisms intended to encourage practitioner-led investigations. Yet it is still regarded as exceptional, rather than the norm, when teachers become involved in formal research…

  18. Differences in Child Care Quality for Children with and without Disabilities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grisham-Brown, Jennifer; Cox, Megan; Gravil, Meg; Missall, Kristen

    2010-01-01

    Research Findings: Federal, state, and local agencies legislate and support inclusive settings for the education of young children with disabilities. Recommended practices outline critical elements for meeting the educational and developmental needs of children with and without disabilities in inclusive settings, and minimal and essential quality…

  19. Facilitating Support for Students with Asperger's Syndrome

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pillay, Yegan; Bhat, Christine Suniti

    2012-01-01

    The number of students with Asperger's Syndrome enrolled at tertiary institutions in the United States continues to increase. This can be attributed to: (a) the passage of legislations such as the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); (b) revisions to the "Diagnostic and Statistical…

  20. Affected Decisions: Aversive Disablism, Accessible Information and Technologies in an Institution of Higher Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Flanagin, Jimmie

    2013-01-01

    Students with print disabilities continue to face inaccessible information and information technologies in higher education institutions despite federal and state legislation and local policies. Although most individuals responsible for making their course materials accessible often express support for the egalitarian principles of such policies,…

  1. Unions Striking Back at Bills to Curb Labor

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sawchuk, Stephen

    2011-01-01

    Besieged by state proposals to eviscerate collective bargaining, eliminate teacher tenure, and make it harder to collect dues, teachers' unions are fighting back. Lawsuits supported by local union affiliates have for now blocked anti-union legislation in Alabama and Wisconsin. E-mail "blasts," phone banks, and rallies are also among the…

  2. Security/Life Safety: A Need for Change.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ellsworth, Douglas

    2003-01-01

    In response to legislation, colleges and universities in several states must prepare to install sprinkler systems. Four basic issues an engineering study should examine include: whether the existing water service has the size, capacity, and pressure to support a sprinkler system; whether the protected facility will have to comply with more…

  3. A resolution expressing support for improvement in the collection, processing, and consumption of recyclable materials throughout the United States.

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE

    2011-08-02

    Senate - 11/16/2011 Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  4. A resolution supporting increased market access for exports of United States beef and beef products.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT

    2010-05-27

    Senate - 05/27/2010 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  5. Improving Productivity via QWL Centers.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bentley, Marion T.; Hansen, Gary B.

    1980-01-01

    Gives a brief history of productivity improvement legislation in the United States and of the development and demise of the National Center for Productivity and Quality of Working Life (QWL). Describes existing productivity and QWL centers, including their locations, scope, services, and activities, and urges greater support at the federal level.…

  6. Legislating for advocacy: The case of whistleblowing.

    PubMed

    Watson, Chanel L; O'Connor, Tom

    2017-05-01

    The role of nurses as patient advocates is one which is well recognised, supported and the subject of a broad body of literature. One of the key impediments to the role of the nurse as patient advocate is the lack of support and legislative frameworks. Within a broad range of activities constituting advocacy, whistleblowing is currently the subject of much discussion in the light of the Mid Staffordshire inquiry in the United Kingdom (UK) and other instances of patient mistreatment. As a result steps to amend existing whistleblowing legislation where it exists or introduce it where it does not are underway. This paper traces the development of legislation for advocacy. The authors argue that while any legislation supporting advocacy is welcome, legislation on its own will not encourage or enable nurses to whistleblow.

  7. Abstracts of State Legislated Hospital Cost-Containment Programs

    PubMed Central

    Esposito, Alfonso; Hupfer, Michael; Mason, Cynthia; Rogler, Diane

    1982-01-01

    This report summarizes State legislated efforts to control rising hospital costs and the status of these efforts in May 1982. The abstract for each of 17 State programs summarizes key legislative features and operating aspects. The States included in this report are: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The abstracts focus on programs requiring the disclosure, review, or legislation of hospital rates and budgets. PMID:10309910

  8. State Legislation Relating to Native Americans, 1991.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Reed, James B.

    1991-01-01

    This report summarizes legislative activities in states that enacted bills and resolutions relating to Native Americans in 1991. Conflicts between states and the Indian tribes within their borders were the subject of significant legislation in 1991. In all, 220 bills and resolutions were introduced in state legislatures; 77 passed and 20 are still…

  9. A caravan for women's lives.

    PubMed

    Bader, E J

    1990-04-01

    The war on the women of America is being actively repelled through the efforts on Molly Yard and the National Organization for Women (NOW), Tamar Abrams and the National Abortion Rights Action League, the Freedom Caravan for Women's Lives, and the many women actively supporting pro-choice. At issue is the Supreme Court decision in Webster v. Reproductive Health Services which limits women's right to choose. It is feared that the Court will proceed with overturning Roe v. Wade, which gives women the right to terminate unwanted pregnancies; 7 states are attempting to ban abortion entirely: Arkansas, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri and South Dakota. 6 are expected to maintain legal rights: Alaska, Hawaii, Main, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. The political pro-choice strategy has been to organize protest activities where there was a challenge to pro-choice--in Florida, California, and in gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia. Voters were mobilized by telephone, newspaper ads, and cable television promotions outlining pro-choice positions. Success was achieved in both state gubernatorial elections, and in California's replacement assemblyman race with Tricia Hunter winning against 7 anti-choice contenders. The Caravan which began on Women's Equality day on August 26, 1989 in Atlantic City, New Jersey (NJ) raised $10,000 for the NJ lobbying effort; walkathons and lobbying activity maximized the impact. For example, there was a rally in a solidly Republican city where the antiabortion candidate support was strong; the pro-choice support was evident. The RU-486, an effective abortifacient, manufacturer with offices in NJ was approached with 1000 cards of support. The Florida special legislative session antiabortion effort was defeated, but pressure will be maintained on the Governor and antichoice legislators. Pro-choice Democrat Douglas Wilder of Virginia, who was the state's 1st black legislator, was supported and won the election. Even though November's election and the national mobilization are over, the future political effort will continue with demonstrations, lobbying, letter writing, and organizing to prevent illegal abortions, and as Molly Yard says to soundly defeat the antifemale bigots of the religious right.

  10. A resolution reaffirming the strong support of the United States for the 2002 declaration of conduct of parties in the South China Sea among the member states of ASEAN and the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes.

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA

    2012-07-23

    Senate - 08/02/2012 Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  11. A resolution recognizing the 2012 World Choir Games in Cincinnati, Ohio, as a global event of cultural significance to the United States and expressing support for designation of July 2012 as World Choir Games Month in the United States.

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Sen. Portman, Rob [R-OH

    2011-11-16

    Senate - 02/17/2012 Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  12. Foreign Students in the United States: Policies and Legislation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-05-11

    Language ( TOEFL ) in order to demonstrate that they could effectively study and provide instruction in English. In Asian countries, such as China...determining whether TOEFL scores are fraudulent until the student actually arrives in the United States. At this time, written offers of support have...have reacted by not admitting any graduate students from countries with a history of fraudulent TOEFL scores, or requiring additional in- person

  13. Recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the redesignation of Company E, 100th Battalion, 442d Infantry Regiment of the United States Army and the sacrifice of the soldiers of Company E and their families in support of the United States.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Rep. Sablan, Gregorio Kilili Camacho [D-MP-At Large

    2009-10-13

    Senate - 12/09/2009 Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  14. Tobacco lobby political influence on US state legislatures in the 1990s

    PubMed Central

    Givel, M.; Glantz, S.

    2001-01-01

    BACKGROUND—Throughout the 1990s the tobacco lobby was a potent political force in US state legislatures advancing its pro-tobacco agenda.
OBJECTIVE—To describe the market and political motivations of the tobacco lobby and the strategies they use to achieve these goals in US state legislatures.
DESIGN—This study is a content analysis and summary overview of recently released historical tobacco industry documents; tobacco related government documents; and recent state tobacco control policy reports.
RESULTS—In the 1990s, the tobacco lobby engaged in a comprehensive and aggressive political effort in state legislatures to sell tobacco with the least hindrance using lobbying, the media, public relations, front groups, industry allies, and contributions to legislators. These efforts included campaigns to neutralise clean indoor air legislation, minimise tax increases, and preserve the industry's freedom to advertise and sell tobacco. The tobacco lobby succeeded in increasing the number of states that enacted state pre-emption of stricter local tobacco control laws and prevented the passage of many state tobacco control policies. Public health advocates were able to prevent pre-emption and other pro-tobacco policies from being enacted in several states.
CONCLUSIONS—The tobacco lobby is a powerful presence in state legislatures. Because of the poor public image of the tobacco lobby, it seeks to wield this power quietly and behind the scenes. State and local health advocates, who often have high public credibility, can use this fact against the tobacco lobby by focusing public attention on the tobacco lobby's political influence and policy goals and expose links between the tobacco lobby and its legislative supporters.


Keywords: political lobbying; state legislatures; industry PMID:11387532

  15. The passage of Florida's Statute on Assisted Reproductive Technology.

    PubMed

    Maun, A R; Williams, R S; Graber, B; Myers, W G

    1994-11-01

    Until 1993, there were no statutes in the United States covering gestational surrogacy contracts, disposition of stored embryos and gametes, parentage of children born from donated gametes and embryos, and the inheritance rights of cryopreserved embryos of deceased donors. In March 1993, the Florida Assisted Reproductive Technology Act was passed to address some of these issues and to minimize the expense and emotional cost of related courtroom proceedings. Authors of the bill believed that motherhood of a newborn in the eyes of the law should be determined by two factors: genetic inheritance and the original intent of the woman to become the parent of record. The bill included the assumption that, in the cases of children born of gestational surrogacy, the commissioning genetic parents would be the "natural parents" of the child. Some of the reasons for legislative success of the statute include: 1) clear need for statutory guidance in cases involving reproductive technology, 2) relevance of the issue to cost containment (ie, judicial costs) in an era of health care reform, 3) careful use of scientific terminology and the support of the medical community, 4) involvement of a skilled legislative team, 5) participation of physician specialists in the development of the bill (ie, practicing gynecologists in assisted reproductive technology programs), 6) participation of the State of Florida legislative staff, and 7) consultation with appropriate lobbying groups (eg, Florida Catholic Conference). The successful legislative process that was followed to achieve passage of this bill can serve as an example for other states to emulate.

  16. Does State Legislation Improve Nursing Workforce Diversity?

    PubMed

    Travers, Jasmine; Smaldone, Arlene; Cohn, Elizabeth Gross

    2015-08-01

    A health-care workforce representative of our nation's diversity is a health and research priority. Although racial and ethnic minorities represent 37% of Americans, they comprise only 16% of the nursing workforce. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of state legislation on minority recruitment to nursing. Using data from the National Conference of State Legislatures, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and U.S. census, we compared minority enrollment in baccalaureate nursing programs of states (Texas, Virginia, Michigan, California, Florida, Connecticut, and Arkansas) before and 3 years after enacting legislation with geographically adjacent states without legislation. Data were analyzed using descriptive and chi-square statistics. Following legislation, Arkansas (13.8%-24.5%), California (3.3%-5.4%), and Michigan (8.0%-10.0%) significantly increased enrollment of Blacks, and Florida (11.8%-15.4%) and Texas (11.2%-13.9%) significantly increased enrollment of Hispanic baccalaureate nursing students. States that tied legislation to funding, encouragement, and reimbursement had larger enrollment gains and greater minority representation. © The Author(s) 2015.

  17. Framing research for state policymakers who place a priority on cancer.

    PubMed

    Brownson, Ross C; Dodson, Elizabeth A; Kerner, Jon F; Moreland-Russell, Sarah

    2016-08-01

    Despite the potential for reducing the cancer burden via state policy change, few data exist on how best to disseminate research information to influence state legislators' policy choices. We explored: (1) the relative importance of core framing issues (source, presentation, timeliness) among policymakers who prioritize cancer and those who do not prioritize cancer and (2) the predictors of use of research in policymaking. Cross-sectional data were collected from US state policymakers (i.e., legislators elected to state houses or senates) from January through October 2012 (n = 862). One-way analysis of variance was performed to investigate the association of the priority of cancer variable with outcome variables. Multivariate logistic regression models examined predictors of the influence of research information. Legislators who prioritized cancer tended to rate characteristics that make research information useful higher than those who did not prioritize cancer. Among differences that were statistically significant were three items in the "source" domain (relevance, delivered by someone respected, supports one's own position), one item in the "presentation" domain (telling a story related to constituents) and two items in the "timeliness" domain (high current state priority, feasible when information is received). Participants who prioritized cancer risk factors were 80 % more likely to rate research information as one of their top reasons for choosing an issue on which to work. Our results suggest the importance of narrative forms of communication and that research information needs to be relevant to the policymakers' constituents in a brief, concise format.

  18. Child-Resistant Packaging for E-Liquid: A Review of US State Legislation.

    PubMed

    Frey, Leslie T; Tilburg, William C

    2016-02-01

    A growing number of states have introduced or enacted legislation requiring child-resistant packaging for e-liquid containers; however, these laws involve varying terms, packaging standards, and enforcement provisions, raising concerns about their effectiveness. We evaluated bills against 4 benchmarks: broad product definitions that contemplate future developments in the market, citations to a specific packaging standard, stated penalties for violations, and express grants of authority to a state entity to enforce the packaging requirements. Our findings showed that 3 states meet all 4 benchmarks in their enacted legislation. We encourage states to consider these benchmarks when revising statutes or drafting future legislation.

  19. Child-Resistant Packaging for E-Liquid: A Review of US State Legislation

    PubMed Central

    Tilburg, William C.

    2016-01-01

    A growing number of states have introduced or enacted legislation requiring child-resistant packaging for e-liquid containers; however, these laws involve varying terms, packaging standards, and enforcement provisions, raising concerns about their effectiveness. We evaluated bills against 4 benchmarks: broad product definitions that contemplate future developments in the market, citations to a specific packaging standard, stated penalties for violations, and express grants of authority to a state entity to enforce the packaging requirements. Our findings showed that 3 states meet all 4 benchmarks in their enacted legislation. We encourage states to consider these benchmarks when revising statutes or drafting future legislation. PMID:26691114

  20. Childhood Obesity Task Forces Established by State Legislatures, 2001-2010

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Sonia A.; Sherry, Bettylou; Blanck, Heidi M.

    2013-01-01

    Introduction States and communities are considering policy and environmental strategies, including enacting legislation, to reduce and prevent childhood obesity. One legislative approach has been to create task forces to understand key issues and develop a course of action. The goal of this study was to describe state-level, childhood obesity task forces in the United States created by legislation from 2001 through 2010. Methods We used the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity database to identify state-level childhood obesity task forces created through legislation from 2001 through 2010. Results We identified 21 states that had enacted legislation creating childhood obesity task forces of which 6 had created more than one task force. Most task forces were charged with both gathering and reviewing information and making recommendations for obesity-prevention actions in the state. Most legislation required that task forces include representation from the state legislature, state agencies, community organizations, and community members. Conclusion Evaluation of the effectiveness of obesity-prevention task forces and the primary components that contribute to their success may help to determine the advantages of the use of such strategies in obesity prevention. PMID:23987250

  1. Children and Gun Violence. Hearings on S. 1087, a Bill To Amend Title 18, United States Code, To Prohibit the Possession of a Handgun or Ammunition by, or the Private Transfer of a Handgun or Ammunition to, a Juvenile, before the Subcommittee on Juvenile Justice of the Committee on the Judiciary. United States Senate, 103rd Congress, First Session.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

    This transcript contains the following: (1) statements of several Committee Members; (2) text of the proposed legislation; (3) a list of witnesses; and (4) statements, testimony, and supporting documents submitted by the witnesses. Numerous laypersons and professionals have their testimonies recorded, giving statements in support of and in…

  2. 1975 Legislative Activity Progress Report on Postsecondary Collective Negotiations Bills. Special Report No. 21.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Emmet, Thomas A.; Ross, Doris

    The extent of legislative activity in the area of postsecondary collective bargaining throughout the states is outlined. Specific legislative document numbers needed to request copies from the various legislative houses are included. The states are grouped in three categories: (1) those not having educational employee public sector collective…

  3. Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to supporting the goals and ideals of the seventh annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and supporting the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security to raise awareness of cyber threats and enhance cybersecurity in the United States.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-11

    2010-09-29

    House - 11/01/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  4. Political influences on greenhouse gas emissions from US states.

    PubMed

    Dietz, Thomas; Frank, Kenneth A; Whitley, Cameron T; Kelly, Jennifer; Kelly, Rachel

    2015-07-07

    Starting at least in the 1970s, empirical work suggested that demographic (population) and economic (affluence) forces are the key drivers of anthropogenic stress on the environment. We evaluate the extent to which politics attenuates the effects of economic and demographic factors on environmental outcomes by examining variation in CO2 emissions across US states and within states over time. We find that demographic and economic forces can in part be offset by politics supportive of the environment--increases in emissions over time are lower in states that elect legislators with strong environmental records.

  5. Children, Youth, and Families Issues. 1988 State Legislative Summary.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Conference of State Legislatures, Denver, CO.

    This publication is the sixth annual compilation of summaries of legislation pertaining to children, youth, and families enacted by the individual states and by Puerto Rico. It contains information gathered by National Conference of State Legislatures staff through direct requests from legislative staff, and includes summaries of legislation…

  6. Colleges and universities sticking to their guns?

    PubMed

    Mendez, Jesse Perez; Sabina, Lou; Loffi, Jon

    Firearm possession on college and university campuses remains a volatile public policy issue among policymakers, legislators, scholars, and administrators. Given the American federal governmental structure, many states have developed legislative approaches to "carry on campus" policies throughout the years that align with federal law. This study explores the diversity of state approaches and nuances of "carry on campus" throughout recent years and current state legislation under consideration. The implications of "carry on campus" legislation vary on college campuses, depending on applicable state law; however, some general dynamics apply to all.

  7. Gun-Control Legislation and the Impact on Suicide.

    PubMed

    Leenaars, Antoon A

    2007-01-01

    Gun control is the prototypical example of controlling the environment for the means of suicide, an effective public health approach to suicide prevention. Canada's Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1977 (Bill C-51) provides an excellent opportunity to illustrate the effects of legislative gun-control laws and the impact on suicide. The research in Canada supports the significant effect of C-51 in reducing suicides and firearm suicides, even if one controls for socioeconomic factors, although not equally for all ages. The young, a high-risk group, show the most significant decrease, without significant substitution of other methods (displacement). Studies on gun-control laws from New Zealand, the United States, and Australia support the Canadian findings. It is concluded that, although not equally applicable in all countries, gun control may well have significant applications in reducing suicide worldwide.

  8. What Elements of the 2013 American Nurses Association Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Standards are Reflected in State Legislation?

    PubMed Central

    Powell-Cope, Gail; Rugs, Deborah

    2015-01-01

    Many professional organizations have endorsed and provided guidance on the implementation of safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) programs. In 2013, the American Nurses Association published the interprofessional standards of SPHM. Eleven states have passed laws to implement statewide SPHM programs. This article describes the evaluation of the quality of SPHM legislation against the ANA standards. Information gleaned from this analysis could be used to strengthen existing legislation, craft new bills in the 39 states without SPHM legislation, and provide direction for national legislation. PMID:26413418

  9. State activism and the hidden incentives behind bank acquisitions.

    PubMed

    Marquis, Christopher; Guthrie, Doug; Almandoz, Juan

    2012-01-01

    A number of studies have shown that, as a result of the ambiguity of US legal mandates, organizations have considerable latitude in how they comply with regulations. In this paper, we address how the different agendas of the federal and state governments increase ambiguities in state-firm relations and how states are interested actors in creating opportunities for firms to navigate the federal legislation. We analyze the institutional forces behind bank acquisitions within and across state lines in order to illuminate the ways that US states take advantage of federal ambiguity and are able to shape corporate practices to their benefit. We specifically examine how patterns of bank acquisitions are shaped by the crucial relationship between the federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and a little-understood provision in the federal tax code that is implemented at the state level, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). The relationship is complex because, while the federal government uses the CRA to control bank acquisition activity, states promote use of the LIHTC, through which banks can address federal CRA concerns, and thereby promote bank acquisitions in their jurisdictions. Thus, our findings suggest that the implementation of social legislation at one level in a federal regulatory system undermines the mechanisms of social legislation at another level. We use archival research and in-depth interviews to examine the interaction between these institutional processes and formulate hypotheses that predict the ways in which bank acquisitions are constrained by banks' CRA ratings and the way states in turn help banks overcome their CRA constraints. Quantitative analyses of all bank acquisitions in the United States from 1990-2000 largely support these hypotheses. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Synthesis of Automated Vehicle Legislation

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2017-10-01

    This report provides a synthesis of issues addressed by state legislation regarding automated vehicles (AV); AV technologies are rapidly evolving and many states have developed legislation to govern AV testing and deployment and to assure safety on p...

  11. The Minnesota Family, Friend and Neighbor Grant Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Susman-Stillman, Amy; Stout, Karen; Cleveland, Jennifer; Hawley, Vicki

    2011-01-01

    In 1997, Minnesota became the first state in the nation to pass legislation establishing an education and support program for family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) care providers. This article describes the Minnesota Family, Friend and Neighbor Grant Program and findings from an evaluation of the programs and a curriculum scan of materials used in…

  12. Operational Design Applied: Reframing Counterdrug Support to Law Enforcement in Texas

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-06-08

    56 TxJCDTF Environmental Frame–Strategic Guidance ...................................................62 TxJCDTF...illegal immigration and drug-related violence remain unresolved. Evidence of this includes legislative efforts of the states expanding “proof of...BACRIMS,” former Colombian Narco-paramilitaries that have reorganized as criminal drug trafficking gangs. BACRIMS are believed to be responsible

  13. School Pesticide Use Reduction: Where There's a Will There's a Way.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Riley, Becky

    1994-01-01

    This article presents case studies in which parents and school employees took action to reduce school pesticide use. Advice is given on the use of local and state legislation, regulation, and guidance, and where to turn for financial material, technical, and political support. Contains eight references to videos and books. (LZ)

  14. ESL Students in California Public Higher Education. ICAS ESL Task Force Report

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Online Submission, 2006

    2006-01-01

    The enclosed English as a Second Language (ESL) Task Force Report represents a response to questions raised by some educators and legislators about ESL programs, practices, and support services across the three California postsecondary systems: the California Community Colleges (CCCs), the California State Universities (CSUs), and the University…

  15. Dual Enrollment Students' Efficacy Beliefs: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gronlund, Elizabeth Robin

    2017-01-01

    This interpretive phenomenological analysis explores the lived experience and self-efficacy beliefs of Vermont high school students who participated in a dual enrollment course. Vermont state policy makers have enacted legislation that supports dual enrollment in order to bridge the high school to college transition and create a better educated…

  16. An Ever Closer Union . . . of Linguistic Diversity

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tomozeiu, Daniel

    2017-01-01

    The analysis carried out between October 2014 and February 2015 by a team of researchers from the University of Westminster with support from colleagues from across the EU identified the linguistic communities across the 28 EU member states as recognized (or not) by the country's legislation and the linguistic rights of these communities in…

  17. National Guard Bureau Office of Legislative Liaison - The National Guard

    Science.gov Websites

    ARNG Command Sergeant Major of the ARNG State Mission Sustainability Training ARNG Distributed Learning Program Training & Technology Battle Lab (T3BL) Civil Support Simulation Exercises Regional Training Site Maintenance Battle Focused Training Strategy Battle Staff Training Resources News Publications

  18. Supporting the goal of ensuring that all Holocaust survivors in the United States are able to live with dignity, comfort, and security in their remaining years.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-20

    2010-09-29

    Senate - 12/01/2010 Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  19. The History of Legislation and Regulations Related to Children with Developmental Disabilities: Implications for School Nursing Practice Today

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dang, Michelle T.

    2010-01-01

    A significant number of children in the United States have developmental disabilities. Historically, many children with developmental disabilities were institutionalized and rarely seen in public. Currently, children with developmental disabilities are entitled to education and health-related support services that permit them access to public…

  20. Implementing the Abstinence Education Provision of the Welfare Reform Legislation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Haskins, Ron; Bevan, Carol Statuto

    As part of its 1996 welfare reform bill, the U.S. Congress enacted a $50 million per year program to fund abstinence education. The welfare reform law addresses the problem of births to single adolescents by enforcing child support payments, giving states financial incentives to reduce nonmarital births, and creating the abstinence education…

  1. The Sociocultural Factors That Influence a Novice Teacher's LGBT Activism

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shelton, Stephanie Anne

    2015-01-01

    Despite growing support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights in the United States, the Southeastern region continues to pass legislation that discriminates against those who do not fit normative notions of sexuality and gender. This opposition affects LGBT students and the teachers who identify as LGBT activists. This study of…

  2. Contemporary Public Policy Influencing Children and Families: "Compassionate" Social Provision or the Regulation of "Others"?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cannella, Gaile S.; Swadener, Beth Blue

    2006-01-01

    Critical analysis of change in public policy within and across nations recognizes that the education and welfare of children, families, and all citizens is intertwined with economics, politics, and cultural discourse(s). In the United States, increasingly narrow media, judiciary, and academic discourses have supported legislative actions that…

  3. Construction Management Program Builds Financial Development from the Ground up

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nobe, Michael D.; Shuler, Scott; Grosse, Larry

    2007-01-01

    Recent economic and legislative changes have hit higher education hard and threaten the financial viability of many educational programs nationwide. With state support dwindling to less than 10 percent in some cases, institutions across the nation face a financial crisis. Many strategies have been explored and implemented, from campaigns to…

  4. A systematic review of US state environmental legislation and regulation with regards to the prevention of neurodevelopmental disabilities and asthma

    PubMed Central

    2009-01-01

    Background While much attention is focused on national policies intended to protect human health from environmental hazards, states can also prevent environmentally mediated disease through legislation and regulation. However, relatively few analyses have examined the extent to which states protect children from chemical factors in the environment. Methods Using Lexis Nexis and other secondary sources, we systematically reviewed environmental regulation and legislation in the fifty states and the District of Columbia as of July 2007 intended to protect children against neurodevelopmental disabilities and asthma. Results States rarely address children specifically in environmental regulation and legislation, though many state regulations go far to limit children's exposures to environmental hazards. Northeast and Midwest states have implemented model regulation of mercury emissions, and regulations in five states set exposure limits to volatile organic compound emissions that are more stringent than US Environmental Protection Agency standards. Discussion Differences in state environmental regulation and legislation are likely to lead to differences in exposure, and thus to impacts on children's health. The need for further study should not inhibit other states and the federal government from pursuing the model regulation and legislation we identified to prevent diseases of environmental origin in children. PMID:19323818

  5. Growth of Regional Acute Stroke Systems of Care in the United States in the First Decade of the 21st Century

    PubMed Central

    Song, Sarah; Saver, Jeffrey

    2012-01-01

    Background and Purpose States and counties in the US began implementing regional systems of acute stroke care in the first decade of the 21st century, whereby emergency medical services (EMS) systems preferentially route acute stroke patients directly to primary stroke centers (PSCs). The pace, geographic range, and population reach of regional stroke system implementation has not been previously delineated. Methods Review of legislative archives, internet and media reports, consultation with American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and Centers for Disease Control staff, and phone interviews with state public health and emergency medical service officials from each of the fifty states. Results The first counties to adopt regional regulations supporting routing of acute stroke patients to PSCs were in Alabama and Texas in 2000; the first states were Florida and Massachusetts in 2004. By 2010, 16 states had state-level legislation or regulations to enable EMS routing to PSCs, as did counties in 3 additional states. The US population covered by routing protocols increased substantially in the latter half of the decade, from 1.5% in 2000, to 53% of the U.S. population by the end of 2010. Conclusions The first decade of the 21st century witnessed a remarkable structural transformation in acute stroke care - by the end of 2010, over half of all Americans were living in states/counties with EMS routing protocols supporting the direct transport of acute stroke patients to primary stroke centers. Additional efforts are needed to extend regional stroke systems of care to the rest of the US. PMID:22669404

  6. Handgun Legislation and Changes in Statewide Overall Suicide Rates.

    PubMed

    Anestis, Michael D; Anestis, Joye C; Butterworth, Sarah E

    2017-04-01

    To examine the extent to which 4 laws regulating handgun ownership were associated with statewide suicide rate changes. To test between-group differences in statewide suicide rate changes between 2013 and 2014 in all 50 states and the District of Columbia with and without specific laws, we ran analyses of covariance. We found significant differences in suicide rate changes from 2013 to 2014 in states with mandatory waiting periods and universal background checks relative to states without such laws. States with both laws differed significantly from those with neither. No significant differences in rate changes were noted for open carry restrictions or gun lock requirements. Some state laws regulating aspects of handgun acquisition may be associated with lower statewide suicide rates. Laws regulating handgun storage and carrying practices may have a smaller effect, highlighting that legislation is likely most useful when its focus is on preventing gun ownership rather than regulating use and storage of guns already acquired. Public Health Implications. The findings add to the increasing evidence in support of a public health approach to the prevention of suicide via firearms, focusing on waiting periods and background checks.

  7. Implications of prescription drug monitoring and medical cannabis legislation on opioid overdose mortality.

    PubMed

    Phillips, Elyse; Gazmararian, Julie

    To determine whether specific state legislation has an effect on opioid overdose mortality rates compared to states without those types of legislation. Ecological study estimating opioid-related mortality in states with and without a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) and/or medical cannabis legislation. Opioid-related mortality rates for 50 states and Washington DC from 2011 to 2014 were obtained from CDC WONDER. PDMP data were obtained from the National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws, and data on medical cannabis legislation from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. The relationship between PDMPs with mandatory access provisions, medical cannabis legislation, and opioid-related mortality rates. Multivariate repeated measures analysis performed with software and services. Medical cannabis laws were associated with an increase of 21.7 percent in mean age-adjusted opioid-related mortality (p < 0.0001). PDMPs were associated with an increase of 11.4 percent in mean age-adjusted opioid-related mortality (p = 0.005). For every additional year since enactment, mean age-adjusted opioid-related mortality rate increased by 1.7 percent in states with medical cannabis (p = 0.049) and 5.8 percent for states with a PDMP (p = 0.005). Interaction between both types of legislation produced a borderline significant decrease of 10.1 percent (p = 0.055). For every year states had both types of legislation, interaction resulted in a 0.6 percent decrease in rate (p = 0.013). When combined with the availability of medical cannabis as an alternative analgesic therapy, PDMPs may be more effective at decreasing opioid-related mortality.

  8. Legislative Challenges to the Teaching of Evolution: The Science Educators' Response.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wavering, Michael; Duggan-Haas, Don

    The mandate to teach the theory of evolution and evolution-related concepts in biology and other appropriate science classes in public schools is relatively clear in 31 states and the District of Columbia. In the most recent state legislative sessions, some legislators made attempts to use the legislative processes to restrict the teaching of…

  9. Let's be sure to do our homework

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grew, Priscilla C.

    A strong federal budget for geophysical research requires the active support of Congress. AGU needs to raise the general level of awareness among members of key congressional committees and their staffs of the importance of geophysical phenomena to society and the contributions geophysicists can make in providing scientific information as an ingredient in the formulation of public policy.Effective communication with any legislative body, be it a state legislature or Congress, requires long-term repeated contact—not just a sudden appearance at the final stage of a budget deliberation or during a crisis when some geophysical event like a catastrophic earthquake or volcanic eruption captures the attention of legislators.

  10. Alaska State Legislature

    Science.gov Websites

    The Alaska State Legislature search menu Home Senate Current Members Past Members By Session search Home Get Started About the Legislative Branch Legislative Branch The Legislative Branch is responsible for enacting the laws of the State of Alaska and appropriating the money necessary to operate the

  11. Health Services Research as a Source of Legislative Analysis and Input: The Role of the California Health Benefits Review Program

    PubMed Central

    Oliver, Thomas R; Singer, Rachel Friedman

    2006-01-01

    This article examines the role of the California Health Benefits Review Program (CHBRP) as a source of information in state health policy making. It explains why the California benefits review process relies heavily on university-based researchers and employs a broad set of criteria for review, which set it apart from similar programs in other states. It then analyzes the politics of health insurance mandates and how independent research and analysis might alter the perceived benefits and costs of health insurance mandates and thus political outcomes. It considers how research and analysis is typically used by policy makers, and illustrates how participants inside and outside of state government have used the reports prepared by CHBRP as both guidance in policy design and as political ammunition. Although there is consensus that the review process has reduced the number of mandate bills that are passed out of the legislature, both supporters and opponents favor the new process and generally believe the reports strengthen their case in legislative debates over health insurance mandates. The role of the CHBRP is narrowly defined by statute at the present time, but the program may well face pressure to evolve from its current academic orientation into a more interactive, advisory role for legislators in the future. PMID:16704675

  12. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Analysis of Program Administration and Food Law Definitions.

    PubMed

    Pomeranz, Jennifer L; Chriqui, Jamie F

    2015-09-01

    Under the current version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), participants can purchase virtually any food or beverage (collectively, food). Research indicates that SNAP recipients may have worse dietary quality than income-eligible nonparticipants. Policymakers have urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to pilot SNAP purchasing restrictions intended to support a healthier diet, and state legislators have proposed similar bills. The USDA rejected these invitations, stating that it would be administratively and logistically difficult to differentiate among products, amid other concerns. However, the USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) do just that. Further, state governments define and differentiate among foods and beverages for tax purposes. This paper reviews several factors intended to inform future policy decisions: the science indicating that SNAP recipients have poorer diet quality than income-eligible nonparticipants; the public's support for revising the SNAP program; federal, state, and city legislators' formal proposals to amend SNAP based on nutrition criteria and the USDA's public position in opposition to these proposals; state bills to amend eligible foods purchasable with SNAP benefits; state retail food tax laws; and the retail administration and program requirements for both WIC and SNAP. The paper finds that the government has a clear ability to align SNAP benefits with nutrition science and operationalize this into law. Copyright © 2015 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. EPA Leadership on Science, Innovation, and Decision Support Tools for Addressing Current and Future Challenges.

    PubMed

    Hecht, Alan D; Ferster, Aaron; Summers, Kevin

    2017-10-16

    When the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established nearly 50 years ago, the nation faced serious threats to its air, land, and water, which in turn impacted human health. These threats were effectively addressed by the creation of EPA (in 1970) and many subsequent landmark environmental legislations which in turn significantly reduced threats to the Nation's environment and public health. A key element of historic legislation is research aimed at dealing with current and future problems. Today we face national and global challenges that go beyond classic media-specific (air, land, water) environmental legislation and require an integrated paradigm of action and engagement based on (1) innovation based on science and technology, (2) stakeholder engagement and collaboration, and (3) public education and support. This three-pronged approach recognizes that current environmental problems, include social as well as physical and environmental factors, are best addressed through collaborative problem solving, the application of innovation in science and technology, and multiple stakeholder engagement. To achieve that goal, EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) is working directly with states and local communities to develop and apply a suite of accessible decision support tools (DST) that aim to improve environmental conditions, protect human health, enhance economic opportunity, and advance a resilient and sustainability society. This paper showcases joint EPA and state actions to develop tools and approaches that not only meet current environmental and public health challenges, but do so in a way that advances sustainable, healthy, and resilient communities well into the future. EPA's future plans should build on current work but aim to effectively respond to growing external pressures. Growing pressures from megatrends are a major challenge for the new Administration and for cities and states across the country. The recent hurricanes hitting Texas and the Gulf Coast, part of the increase in extreme weather events, make it clear that building resilient infrastructure is a crucial step to sustainability.

  14. Kentucky pharmacists' opinions of the potential reclassification of pseudoephedrine as a legend drug

    PubMed Central

    Monson, Kathleen E.; Freeman, Patricia R.; Goodin, Amie J.; Talbert, Jeffery; Blumenschein, Karen

    2015-01-01

    Objectives To collect and analyze Kentucky pharmacists' opinions of the effectiveness of current methamphetamine precursor controls, to analyze proposed legislation to make pseudoephedrine (PSE) a legend drug, and to analyze the potential impact of such legislation on pharmacy practice and patients. Design Descriptive, nonexperimental survey study. Setting Kentucky; June through October 2012. Participants 431 Kentucky community pharmacists. Intervention Mailed survey. Main outcome measures Perceived efficacy of current methamphetamine precursor controls, anticipated impact on individual pharmacy practices and patients of proposed legislation to make PSE available by prescription only, and current opinions about the proposed legislation. Results Analysis of 431 community pharmacists showed that approximately 77% believed proposed legislation to make PSE available by prescription only would be effective in reducing methamphetamine abuse and methamphetamine-related laboratory incidents, with 56.2% indicating support for the proposed legislation. Pharmacists practicing in chain pharmacies were 2.9 times more likely to support the legislation than pharmacists practicing in independent pharmacies. Additional factors influencing pharmacist support included Kentucky region of practice, anticipated impact on time spent on PSE activities, pharmacy profit, methamphetamine abuse, and methamphetamine-related laboratory incidents. Pharmacists practicing in regions of Kentucky associated with higher methamphetamine abuse appear to more strongly support the proposed legislation. Conclusion Pharmacists are at the frontline of PSE distribution. Gaining a better understanding of issues surrounding the distribution of PSE will enhance the likelihood that future legislation may be crafted to reduce methamphetamine production, laboratory incidents, and abuse while minimizing inconvenience and cost. PMID:25063261

  15. Kentucky pharmacists' opinions of the potential reclassification of pseudoephedrine as a legend drug.

    PubMed

    Monson, Kathleen E; Freeman, Patricia R; Goodin, Amie J; Talbert, Jeffery; Blumenschein, Karen

    2014-01-01

    To collect and analyze Kentucky pharmacists' opinions of the effectiveness of current methamphetamine precursor controls, to analyze proposed legislation to make pseudoephedrine (PSE) a legend drug, and to analyze the potential impact of such legislation on pharmacy practice and patients. Descriptive, nonexperimental survey study. Kentucky; June through October 2012. 431 Kentucky community pharmacists. Mailed survey. Perceived efficacy of current methamphetamine precursor controls, anticipated impact on individual pharmacy practices and patients of proposed legislation to make PSE available by prescription only, and current opinions about the proposed legislation. Analysis of 431 community pharmacists showed that approximately 77% believed proposed legislation to make PSE available by prescription only would be effective in reducing methamphetamine abuse and methamphetamine-related laboratory incidents, with 56.2% indicating support for the proposed legislation. Pharmacists practicing in chain pharmacies were 2.9 times more likely to support the legislation than pharmacists practicing in independent pharmacies. Additional factors influencing pharmacist support included Kentucky region of practice, anticipated impact on time spent on PSE activities, pharmacy profit, methamphetamine abuse, and methamphetamine-related laboratory incidents. Pharmacists practicing in regions of Kentucky associated with higher methamphetamine abuse appear to more strongly support the proposed legislation. Pharmacists are at the frontline of PSE distribution. Gaining a better understanding of issues surrounding the distribution of PSE will enhance the likelihood that future legislation may be crafted to reduce methamphetamine production, laboratory incidents, and abuse while minimizing inconvenience and cost.

  16. Participation and argument in legislative debate on statewide smoking restrictions

    PubMed Central

    Apollonio, Dorie E; Lopipero, Peggy; Bero, Lisa A

    2007-01-01

    Background In this paper we review the relationship between participation in legislative hearings, the use of ideological arguments, and the strength of public health legislation using a theoretical construct proposed by E. E. Schattschneider in 1960. Schattschneider argued that the breadth and types of participation in a political discussion could change political outcomes. Methods We test Schattschneider's argument empirically by reviewing the efforts of six states to pass Clean Indoor Air Acts by coding testimony given before legislators, comparing these findings to the different characteristics of each state's political process and the ultimate strength of each state's legislation. Results We find that although greater participation is associated with stronger legislation, there is no clear relationship between the use and type of ideological arguments and eventual outcomes. Conclusion These findings offer validation of a long-standing theory about the importance of political participation, and suggest strategies for public health advocates seeking to establish new legislation. PMID:17953767

  17. Connecticut Enacts New Legislation Designed To Enhance and Increase Interactive Distance Learning for Telephone and CATV Technologies.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pietras, Jesse John

    The Connecticut State Legislature enacted telecommunications legislation on July 1, 1994 that will, among other things, enhance distance education in the state. The legislation requires that the state's regulatory utility agency, the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) begin dismantling the monopolistic configuration of the existing local…

  18. Tanning Salon Compliance Rates in States With Legislation to Protect Youth Access to UV Tanning.

    PubMed

    Williams, Melissa S; Buhalog, Brittany; Blumenthal, Laura; Stratman, Erik J

    2018-01-01

    The US Food and Drug Administration has classified tanning beds as carcinogenic. Most states have enacted legislation to prevent or create barriers for minors accessing tanning establishments. Determining tanning salon compliance with legislation would provide an indication of the influence of legislation at preventing exposure to the carcinogen in minors. To investigate compliance rates in the 42 states and the District of Columbia with legislation restricting tanning bed use in minors and to identify differences in compliance based on population, regional location, salon ownership, age group being regulated, and time since the law was enacted. This investigation was a cross-sectional telephone survey conducted between February 1, 2015, and April 30, 2016, by callers posing as minors attempting to schedule a tanning appointment. The setting was tanning salons in the 42 states and the District of Columbia that currently have legislation restricting tanning bed use in minors. Included in the study were 427 tanning salons, 10 randomly selected from each state or territory with tanning legislation. Overall compliance of tanning salons with state tanning legislation and differences in compliance based on community population, regional location, independent vs chain tanning salon, age group being regulated, and time since the law was enacted. Of the 427 tanning salons surveyed, overall noncompliance with state legislation was 37.2% (n = 159). There were more noncompliant tanning salons in rural locations (45.5%; 95% CI, 37.5%-53.7%; P = .009), southern regions of the United States (49.4%; 95% CI, 41.4%-57.4%; P = .001), independently owned salons (43.9%; 95% CI, 37.3%-50.6%; P = .003), states with younger age groups being regulated (53.5%; 95% CI, 45.7%-61.2%; P < .001), and states with more than one tanning regulation (50.0%; 95% CI, 42.0%-58.0%; P < .001). No difference was found based on time since the law was enacted. Compliance with state legislation aimed at limiting tanning bed use among US minors is unsatisfactory, indicating that additional efforts to enforce the laws and education of the harmful effects of UV tanning are necessary, especially in rural, independently owned, and tanning salons in southern regions, which have decreased compliance rates.

  19. Students' Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Smoke-Free Universities: Changes Since Enactment of Vietnamese Tobacco Control Legislation.

    PubMed

    Bich, Nguyen Ngoc; Cook, Margaret; Johnstone, Kelly; Capra, Mike; Lan, Vu Thi Hoang

    2016-01-01

    In 2013, legislation in Vietnam regulated smoking in public areas. Included was a ban on indoor smoking at universities. Since awareness and attitude are moderators of the effectiveness of smokefree policy, ou aim was to assess changes in students' knowledge and attitude tosecond hand smoke (SHS) and awareness and support of smoke-free legislation at four Vietnamese universities, one year after legislative changes. A two-phase cross sectional study of undergraduate students using self-administered questionnaires (based on the Global Adult Tobacco Survey and the Thrasher survey) was conducted at the introduction of the legislation and one year thereafter. One-year post legislation there were significant increases in knowledge of smoke-free legislation and awareness of universities as smoke-free environments. There was a significant increase in knowledge of harmful effects of SHS on diseases such as examples in the heart and lung, including lung cancer, and miscarriage. Students expressed strong support of smoke-free environments in universities, hospitals, schools, workplaces, public transport, libraries, cinemas and theatres; support was also increased post legislation. Changes were seen in attitude to SHS, and rights of non-smokers and smokers. Positive changes have occurred in knowledge and attitude toward smoke-free environments and SHS in universities since enactment of Vietnamese tobacco control legislation.

  20. Framing research for state policymakers who place a priority on cancer

    PubMed Central

    Brownson, Ross C.; Dodson, Elizabeth A.; Kerner, Jon F.; Moreland-Russell, Sarah

    2016-01-01

    Purpose Despite the potential for reducing the cancer burden via state policy change, few data exist on how best to disseminate research information to influence state legislators' policy choices. We explored: 1) the relative importance of core framing issues (source, presentation, timeliness) among policymakers who prioritize cancer and those who do not prioritize cancer and 2) the predictors of use of research in policymaking. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected from US state policymakers (i.e., legislators elected to state Houses or Senates) from January through October 2012 (n=862). One-way analysis of variance was performed to investigate the association of the priority of cancer variable with outcome variables. Multivariate logistic regression models examined predictors of the influence of research information. Results Legislators who prioritized cancer tended to rate characteristics that make research information useful higher than those who did not prioritize cancer. Among differences that were statistically significant were three items in the “source” domain (relevance, delivered by someone respected, supports one's own position), one item in the “presentation” domain (telling a story related to constituents), and two items in the “timeliness” domain (high current state priority, feasible when information is received). Participants who prioritized cancer risk factors were 80% more likely to rate research information as one of their top reasons for choosing an issue on which to work. Conclusions Our results suggest the importance of narrative forms of communication and that research information needs to be relevant to the policymakers' constituents in a brief, concise format. PMID:27299656

  1. Race and the Response of State Legislatures to Unauthorized Immigrants

    PubMed Central

    CHAVEZ, JORGE M.; PROVINE, DORIS MARIE

    2013-01-01

    Increasingly, state legislatures are enacting laws to regulate immigrant populations. What accounts for these responses to foreign-born residents? To explain legislative activity at the state level, the authors examine a variety of factors, including the size and growth of foreign-born and Hispanic local populations, economic well-being, crime rates, and conservative or liberal political ideology in state government and among the citizenry. The authors find that economic indicators, crime rates, and demographic changes have little explanatory value for legislation aimed at restrictions on immigrant populations. Rather, conservative citizen ideology appears to drive immigrant-related restrictionist state legislation. Meanwhile, proimmigrant laws are associated with larger Hispanic concentrations, growing foreign-born populations, and more liberal citizen and governmental orientations. These findings suggest that ideological framing is the most consistently important factor determining legislative responses to newcomers. These findings are in line with the relatively scarce empirical literature on legislative tendencies associated with vulnerable populations. PMID:24222715

  2. [The REACH legislation: the consumer and environment protection perspective].

    PubMed

    Gundert-Remy, Ursula

    2008-12-01

    REACH has been initiated with the aim of improving existing legislation. In order to assist in the interpretation of the REACH legislation, guidance documents have been developed, which have only lately become available. According to the REACH annexes and supported by guidance documents, waiving of test requirements will be possible, thus, opening the possibility that under REACH no new (eco)toxicological data will be required. Concerning products, a guidance document was released in April 2008 stating that the substance concentration threshold of 0.1 % (w/w) applies to the article as produced or imported and it does not relate to the homogeneous materials or parts of an article, but relates to the article as such (i.e., as produced or imported). Hence, notification will not be required for many products containing chemicals with properties which place them on the candidate list for authorization. In summary, it is at present not foreseeable whether the expected benefit of the REACH legislation will materialise for the environment and for the health of consumers and at the work place.

  3. Legislative history of .08 per se laws

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2001-06-01

    This report documents the legislative history of .08 per se legislation at the state level. It was conducted prior to the October 2000 passage of a federal provision mandating states to enact .08 per se laws by 2004 or otherwise begin losing federal ...

  4. The 2007 Legislative Briefing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grove, Jeffrey; Gaines, Gale F., Comp.

    2007-01-01

    "The 2007 Legislative Briefing" is a topical summary of actions during the 2006 legislative sessions that affect education in the 16 SREB states. Topics include state budgets and the economy, tax and revenue, school finance, teacher compensation, licensure, certification and evaluation of teachers, strengthening elementary and secondary…

  5. Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education Biennial Legislative Work Conference on Higher Education (9th). On Target: Key Issues of Region, State, and Campus.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lavin, Mary Jo, Ed.

    To provide a forum for discussing mutual concerns shared by legislators and educators and more specifically to promote a better understanding and clearer communications between the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) and state legislators was the purpose of the 1975 Legislative Work Conference attended by 180 western…

  6. Study of Teacher Preparation in Early Reading Instruction. NCEE 2010-4036

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Salinger, Terry; Mueller, Lorin; Song, Mengli; Jin, Ying; Zmach, Courtney; Toplitz, Michele; Partridge, Mark; Bickford, Adam

    2010-01-01

    A component of the "No Child Left Behind" Act (NCLB) (PL 107-110) is its emphasis on the importance of systematic and explicit instruction in early reading using practices that are grounded in scientific research. The Reading First legislation (Title I, Part B, Subpart 1) within NCLB is designed to support state and local education…

  7. Ukraine: Current Issues and U.S. Policy

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-27

    the region; and offered support for Russian civil society and democracy organizations . The legislation also urged the Administration to provide...North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania, Ukraine has played a prominent role in the...Intelligence Unit (EIU), “dismantling ingrained structures of corruption will continue to meet with considerable resistance from organized business-political

  8. Missouri Advocacy for the Arts Advocacy Plan.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Muszynski, Gary; Iman, Kyna

    1990-01-01

    Lists a time frame to assist in knowing which legislators to contact and when to contact them to advocate the arts. Offers four arguments in support of a state-level Fine Arts Supervisor. Advocates letters and phone calls as effective means of advocacy, and offers pointers on writing them. Contains a sample letter and telephone call. (PRA)

  9. Free to Be...You and Me: Gender, Identity, and Education in Urban Schools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brown, Cory Terrell

    2012-01-01

    The Title IX legislation of 1972 was established to promote gender equity among public entities (primarily schools) that utilize federal funding to support and sustain their operation. However, the United States (U.S.) Government developed new regulations for Title IX due to No Child Left Behind (NCLB). This change allowed public school districts…

  10. How Do We Assess Family Supports and Fairness in Early Intervention?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Belcher, Harolyn M. E.; Hairston-Fuller, Tody C.; McFadden, Jenese

    2011-01-01

    Public Law 99-457 extended the landmark Public Law 94-142 legislation to include early intervention for infants and toddlers with or at-risk for development of developmental disabilities. Currently over 300,000 infants and toddlers and their families in the United States receive services through Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities…

  11. To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into a lease involving the South Central Agricultural Laboratory in Clay County, Nebraska, to facilitate the improvement of the laboratory to support cooperative State and Federal agricultural research.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Rep. Fortenberry, Jeff [R-NE-1

    2014-03-14

    House - 04/01/2014 Referred to the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, and Nutrition. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  12. Reaffirming "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States and supporting and encouraging the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Rep. Forbes, J. Randy [R-VA-4

    2010-05-05

    House - 06/15/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  13. A resolution reaffirming the strong support of the United States for the peaceful resolution of territorial, sovereignty, and jurisdictional disputes in the Asia-Pacific maritime domains.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ

    2013-06-10

    Senate - 07/29/2013 Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  14. Policy and Practice Considerations for Response to Intervention: Reflections and Commentary

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ikeda, Martin J.

    2012-01-01

    The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHCA) was legislated in 1975 in part to provide funding to states, parent centers, and research centers, for supporting access to public education for students with disabilities. In 1975, the intent of EHCA was to find children with disabilities and ensure that children were evaluated, identified,…

  15. Achieving Adult Literacy in Florida. Florida Adult Literacy Plan Status Report. Fiscal Year 1995.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Florida State Dept. of Education, Tallahassee. Div. of Applied Tech. and Adult Education.

    This report summarizes for fiscal year 1995 the adult education activities implemented throughout the state of Florida in response to and in support of the Florida Model Literacy Program Act of 1978 (Florida Adult Literacy Act). In addition, the report presents a summary of the activities initiated under Blueprint 2000, legislation that…

  16. A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding supporting democracy and economic development in Mongolia and expanding relations between the United States and Mongolia.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA

    2009-06-18

    Senate - 06/18/2009 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  17. Programs of Study: A Cross-Study Examination of Programs in Three States

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stringfield, Sam; Shumer, Robert; Stipanovic, Natalie; Murphy, Nora

    2013-01-01

    The National Research Center on Career and Technical Education has supported four studies on one of the major components of Perkins legislation: programs of study. In this article, we present qualitative data linking the research center's longitudinal projects based on programs of study, via a one-time cross-case study of sites deemed highly…

  18. A resolution supporting and recognizing the goals and ideals of "RV Centennial Celebration Month" to commemorate 100 years of enjoyment of recreation vehicles in the United States.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Sen. Bayh, Evan [D-IN

    2010-02-04

    Senate - 05/14/2010 Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  19. Meeting the Learning Needs of Students: A Rural High-Need School District's Systemic Leadership Development Initiative

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Browne-Ferrigno, Tricia; Maynard, Brenda

    2005-01-01

    The Principals Excellence Program (PEP), a cohort-based professional development project for administrator-certified practitioners, is one of 24 projects across the United States supported by federal funds from the No Child Left Behind legislation. The three-year program is conducted through a partnership between Pike County School District, a…

  20. The Professional Practice of Career Counseling and Consultation: A Resource Document. Second Edition.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Engels, Dennis W., Ed.

    Changes in the United States and around the globe have influenced the world of work and the field of career development. Legislation is emphasizing career development programs for students and adults alike. This document provides an overview of the National Career Development Association's (NCDA) efforts to support the recognition and use of…

  1. An Analyses of Federal Initiatives To Support Women's Upward Mobility in Educational Administration.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gupton, Sandra Lee; Del Rosario, Rose Marie

    The most significant role played by the federal government in advancing the state of sex equity in educational administration, as well as in most other issues involving social change, has been through legislation. This paper describes a few of the more significant federally funded initiatives related to increasing sex equity (with particular…

  2. Pathways of Change Explaining the Effect of Smoke-Free Legislation on Smoking Cessation in the Netherlands. An Application of the International Tobacco Control Conceptual Model

    PubMed Central

    de Vries, Hein; Fong, Geoffrey T.; Candel, Math J. J. M.; Thrasher, James F.; van den Putte, Bas; Thompson, Mary E.; Cummings, K. Michael; Willemsen, Marc C.

    2012-01-01

    Introduction: This study aims to test the pathways of change from individual exposure to smoke-free legislation on smoking cessation, as hypothesized in the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Conceptual Model. Methods: A nationally representative sample of Dutch smokers aged 15 years and older was surveyed during 4 consecutive annual surveys. Of the 1,820 baseline smokers, 1,012 participated in the fourth survey. Structural Equation Modeling was employed to test a model of the effects of individual exposure to smoke-free legislation through policy-specific variables (support for smoke-free legislation and awareness of the harm of [secondhand] smoking) and psychosocial mediators (attitudes, subjective norm, self-efficacy, and intention to quit) on quit attempts and quit success. Results: The effect of individual exposure to smoke-free legislation on smoking cessation was mediated by 1 pathway via support for smoke-free legislation, attitudes about quitting, and intention to quit smoking. Exposure to smoke-free legislation also influenced awareness of the harm of (secondhand) smoking, which in turn influenced the subjective norm about quitting. However, only attitudes about quitting were significantly associated with intention to quit smoking, whereas subjective norm and self-efficacy for quitting were not. Intention to quit predicted quit attempts and quit success, and self-efficacy for quitting predicted quit success. Conclusions: Our findings support the ITC Conceptual Model, which hypothesized that policies influence smoking cessation through policy-specific variables and psychosocial mediators. Smoke-free legislation may increase smoking cessation, provided that it succeeds in influencing support for the legislation. PMID:22491892

  3. Pathways of change explaining the effect of smoke-free legislation on smoking cessation in The Netherlands. An application of the international tobacco control conceptual model.

    PubMed

    Nagelhout, Gera E; de Vries, Hein; Fong, Geoffrey T; Candel, Math J J M; Thrasher, James F; van den Putte, Bas; Thompson, Mary E; Cummings, K Michael; Willemsen, Marc C

    2012-12-01

    This study aims to test the pathways of change from individual exposure to smoke-free legislation on smoking cessation, as hypothesized in the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Conceptual Model. A nationally representative sample of Dutch smokers aged 15 years and older was surveyed during 4 consecutive annual surveys. Of the 1,820 baseline smokers, 1,012 participated in the fourth survey. Structural Equation Modeling was employed to test a model of the effects of individual exposure to smoke-free legislation through policy-specific variables (support for smoke-free legislation and awareness of the harm of [secondhand] smoking) and psychosocial mediators (attitudes, subjective norm, self-efficacy, and intention to quit) on quit attempts and quit success. The effect of individual exposure to smoke-free legislation on smoking cessation was mediated by 1 pathway via support for smoke-free legislation, attitudes about quitting, and intention to quit smoking. Exposure to smoke-free legislation also influenced awareness of the harm of (secondhand) smoking, which in turn influenced the subjective norm about quitting. However, only attitudes about quitting were significantly associated with intention to quit smoking, whereas subjective norm and self-efficacy for quitting were not. Intention to quit predicted quit attempts and quit success, and self-efficacy for quitting predicted quit success. Our findings support the ITC Conceptual Model, which hypothesized that policies influence smoking cessation through policy-specific variables and psychosocial mediators. Smoke-free legislation may increase smoking cessation, provided that it succeeds in influencing support for the legislation.

  4. Political influences on greenhouse gas emissions from US states

    PubMed Central

    Dietz, Thomas; Frank, Kenneth A.; Whitley, Cameron T.; Kelly, Jennifer; Kelly, Rachel

    2015-01-01

    Starting at least in the 1970s, empirical work suggested that demographic (population) and economic (affluence) forces are the key drivers of anthropogenic stress on the environment. We evaluate the extent to which politics attenuates the effects of economic and demographic factors on environmental outcomes by examining variation in CO2 emissions across US states and within states over time. We find that demographic and economic forces can in part be offset by politics supportive of the environment—increases in emissions over time are lower in states that elect legislators with strong environmental records. PMID:26080396

  5. Model Legislation for GAAP and GASB.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bissell, George E.

    1987-01-01

    The use of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) by all state and local governments may require legislation. Findings from a survey of states to get data on current accounting and financial reporting practices are summarized. Model legislation to provide uniformity in accounting and reporting is presented. (MLF)

  6. Energy Recovery Hydropower: Prospects for Off-Setting Electricity Costs for Agricultural, Municipal, and Industrial Water Providers and Users; July 2017 - September 2017

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Levine, Aaron L.; Curtis, Taylor L.; Johnson, Kurt

    Energy recovery hydropower is one of the most cost-effective types of new hydropower development because it is constructed utilizing existing infrastructure, and it is typically able to complete Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) review in 60 days. Recent changes in federal and state policy have supported energy recovery hydropower. In addition, some states have developed programs and policies to support energy recovery hydropower, including resource assessments, regulatory streamlining initiatives, and grant and loan programs to reduce project development costs. This report examines current federal and state policy drivers for energy recovery hydropower, reviews market trends, and looks ahead at futuremore » federal resource assessments and hydropower reform legislation.« less

  7. Forensic DNA databases in Western Balkan region: retrospectives, perspectives, and initiatives

    PubMed Central

    Marjanović, Damir; Konjhodžić, Rijad; Butorac, Sara Sanela; Drobnič, Katja; Merkaš, Siniša; Lauc, Gordan; Primorac, Damir; Anđelinović, Šimun; Milosavljević, Mladen; Karan, Željko; Vidović, Stojko; Stojković, Oliver; Panić, Bojana; Vučetić Dragović, Anđelka; Kovačević, Sandra; Jakovski, Zlatko; Asplen, Chris; Primorac, Dragan

    2011-01-01

    The European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) recommended the establishment of forensic DNA databases and specific implementation and management legislations for all EU/ENFSI members. Therefore, forensic institutions from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia launched a wide set of activities to support these recommendations. To assess the current state, a regional expert team completed detailed screening and investigation of the existing forensic DNA data repositories and associated legislation in these countries. The scope also included relevant concurrent projects and a wide spectrum of different activities in relation to forensics DNA use. The state of forensic DNA analysis was also determined in the neighboring Slovenia and Croatia, which already have functional national DNA databases. There is a need for a ‘regional supplement’ to the current documentation and standards pertaining to forensic application of DNA databases, which should include regional-specific preliminary aims and recommendations. PMID:21674821

  8. Forensic DNA databases in Western Balkan region: retrospectives, perspectives, and initiatives.

    PubMed

    Marjanović, Damir; Konjhodzić, Rijad; Butorac, Sara Sanela; Drobnic, Katja; Merkas, Sinisa; Lauc, Gordan; Primorac, Damir; Andjelinović, Simun; Milosavljević, Mladen; Karan, Zeljko; Vidović, Stojko; Stojković, Oliver; Panić, Bojana; Vucetić Dragović, Andjelka; Kovacević, Sandra; Jakovski, Zlatko; Asplen, Chris; Primorac, Dragan

    2011-06-01

    The European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) recommended the establishment of forensic DNA databases and specific implementation and management legislations for all EU/ENFSI members. Therefore, forensic institutions from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia launched a wide set of activities to support these recommendations. To assess the current state, a regional expert team completed detailed screening and investigation of the existing forensic DNA data repositories and associated legislation in these countries. The scope also included relevant concurrent projects and a wide spectrum of different activities in relation to forensics DNA use. The state of forensic DNA analysis was also determined in the neighboring Slovenia and Croatia, which already have functional national DNA databases. There is a need for a 'regional supplement' to the current documentation and standards pertaining to forensic application of DNA databases, which should include regional-specific preliminary aims and recommendations.

  9. Rolling in the Dough, Running from Reform: An Analysis and Critique of the 1994 Utah Legislative Session and Its Impact on Education.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Johnson, Bob L., Jr.

    This paper provides a critical review of the 1994 Utah Legislative session as it relates to public and higher education in the state. The paper discusses the defining contextual features of the 1994 Legislative Session, the agendas of key state educational policy actors for the 1994 session, and significant issues and legislation in the…

  10. A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2009 and expressing the sense of the Senate that Congress should continue to raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating effects on families and communities, and support programs designed to end domestic violence.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN

    2009-10-28

    Senate - 10/28/2009 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  11. Term limits and the tobacco industry.

    PubMed

    Apollonio, Dorie E; Glantz, Stanton A; Bero, Lisa A

    2014-03-01

    In the 1990s several American states passed term limits on legislators with the stated intention of reducing the influence of wealthy industries on career legislators. Although term limits in the United States do not have a direct relationship to public health, the tobacco industry anticipated that term limits could have indirect effects by either limiting or expanding industry influence. We detail the strategy of the tobacco industry in the wake of term limits using internal tobacco company documents and a database of campaign contributions made to legislators in term limited states between 1988 and 2002. Despite some expectations that term limits would limit tobacco industry access to state legislators, term limits appear to have had the opposite effect. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. The 2009 Legislative Briefing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gaines, Gale F., Comp.

    2009-01-01

    "The 2009 Legislative Briefing" is a topical summary of actions during the 2009 legislative sessions that affect education in the 16 SREB states. Topics include: state budgets and the economy; tax and revenue; teacher and faculty pay raises; retirement systems; issues affecting teachers and education leaders; health and safety;…

  13. Examining Dermatologist Use and Opinions of Ultraviolet Radiation for Cosmetic and Medical Purposes.

    PubMed

    Sampson, Blake P; Secrest, Aaron M; Hansen, Christopher B; Geller, Alan C

    2018-02-01

    BACKGROUND: The commercial tanning industry has opposed efforts to educate the public on the risks of tanning as well as attempts to restrict minors' access to tanning services. Despite a paucity of supporting literature, statements from the tanning industry claiming that dermatologists routinely use in-office phototherapy for cosmetic treatments and refer patients to tanning salons have successfully derailed and defeated legislation in many states. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate dermatologist referrals for ultraviolet radiation for cosmetic and medical purposes via tanning beds or phototherapy, as well as their opinions on tanning, legislation, and ultraviolet radiation counseling practices. DESIGN: The study was conducted using a 10-question anonymous survey. SETTING: The participants were surveyed during meetings of three regional dermatologic societies. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and fifty-two dermatologists attending society meetings participated in the study. MEASURES: The authors measured physician referrals, opinions, and recommendations regarding ultraviolet exposure. RESULTS: Zero physicians (0/152) recommended tanning salons for cosmetic reasons. These 152 dermatologists referred 458 (417 adult, 41 pediatric) out of an estimated 809,369 patients (0.057%) to tanning salons for medical treatment. Of these physicians, 76 out of 152 and 15 out of 152 reported referring at least one adult or one pediatric patient, respectively, within the last year. All respondents supported ultraviolet tanning legislation and discouraged cosmetic tanning. CONCLUSION: These findings directly contradict the assertion that dermatologists use ultraviolet radiation for cosmetic purposes or routinely refer patients to tanning salons. This study underscores the complex nature of ultraviolet radiation, as dermatologists infrequently utilize ultraviolet radiation for medical purposes and unanimously support restrictive legislation. In addition, these dermatologists counsel against cosmetic tanning and list tanning bed use among their highest concerns with regard to the health of pediatric patients.

  14. Examining Dermatologist Use and Opinions of Ultraviolet Radiation for Cosmetic and Medical Purposes

    PubMed Central

    Secrest, Aaron M.; Hansen, Christopher B.; Geller, Alan C.

    2018-01-01

    BACKGROUND: The commercial tanning industry has opposed efforts to educate the public on the risks of tanning as well as attempts to restrict minors’ access to tanning services. Despite a paucity of supporting literature, statements from the tanning industry claiming that dermatologists routinely use in-office phototherapy for cosmetic treatments and refer patients to tanning salons have successfully derailed and defeated legislation in many states. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate dermatologist referrals for ultraviolet radiation for cosmetic and medical purposes via tanning beds or phototherapy, as well as their opinions on tanning, legislation, and ultraviolet radiation counseling practices. DESIGN: The study was conducted using a 10-question anonymous survey. SETTING: The participants were surveyed during meetings of three regional dermatologic societies. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and fifty-two dermatologists attending society meetings participated in the study. MEASURES: The authors measured physician referrals, opinions, and recommendations regarding ultraviolet exposure. RESULTS: Zero physicians (0/152) recommended tanning salons for cosmetic reasons. These 152 dermatologists referred 458 (417 adult, 41 pediatric) out of an estimated 809,369 patients (0.057%) to tanning salons for medical treatment. Of these physicians, 76 out of 152 and 15 out of 152 reported referring at least one adult or one pediatric patient, respectively, within the last year. All respondents supported ultraviolet tanning legislation and discouraged cosmetic tanning. CONCLUSION: These findings directly contradict the assertion that dermatologists use ultraviolet radiation for cosmetic purposes or routinely refer patients to tanning salons. This study underscores the complex nature of ultraviolet radiation, as dermatologists infrequently utilize ultraviolet radiation for medical purposes and unanimously support restrictive legislation. In addition, these dermatologists counsel against cosmetic tanning and list tanning bed use among their highest concerns with regard to the health of pediatric patients. PMID:29552275

  15. Potential Policies and Laws to Prohibit Weight Discrimination: Public Views from 4 Countries

    PubMed Central

    Puhl, Rebecca M; Latner, Janet D; O’brien, Kerry S; Luedicke, Joerg; Danielsdottir, Sigrun; Salas, Ximena Ramos

    2015-01-01

    Context People viewed as “overweight” or “obese” are vulnerable to weight-based discrimination, creating inequities and adverse health outcomes. Given the high rates of obesity recorded globally, studies documenting weight discrimination in multiple countries, and an absence of legislation to address this form of discrimination, research examining policy remedies across different countries is needed. Our study provides the first multinational examination of public support for policies and legislation to prohibit weight discrimination. Methods Identical online surveys were completed by 2,866 adults in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Iceland. We assessed public support for potential laws to prohibit weight-based discrimination, such as adding body weight to existing civil rights statutes, extending disability protections to persons with obesity, and instituting legal measures to prohibit employers from discriminating against employees because of body weight. We examined sociodemographic and weight-related characteristics predicting support for antidiscrimination policies, and the differences in these patterns across countries. Findings The majority of participants in the United States, Canada, and Australia agreed that their government should have specific laws in place to prohibit weight discrimination. At least two-thirds of the participants in all 4 countries expressed support for policies that would make it illegal for employers to refuse to hire, assign lower wages, deny promotions, or terminate qualified employees because of body weight. Women and participants with higher body weight expressed more support for antidiscrimination measures. Beliefs about the causes of obesity were also related to support for these laws. Conclusions Public support for legal measures to prohibit weight discrimination can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Iceland, especially for laws to remedy this discrimination in employment. Our findings provide important information for policymakers and interest groups both nationally and internationally and can help guide discussions about policy priorities to reduce inequities resulting from weight discrimination. PMID:26626983

  16. The 2002 Legislative Briefing.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gaines, Gale F.

    This document provides a summary of legislative actions and issues in the member states of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). The economic slowdown continued to dominate legislative deliberations of state budgets, with midyear cuts the norm rather than the exception. It is expected that 2002-2003 will be another tight year, with…

  17. Final Report on 1989 Legislation Affecting Community Colleges.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    California Community Colleges, Sacramento. Office of the Chancellor.

    A summary is provided of 1989 legislation of importance to California community colleges. The first section of the report provides an overview of the 1989 legislative year, including both federal and state issues. State highlights concern extensive negotiations over the allocation of funds to community colleges under the newly enacted Proposition…

  18. Legislation on Long-Term Care Insurance. Report No. 11.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wisconsin State Legislative Council, Madison.

    This report presents Wisconsin state legislation on long-term care insurance. Part I summarizes key provisions of six 1987 assembly bills concerned with long-term care insurance. Part II describes activities of the Wisconsin State Legislative Council's Special Committee on Long-Term Health Care Insurance. Part III provides background information…

  19. Recognizing the importance of the property rights granted by the United States Constitution; affirming the duty of each Member of this body to support and defend such rights; and asserting that no public body should unlawfully obtain the property of any citizen of the United States for the benefit of another private citizen or corporation.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Rep. Broun, Paul C. [R-GA-10

    2009-09-17

    House - 10/19/2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  20. Public health or social impacts? A qualitative analysis of attitudes toward the smoke-free legislation in Scotland.

    PubMed

    Heim, Derek; Ross, Alastair; Eadie, Douglas; MacAskill, Susan; Davies, John B; Hastings, Gerard; Haw, Sally

    2009-12-01

    Introduction of smoke-free legislation presents a unique opportunity to study how population-level interventions can challenge existing smoking norms. Our study examined support and opposition to the Scottish legislation and ascertained the relative importance of social and health factors in shaping attitudes among bar customers. Repeat (pre-/post-legislation) recorded and transcribed semistructured interviews with customers (n = 67/62) of eight community bars in contrasting settings were conducted, and data were analyzed thematically. While the legislation was marketed primarily in terms of gains to public and individual health, supportive and opposing responses to the legislation tended to be framed around libertarian and practical factors. Attitudes tended to be stable across both waves of data collection. It is concluded that reasons for smoking were not challenged by promotion of the legislation. In addition to a focus on health gains, social marketing of smoke-free legislation and initiatives may therefore benefit from a stronger focus on social and contextual effects of such policies.

  1. Final Actions in Arkansas; Governors' Proposals in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Virginia. Legislative Report No. 2

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), 2010

    2010-01-01

    The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) follows education budgets and legislation during regular and special legislative sessions. The Legislative Reports follow education and budget issues from governors' proposals through final legislative actions in each of the 16 SREB states. This report presents final legislative and budget actions in…

  2. A case study: The original intentions of the designers of the science content standards

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Eucker, Penelope Hudson

    This case study research examined the original intentions of the designers of the science content standards in the historical context of educational reforms and legislation. The content standards are the keystone of standards-based education. Originally, national science content standards were part of a cohesive program to increase the occurrence of quality science K--12. Through assessment policies set into motion by state and federal legislation, science curriculum is increasingly fixed and standardized. Scripting teachers is becoming more common. Unintended outcomes of standards-based education are prevalent in all classrooms. Recording the original intentions of the designers of the science content standards in a historical context is significant to document their beliefs and purposes. The shared beliefs of the six scholars included: (a) science had become overstuffed curriculum with students learning very few concepts; (b) science teachers required assistance to decide which concepts are most important for students to learn; (c) standards-based education will most likely endure for a very long time; (d) science is a specific way of knowing and inquiry must be part of science instruction; (e) few teachers teach to the science content standards. The scholars disagreed about whether the power to decide what to teach had moved from the classroom to the legislators and if standards-based education has preferentially helped some groups of students while diminishing the science education of others. Implications from the findings reveal the tension between a defined science content and the resultant assessment template that further trims the instructional range offered. Foreshadowing of increasing trend toward profits made from testing companies as state and federal legislation increase mandated assessments. Significantly, the educational research that clearly demonstrate many pathways lead to educated students such as the Eight-Year Study were suppressed in favor of the bi-partisan supported standards-based education. One of the stated goals of standards-based education was equity. With documented corrupted curriculum sometimes devoid of all science, equity remains an elusive goal. This research documents the original intentions of the designers of the science content standards. The story continues to unfold with new state and federal legislation as teachers attempt to teach the mandated content standards.

  3. The Legal Landscape of Concussion: Implications for Sports Medicine Providers.

    PubMed

    Albano, Andrew W; Senter, Carlin; Adler, Richard H; Herring, Stanley A; Asif, Irfan M

    2016-09-01

    Concussion legislation has been enacted in all 50 of the United States, aiming to prevent mild traumatic brain injuries and the potential long-term sequelae of these injuries in youth athletics. Sports medicine providers, in addressing this major public health concern, are tasked with adhering to the established standards of medical care while also considering the legal implications. The PubMed (2011-2016) database was searched using the following search terms: concussion, sports concussion, legislation, and concussion legislation. References from consensus statements, review articles, and book chapters were also utilized. Clinical review. Level 4. The Lystedt law and its progeny have increased awareness of the signs and symptoms of sports concussion, but adherence to state legislation can pose some challenges. The presence of concussion legislation places a responsibility on the sports medicine provider to have a firm understanding of the legality of concussion management in the state(s) in which they practice. © 2016 The Author(s).

  4. The impact of state laws protecting abortion clinics and reproductive rights on crimes against abortion providers: deterrence, backlash, or neither?

    PubMed

    Pridemore, William Alex; Freilich, Joshua D

    2007-12-01

    Since Roe v. Wade, most states have passed laws either restricting or further protecting reproductive rights. During a wave of anti-abortion violence in the early 1990s, several states also enacted legislation protecting abortion clinics, staff, and patients. One hypothesis drawn from the theoretical literature predicts that these laws provide a deterrent effect and thus fewer anti-abortion crimes in states that protect clinics and reproductive rights. An alternative hypothesis drawn from the literature expects a backlash effect from radical members of the movement and thus more crimes in states with protective legislation. We tested these competing hypotheses by taking advantage of unique data sets that gauge the strength of laws protecting clinics and reproductive rights and that provide self-report victimization data from clinics. Employing logistic regression and controlling for several potential covariates, we found null effects and thus no support for either hypothesis. The null findings were consistent across a number of different types of victimization. Our discussion contextualizes these results in terms of previous research on crimes against abortion providers, discusses alternative explanations for the null findings, and considers the implications for future policy development and research.

  5. The New Rule Paradigm Shift: Transforming At-Risk Programs by Matching Business Archetypes Strategies in the Global Market

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stark, Paul S.

    2007-01-01

    The challenge was given to transform aviation-related programs to keep them from being eliminated. These programs were to be discontinued due to enrollment declines, costs, legislative mandates, lack of administrative support, and drastic state budget reductions. The New Rule was a paradigm shift of focus to the global market for program…

  6. The University and Society: On Biting the Hand That Feeds Us.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Crowe, Lawson

    With the rapid growth in tax support for higher education at both the state and federal level during the last 10 years, the public and legislators are becoming increasingly interested in getting some returns for their investment. The university, long engaged in basic and applied military research, is now being asked to help solve our social and…

  7. Reaffirming "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States and supporting and encouraging the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions.

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Rep. Forbes, J. Randy [R-VA-4

    2011-01-26

    Senate - 11/02/2011 Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  8. A resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the ratification of the Treaty of Mutual Security and Cooperation with Japan, and affirming support for the United States-Japan security alliance and relationship.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Sen. Webb, Jim [D-VA

    2010-06-23

    Senate - 06/29/2010 Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  9. Supporting the mission and goals of 2014 National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which include increasing public awareness of the rights, needs, and concerns of, and services available to assist, victims of crime in the United States.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-16

    2014-04-10

    House - 06/09/2014 Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  10. A resolution expressing support for a public diplomacy program promoting advancements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics made by or in partnership with the people of the United States.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Sen. Kaufman, Edward E. [D-DE

    2010-09-28

    Senate - 09/28/2010 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  11. A resolution condemning the September 2013 terrorist attack at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya, and reaffirming United States support for the people and Government of Kenya, and for other purposes.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE

    2013-10-11

    Senate - 11/06/2013 Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  12. Expressing support for designation of September 2009 as "Gospel Music Heritage Month" and honoring gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Rep. Jackson-Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18

    2009-01-08

    Senate - 08/03/2009 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Passed HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  13. A resolution condemning the attack by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea against the Republic of Korea, and affirming support for the United States-Republic of Korea alliance.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Sen. Webb, Jim [D-VA

    2010-12-02

    Senate - 12/02/2010 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  14. A resolution concerning the crisis in the Central African Republic and supporting United States and international efforts to end the violence, protect civilians, and address root causes of the conflict.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE

    2014-03-05

    Senate - 03/13/2014 Resolution agreed to in Senate with an amendment and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  15. A bill to direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the use of Civil Air Patrol personnel and resources to support homeland security missions, and for other purposes.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA

    2009-03-25

    Senate - 03/25/2009 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  16. Multiple streams approach to tobacco control policymaking in a tobacco-growing state.

    PubMed

    Mamudu, Hadii M; Dadkar, Sumati; Veeranki, Sreenivas P; He, Yi; Barnes, Richard; Glantz, Stanton A

    2014-08-01

    Smokefree policies (SFPs) have diffused throughout the US and worldwide. However, the development of SFPs in the difficult policy environment of tobacco-producing states and economies worldwide has not been well-explored. In 2007, Tennessee, the third largest tobacco producer in the US, enacted the Non-Smoker Protection Act (NSPA). This study utilizes the multiple streams model to provide understanding of why and how this policy was developed by triangulating interviews with key stakeholders and legislative debates with archival documents. In June 2006, the Governor unexpectedly announced support for SFP, which created a window of opportunity for policy change. The Campaign for Healthy and Responsible Tennessee, a health coalition, seized this opportunity and worked with the administration and the Tennessee Restaurant Association to negotiate a comprehensive SFP, however, a weaker bill was used by the legislative leadership to develop the NSPA. Although the Governor and the Tennessee Restaurant Association's support generated an environment for 100% SFP, health groups did not fully capitalize on this environmental change and settled for a weak policy with several exemptions. This study suggests the importance for proponents of policy change to understand changes in their environment and be willing and able to capitalize on these changes.

  17. The effects of sexual orientation on state legislators' behavior and priorities.

    PubMed

    Herrick, Rebekah

    2009-01-01

    This article explores whether sexual orientation, surrogate representation, and political factors affect legislators' work on gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) interests, and whether the latter explains away the influence of sexual orientation. A survey of openly GLB state legislators and their colleagues was conducted to measure legislators' campaign issues, legislative priorities, surrogate representation, and ambition. This information is supplemented with bill introduction and district data. The results indicate that legislators' sexual orientation strongly influences their work on GLB issues and although surrogate representation and electoral considerations also affect GLB work, they do not explain away the importance of sexual orientation. The implications of this for the relationship between descriptive and substantive representation are explored.

  18. Pharmacist prescriptive authority for smoking cessation medications in the United States.

    PubMed

    Adams, Alex J; Hudmon, Karen Suchanek

    To characterize the status of state laws regarding the expansion of pharmacists' prescriptive authority for smoking cessation medications and to summarize frequently asked questions and answers that arose during the associated legislative debates. Legislative language was reviewed and summarized for all states with expanded authority, and literature supporting the pharmacist's capacity for an expanded role in smoking cessation is described. The core elements of autonomous tobacco cessation prescribing models for pharmacists vary across states. Of 7 states that currently have fully or partially delineated protocols, 4 states (Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, New Mexico) include all medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for smoking cessation, and 3 (Arizona, California, Maine) include nicotine replacement therapy products only. The state protocol in Oregon is under development. Most states specify minimum cessation education requirements and define specific elements (e.g., patient screening, cessation intervention components, and documentation requirements) for the autonomous prescribing models. Through expanded authority and national efforts to advance the tobacco cessation knowledge and skills of pharmacy students and licensed pharmacists, the profession's role in tobacco cessation has evolved substantially in recent years. Eight states have created, or are in the process of creating, pathways for autonomous pharmacist prescriptive authority. States aiming to advance tobacco control strategies to help patients quit smoking might consider approaches like those undertaken in 8 states. Copyright © 2018 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. State Labor Legislation Enacted in 1989.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nelson, Richard R.

    1990-01-01

    Discusses major laws enacted on a variety of subjects, including minimum wage, parental leave, drugs and AIDS testing, and door-to-door sales by children. A state-by-state summary of labor legislation is included. (Author)

  20. Summary of State Legislation Affecting Higher Education in the West: 1969.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Snyder, Patricia, Ed.

    This report is designed to provide an interpretive summary of 1969 state legislative actions in the West that affected higher education. After a regional summary, both brief and extended analyses are provided of legislation in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.…

  1. State Legislative Summary: Children, Youth, and Family Issues: 1989.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Conference of State Legislatures, Denver, CO.

    Representing a continuing effort to document and track legislative activity on issues critical to families, this publication provides a compilation of brief summaries of all legislation enacted up to the end of August, 1989 by 48 states and Puerto Rico. Included are bills covering 16 major public policy topics related to children, youth, and…

  2. Revegetation of surface-mined lands in Pennsylvania

    Treesearch

    G. Nevin Strock

    1980-01-01

    The reforestation of surface mines in Pennsylvania became prevalent in the middle 1940's with enactment of state legislation to regulate surface mining of bituminous coal. Though this early legislation did not provide for intensive environment protection standards in comparison to state legislation which followed in the early 1960's and early 1970's and...

  3. Pharmaceutical companies' role in state vaccination policymaking: the case of human papillomavirus vaccination.

    PubMed

    Mello, Michelle M; Abiola, Sara; Colgrove, James

    2012-05-01

    We sought to investigate roles that Merck & Co Inc played in state human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization policymaking, to elicit key stakeholders' perceptions of the appropriateness of these activities, and to explore implications for relationships between health policymakers and industry. We used a series of state case studies combining data from key informant interviews with analysis of media reports and archival materials. We interviewed 73 key informants in 6 states that were actively engaged in HPV vaccine policy deliberations. Merck promoted school-entry mandate legislation by serving as an information resource, lobbying legislators, drafting legislation, mobilizing female legislators and physician organizations, conducting consumer marketing campaigns, and filling gaps in access to the vaccine. Legislators relied heavily on Merck for scientific information. Most stakeholders found lobbying by vaccine manufacturers acceptable in principle, but perceived that Merck had acted too aggressively and nontransparently in this case. Although policymakers acknowledge the utility of manufacturers' involvement in vaccination policymaking, industry lobbying that is overly aggressive, not fully transparent, or not divorced from financial contributions to lawmakers risks undermining the prospects for legislation to foster uptake of new vaccines.

  4. Immutability, science, and legislative debate over gay, lesbian and bisexual rights.

    PubMed

    Mucciaroni, Gary; Killian, Mary Lou

    2004-01-01

    Many gay rights advocates argued in the 1990s that scientific research claiming that sexual orientation is immutable should contribute to gaining civil rights for gays, lesbians and bisexuals. This paper analyzes ten legislative debates that took place at the local, state and federal levels over whether to adopt antidiscrimination laws, before and after the research was published. We hypothesize that if the research has had the impacts hoped for by gay rights supporters, then debates over gay rights should reflect certain changes consistent with such impacts. Although discussion of the origins of sexual orientation among legislators rose in the aftermath of the studies, we fail to find that the science had a major impact on the debate strategies pursued by either pro- or antigay rights legislators. Whether sexual orientation is immutable or a choice has not been a central claim of the two sides in the debate. Gay rights opponents even appear somewhat more willing to assert that sexual orientation is a choice after the studies than before. Furthermore, when the proponents of gay rights assert the immutability argument, they are as likely as not to invoke the cultural authority of science. We explain these outcomes by showing why the immutability issue is not of central relevance to most legislators or necessary for either side's key arguments. We also show that the scientific evidence merely supplemented a large amount of anecdotal information that legislators already possessed that spoke to the origins of sexual orientation.

  5. 1975 United Legislative Program of the Community College Legislative Council.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Washington State Board for Community Coll. Education, Olympia.

    The Community College Legislative Council was organized in 1971 to provide a means through which a uniform approach to the state legislature and legislation could be achieved by the various organizations representing components of the community college system. For each session of the legislature, the council prepares a United Legislative Program.…

  6. Legislative history of recent primary safety belt laws

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1999-01-01

    This document summarizes the strategies that supported or opposed new legislative provisions and the barriers encountered in modifying safety belt laws prior to December 1997. This study developed legislative analyses of six jurisdictions that upgrad...

  7. Using a Crystal Ball Instead of a Rear-View Mirror: Helping State Legislators Assess the Future Impacts of Major Federal Legislation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Alter, Joel; Patterson, John

    2006-01-01

    Typically, program evaluation agencies in the legislative branch of state government examine programs that have already been implemented. These evaluations often consider whether a program achieved the legislature's original goals or complied with statutory requirements. Program evaluations frequently determine whether executive branch agencies…

  8. State Legislators as Co-Pilots: Some "Helicopter Parents" Play Politics to Protect Their Children's Interests on Campuses

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lipka, Sara

    2005-01-01

    The US state lawmakers are concerned with the budgets and management of public colleges, though with a little push from "helicopter parents" who hover over their college-age children and challenge administrative decisions, legislators are increasingly intervening in a range of student-life issues. Frequently, legislators who are parents…

  9. Current Status of Twice-Exceptional Students: A Look at Legislation and Policy in the United States

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pereira, Nielsen; Knotts, J. Dusteen; Roberts, Julia Link

    2015-01-01

    Educational legislation and policy can lead to effective educational practices, especially for student populations that have had equal access to education addressing their needs, such as students with disabilities and gifted students. This study was an examination of state legislation and policy related to twice-exceptional learners in the United…

  10. "All who nurse for hire": nursing and the mixed legacy of legislative victories.

    PubMed

    Whelan, Jean C

    2013-01-01

    Sustained support of policy initiatives by nursing has resulted in significant legislative victories. One victory, the passage of the 1938 New York State Todd-Feld Act, which underwent legislative debate at a time when the nurse labor market was in disarray, during an economic depression, and before U.S. entry into World War II, reinforces our understanding that nursing must be a strong shepherd for policies beneficial for health care delivery. Designed to correct serious deficiencies in the nursing workforce, the act successfully required licensing for those working as registered and practical nurses. Yet, its provisions failed to stop all unlicensed nurse workers from practicing. Rapid changes occurring in the nurse labor market against the backdrop of growing hospital power over the employment of all nurse workers minimized the act's effectiveness. Policy implications include the need to focus on the complex nature of health care policy initiatives, flexibility in the face of changing circumstances, and acceptance of political realities. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. What is the harm in imposing mandatory hospital nurse staffing regulations?

    PubMed

    Buerhaus, P I

    1997-01-01

    Efforts to establish mandated staffing ratios are shortsighted, and, though proponents may have the best intentions, many negative outcomes would flow from the public airing of this issue. The Institute of Medicine concluded in 1996 that there was insufficient quality outcome evidence to support the imposition of mandated nurse staffing ratios. The Massachusetts Nursing Association got legislation introduced in early 1996 which, if passed, would turn over to state lawmakers decisions governing nurse staffing in hospitals and other employment settings. There are high opportunity costs. Staffing regulations (if imposed) would force employers to ignore the dynamic interactions of economic, technology, capital, and labor supply variables, and thus needlessly impose the effect of increased labor costs on hospitals, taxpayers and nurses themselves. Chance for passage of this highly controversial legislation is unlikely, but the expenditure of political chips (and the loss of credibility) will increase the difficulty of obtaining a hearing from legislators the next time a nursing issue comes up.

  12. “All Who Nurse for Hire”: Nursing and the Mixed Legacy of Legislative Victories

    PubMed Central

    Whelan, Jean C.

    2013-01-01

    Sustained support of policy initiatives by nursing have resulted in significant legislative victories. One victory, the passage of the 1938 New York State Todd-Fell Act which underwent legislative debate at a time when the nurse labor market was in disarray, during an economic depression, and prior to US entry into World War II, reinforces our understanding that nursing must be a strong shepherd for policies beneficial for health care delivery. Designed to correct serious deficiencies in the nursing workforce the Act successfully required licensing for those working as registered and practical nurses. Yet, its provisions failed to stop all unlicensed nurse workers from practicing. Rapid changes occurring in the nurse labor market against the backdrop of growing hospital power over the employment of all nurse workers minimized the Act’s effectiveness. Policy implications include the need to focus on the complex nature of health care policy initiatives, flexibility in the face of changing circumstances, and acceptance of political realities. PMID:24034469

  13. State Issues Report, 1997-98.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Education Commission of the States, Denver, CO.

    This report profiles legislative action affecting pre-K-12 education in the 50 states during the 1997-98 school year. The information was collected from Lexis-Nexis, legislative staff, state newsletters, school board/teacher associations, and various media. The resulting report, compiled by the Education Commission of the States Information…

  14. Legislative Basis of Pedagogical Education in Japan

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kuchai, Tetiana

    2014-01-01

    Legal framework policy of Japan in the field of education has been analyzed. The problem of influence of legislative materials on the development of education in Japan, its legislative support has been considered. It has been defined that directive materials affect the development of education system in Japan. Legislation policy of the country is…

  15. Limiting the Influence of Pharmaceutical Industry Gifts on Physicians: Self-Regulation or Government Intervention?

    PubMed Central

    2009-01-01

    Concerns over the influence of pharmaceutical gifts on physicians have surged in recent years. This has prompted wide ranging legislative proposals in numerous states and in the federal government as well as stepped up efforts at self-regulation by the pharmaceutical industry and the medical profession. Policymakers face the decision of whether to defer to self-regulation or support government intervention. This commentary describes efforts at self-regulation by the pharmaceutical industry and the medical profession. The author examines and critiques the wide ranging legislative strategies pursued to limit the influence of pharmaceutical gifts on physicians and concludes with suggestions for policymakers and the profession to limit influence and preserve public trust. PMID:19756874

  16. The Down Syndrome Information Act: Balancing the Advances of Prenatal Testing Through Public Policy.

    PubMed

    Leach, Mark W

    2016-04-01

    Since the dawn of prenatal testing in the 1970s, concerns have been raised over its administration to respect a mother's autonomy as well as the expressive critique against those with the tested-for condition. Advances in prenatal testing have made it such that more mothers than ever are given a test result of Down syndrome, yet are not provided the rest of the information recommended by professional guidelines. In response, first federal legislation and then, increasingly, state legislation is requiring that this information be provided to expectant mothers. Though receiving broad bipartisan support in passage, some of the statutes have received criticism. These public policy measures will be surveyed and evaluated as to their relative merits and limitations.

  17. Turning loss into legislation.

    PubMed

    Labella, Angelena; Singh, Devika

    2008-06-01

    Same-sex partnerships encounter tremendous challenges in the context of healthcare, including empowerment to act on behalf of loved ones. We share challenges faced by two women who confronted this issue head-on when their same-sex partners were critically, and, in one case, fatally, injured. In both cases, hospitals initially refused to recognize these women as next of kin; one woman endured years of legal battles in her struggle to win the right to care for her partner. The other testified about her heartrending experience before the Washington State Judiciary Committee, helping to inspire legislation regarding rights for visitation and end-of-life decisions on behalf of same-sex partners. We seek to remind health care providers of the limitations of current laws and to inspire them to support change.

  18. An Empirical Analysis of a Dominant Firm’s Market Power in a Restructured Electricity Market, A Case Study of Colorado

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1998-05-05

    legislation to implement electric restructuring might not necessarily guarantee the creation of competitive generation markets. During the...Pollitt 1997, 2). Legislators in states that are debating the implementation of electric restructuring therefore face common concerns related to market...and mitigating market power, using the state of Colorado as a case study. As in many other states, legislators in Colorado are grappling with the

  19. New Legislation Threatens the Teaching of Evolution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Landau, Elizabeth

    2008-05-01

    A new twist on an old legislative tactic may help open the door for the discussion of creationism and intelligent design in science classrooms across the United States. While previous attempts have been made to pass legislation regarding the teaching of evolution, new state legislation is being introduced with the purpose of affording ``rights'' and ``protection'' to teachers or students ``concerning their positions on views regarding biological and chemical evolution,'' according to the text from several bills. The proposed legislation would lessen the authority of written science curricula and potentially would allow legal protection for teachers or students to discuss nonscientific views of evolution in science classrooms.

  20. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    M., Zimring,; Hoffman, I.; Fuller, M.

    The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) regulates Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the 12 Federal Home Loan Banks (the government-sponsored enterprises - GSEs). On July 6, 2010, FHFA and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) concluded that Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs 'present significant safety and soundness concerns' to the housing finance industry. This statement came after a year of discussions with state and federal agencies in which PACE, a novel mechanism for financing energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements, has gone from receiving support from the White House, canonization as one of Scientific American's 'Worldmore » Changing Ideas' and legislative adoption in 24 states to questionable relevance, at least in the residential sector. Whether PACE resumes its expansion as an innovative tool for financing energy efficiency and clean generation depends on outcomes in each of the three branches of government - discussions on a PACE pilot phase among federal agencies, litigation in federal court, and legislation in Congress - all highly uncertain. This policy brief addresses the practical impacts of these possible outcomes on existing and emerging PACE programs across the United States and potential paths forward.« less

  1. Considerations in civil commitment of individuals with substance use disorders.

    PubMed

    Cavaiola, Alan A; Dolan, David

    2016-01-01

    Several states currently have enacted laws that allow for civil commitment for individuals diagnosed with severe substance use disorders. Civil commitment or involuntary commitment refers to the legal process by which individuals with mental illness are court-ordered into inpatient and/or outpatient treatment programs. Although initially civil commitment laws were intended for individuals with severe mental illness, these statutes have been extended to cover individuals with severe substance use disorders. Much of the recent legislation allowing for civil commitment of individuals with substance use disorders has come about in response to the heroin epidemic and is designed to provide an alternative to the unrelenting progression of opioid use disorders. Civil commitment also provides an opportunity for individuals with opioid use disorders to make informed decisions regarding ongoing or continued treatment. However, civil commitment also raises concerns regarding the potential violation of 14th Amendment rights, specifically pertaining to abuses of deprivation of liberty or freedom, which are guaranteed under the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution. This commentary examines these issues while supporting the need for effective brief civil commitment legislation in all states.

  2. Unintended Consequences of State and Federal Antidiscrimination and Family Medical Leave Legislation on the Employment Rates of Persons with Disabilities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lehmann, Ilana; Crimando, William

    2008-01-01

    Although some writers have suggested that the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), contrary to its intent, was responsible for a decline in employment for persons with disabilities, there is little strong empirical support for such an assertion. This study is an attempt to demonstrate that, in fact, the dismal labor market experience following…

  3. State and Local Implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act. Volume VI--Targeting and Uses of Federal Education Funds

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chambers, Jay G.; Lam, Irene; Mahitivanichcha, Kanya; Esra, Phil; Shambaugh, Larisa; Stullich, Stephanie

    2009-01-01

    Achieving the goals of federal education legislation depends on how federal funds are distributed and used. Since the enactment of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) in 1965, various federal programs have been created to support educational improvement and target additional resources to meet the educational needs of children who are…

  4. A resolution supporting enhanced maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and encouraging increased cooperation between the United States and West and Central African countries to fight armed robbery at sea, piracy, and other maritime threats.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Flake, Jeff [R-AZ

    2013-11-06

    Senate - 01/07/2014 Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  5. An Assessment of the New York State Enhanced Security Guard Training Legislation and Its Efficacy on Security Officer Preparedness

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-12-01

    ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to begin by thanking my beautiful wife for her support during this program. I could not have completed this journey had it not...also pointed to the web writings of al Qaeda blogger Abu Suleiman Al-Nasser, who recently wrote, “Rush my Muslim brothers to targeting financial sites

  6. A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj's visit to Washington, D.C., and its support for the growing partnership between the United States and Mongolia.

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA

    2011-06-15

    Senate - 06/15/2011 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  7. A resolution congratulating the students, parents, teachers, and administrators of charter schools across the United States for ongoing contributions to education, and supporting the ideals and goals of the 12th annual National Charter Schools Week.

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Sen. Landrieu, Mary L. [D-LA

    2011-05-02

    Senate - 05/05/2011 Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  8. A resolution recognizing the Khmer and Lao/Hmong Freedom Fighters of Cambodia and Laos for supporting and defending the United States Armed Forces during the conflict in Southeast Asia.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL

    2014-05-22

    Senate - 07/24/2014 Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and an amendment to the Title and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  9. To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the use of Civil Air Patrol personnel and resources to support homeland security missions, and for other purposes.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Rep. Dent, Charles W. [R-PA-15

    2009-02-25

    Senate - 05/13/2009 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Passed HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  10. Compendium of federal and state radioactive materials transportation laws and regulations: Transportation Legislative Database (TLDB)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Not Available

    The Transportation Legislative Database (TLDB) is an on-line information service containing detailed information on legislation and regulations regarding the transportation of radioactive materials in the United States. The system is dedicated to serving the legislative and regulatory information needs of the US Department of Energy and other federal agencies; state, tribal, and local governments; the hazardous materials transportation industry; and interested members of the general public. In addition to the on-line information service, quarterly and annual Legal Developments Reports are produced using information from the TLDB. These reports summarize important changes in federal and state legislation, regulations, administrative agency rulings,more » and judicial decisions over the reporting period. Information on significant legal developments at the tribal and local levels is also included on an as-available basis. Battelle's Office of Transportation Systems and Planning (OTSP) will also perform customized searches of the TLDB and produce formatted printouts in response to specific information requests.« less

  11. Social security and mortality: the role of income support policies and population health in the United States.

    PubMed

    Arno, Peter S; House, James S; Viola, Deborah; Schechter, Clyde

    2011-05-01

    Social Security is the most important and effective income support program ever introduced in the United States, alleviating the burden of poverty for millions of elderly Americans. We explored the possible role of Social Security in reducing mortality among the elderly. In support of this hypothesis, we found that declines in mortality among the elderly exceeded those among younger age groups following the initial implementation of Social Security in 1940, and also in the periods following marked improvements in Social Security benefits via legislation and indexing of benefits that occurred between the mid-1960s and the early 1970s. A better understanding of the link between Social Security and health status among the elderly would add a significant and missing dimension to the public discourse over the future of Social Security, and the potential role of income support programs in reducing health-related socioeconomic disparities and improving population health.

  12. 7 CFR 1216.19 - Peanut producer organization.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... organization. Peanut producer organization means a state-legislated peanut promotion, research, and education commission or organization. For states without a state-legislated peanut promotion, research, and education commission or organization, “peanut producer organization” means any organization which has the primary...

  13. 7 CFR 1216.19 - Peanut producer organization.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... organization. Peanut producer organization means a state-legislated peanut promotion, research, and education commission or organization. For states without a state-legislated peanut promotion, research, and education commission or organization, “peanut producer organization” means any organization which has the primary...

  14. 7 CFR 1216.19 - Peanut producer organization.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... organization. Peanut producer organization means a state-legislated peanut promotion, research, and education commission or organization. For states without a state-legislated peanut promotion, research, and education commission or organization, “peanut producer organization” means any organization which has the primary...

  15. 7 CFR 1221.128 - Qualification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... organization per State may be qualified. (b) State-legislated sorghum promotion, research, and information... a State-legislated sorghum promotion, research, and information organization does not elect to seek..., in addition to other available information, upon a factual report submitted by the organization that...

  16. 7 CFR 1221.128 - Qualification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... organization per State may be qualified. (b) State-legislated sorghum promotion, research, and information... a State-legislated sorghum promotion, research, and information organization does not elect to seek..., in addition to other available information, upon a factual report submitted by the organization that...

  17. 7 CFR 1221.128 - Qualification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... organization per State may be qualified. (b) State-legislated sorghum promotion, research, and information... a State-legislated sorghum promotion, research, and information organization does not elect to seek..., in addition to other available information, upon a factual report submitted by the organization that...

  18. 7 CFR 1221.128 - Qualification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... organization per State may be qualified. (b) State-legislated sorghum promotion, research, and information... a State-legislated sorghum promotion, research, and information organization does not elect to seek..., in addition to other available information, upon a factual report submitted by the organization that...

  19. 7 CFR 1221.128 - Qualification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... organization per State may be qualified. (b) State-legislated sorghum promotion, research, and information... a State-legislated sorghum promotion, research, and information organization does not elect to seek..., in addition to other available information, upon a factual report submitted by the organization that...

  20. Ensuring safety in autonomous vehicle legislation in Louisiana : [research project capsule].

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2015-04-01

    The states of Michigan, California, Nevada, and Florida, along with the District of Columbia, have : recently passed legislation to allow the use of autonomous motor vehicles on public roads in : their states under restricted conditions. Other states...

  1. A Content Analysis of Protective Factors within States' Antibullying Laws

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weaver, Lori M.; Brown, James R.; Weddle, Daniel B.; Aalsma, Matthew C.

    2013-01-01

    State lawmakers have responded to school bullying by crafting antibullying legislation. By July 2011, 47 states enacted such laws, though varied widely in content and scope. This study systematically evaluated each state's antibullying legislation by focusing on the inclusion of individual, parental, and systemic protective factors through…

  2. Kentucky physicians and politics.

    PubMed

    VonderHaar, W P; Monnig, W B

    1998-09-01

    Approximately 19% of Kentucky Physicians are KEMPAC members or contribute to state legislative and Gubernatorial candidates. This limited study of political activity indicates that a small percentage of physicians participate in the political process. Despite the small number of contributors to state legislative candidates, KMA's legislative and lobbying effort is highly effective and members receive high quality service and representation in the political arena.

  3. Pharmaceutical Companies’ Role in State Vaccination Policymaking: The Case of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination

    PubMed Central

    Abiola, Sara; Colgrove, James

    2012-01-01

    Objectives. We sought to investigate roles that Merck & Co Inc played in state human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization policymaking, to elicit key stakeholders’ perceptions of the appropriateness of these activities, and to explore implications for relationships between health policymakers and industry. Methods. We used a series of state case studies combining data from key informant interviews with analysis of media reports and archival materials. We interviewed 73 key informants in 6 states that were actively engaged in HPV vaccine policy deliberations. Results. Merck promoted school-entry mandate legislation by serving as an information resource, lobbying legislators, drafting legislation, mobilizing female legislators and physician organizations, conducting consumer marketing campaigns, and filling gaps in access to the vaccine. Legislators relied heavily on Merck for scientific information. Most stakeholders found lobbying by vaccine manufacturers acceptable in principle, but perceived that Merck had acted too aggressively and nontransparently in this case. Conclusions. Although policymakers acknowledge the utility of manufacturers’ involvement in vaccination policymaking, industry lobbying that is overly aggressive, not fully transparent, or not divorced from financial contributions to lawmakers risks undermining the prospects for legislation to foster uptake of new vaccines. PMID:22420796

  4. State Requirements for Automated External Defibrillators in American Schools: Framing the Debate About Legislative Action.

    PubMed

    Sherrid, Mark V; Aagaard, Philip; Serrato, Stephanie; Arabadjian, Milla E; Lium, John M; Lium, John D; Greenberg, Henry M

    2017-04-04

    Installation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools has been associated with increased survival after sudden cardiac arrest. An authoritative academic research database was interrogated to identify all current state statutes pertaining to AEDs in schools. As of February 2016, 17 of 50 U.S. states (34%) require AED installation in at least some of their schools; the remaining states have no legislation. However, requirements are far from comprehensive in these 17 states. Only 5 states offer unequivocal funding to schools for purchasing AEDs. A minority of U.S. states have legislation requiring AED placement in schools, and even fewer provide funding. State legislatures that have not yet enacted legislation requiring AEDs in schools may look to neighboring states for examples of child and adult lifesaving law. Placement of an AED in schools should be implemented with an emergency response plan that trains staff in the recognition and response to cardiac arrest. Copyright © 2017 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. State laws and the practice of lay midwifery.

    PubMed Central

    Butter, I H; Kay, B J

    1988-01-01

    A national survey was conducted to assess the current status and characteristics of state legislation regulating the practice of lay midwives. As of July 1987, 10 states have prohibitory laws, five states have grandmother clauses authorizing practicing midwives under repealed statutes, five states have enabling laws which are not used, and 10 states explicitly permit lay midwives to practice. In the 21 remaining states, the legal status of midwives is unclear. Much of the enabling legislation restricts midwifery practice often resulting in situations similar to those in states with prohibitory laws. Given the growth of an extensive grassroots movement of lay midwives committed to quality of care, this outcome suggests that 21 states with no legislation may provide better opportunities for midwifery practice than states with enabling laws. PMID:3407812

  6. State Firearm Legislation and Nonfatal Firearm Injuries.

    PubMed

    Simonetti, Joseph A; Rowhani-Rahbar, Ali; Mills, Brianna; Young, Bessie; Rivara, Frederick P

    2015-08-01

    We investigated whether stricter state-level firearm legislation was associated with lower hospital discharge rates for nonfatal firearm injuries. We estimated discharge rates for hospitalized and emergency department-treated nonfatal firearm injuries in 18 states in 2010 and used negative binomial regression to determine whether strength of state firearm legislation was independently associated with total nonfatal firearm injury discharge rates. We identified 26 744 discharges for nonfatal firearm injuries. The overall age-adjusted discharge rate was 19.0 per 100 000 person-years (state range = 3.3-36.6), including 7.9 and 11.1 discharges per 100 000 for hospitalized and emergency department-treated injuries, respectively. In models adjusting for differences in state sociodemographic characteristics and economic conditions, states in the strictest tertile of legislative strength had lower discharge rates for total (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.44, 0.82), assault-related (IRR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.34, 0.99), self-inflicted (IRR = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.14, 0.24), and unintentional (IRR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.34, 0.84) nonfatal firearm injuries. There is significant variation in state-level hospital discharge rates for nonfatal firearm injuries, and stricter state firearm legislation is associated with lower discharge rates for such injuries.

  7. State Firearm Legislation and Nonfatal Firearm Injuries

    PubMed Central

    Rowhani-Rahbar, Ali; Mills, Brianna; Young, Bessie; Rivara, Frederick P.

    2015-01-01

    Objectives. We investigated whether stricter state-level firearm legislation was associated with lower hospital discharge rates for nonfatal firearm injuries. Methods. We estimated discharge rates for hospitalized and emergency department–treated nonfatal firearm injuries in 18 states in 2010 and used negative binomial regression to determine whether strength of state firearm legislation was independently associated with total nonfatal firearm injury discharge rates. Results. We identified 26 744 discharges for nonfatal firearm injuries. The overall age-adjusted discharge rate was 19.0 per 100 000 person-years (state range = 3.3–36.6), including 7.9 and 11.1 discharges per 100 000 for hospitalized and emergency department–treated injuries, respectively. In models adjusting for differences in state sociodemographic characteristics and economic conditions, states in the strictest tertile of legislative strength had lower discharge rates for total (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.44, 0.82), assault-related (IRR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.34, 0.99), self-inflicted (IRR = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.14, 0.24), and unintentional (IRR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.34, 0.84) nonfatal firearm injuries. Conclusions. There is significant variation in state-level hospital discharge rates for nonfatal firearm injuries, and stricter state firearm legislation is associated with lower discharge rates for such injuries. PMID:26066935

  8. Public health law for the collection and reporting of health care-associated infections.

    PubMed

    Meier, Benjamin Mason; Stone, Patricia W; Gebbie, Kristine M

    2008-10-01

    State-based laws for reporting of health care-associated infections (HAI) have developed and changed dramatically in recent years, affecting the costs of reporting and impact on infection rates. It is necessary for practitioners of infection control to understand these changing legal frameworks and their application to practice. Employing systematic state-based research, the researchers have documented legislation and administrative regulations for institution-specific HAI reporting, using this information to create a comprehensive resource on state-based laws for mandatory HAI reporting. As of August 27, 2007, 24 states have adopted laws requiring reporting of HAI rates, with an additional 7 states currently considering legislation that would require HAI reporting and 19 states employing detailed regulation in the absence of any current legislative authorization specific to HAI. This study documents (1) which states require reporting of HAI and, if so, whether this is done by legislation or administrative regulation; (2) whether the specific HAIs to be reported are identified in state law or codified generally as "diseases of public health importance," with reporting specified by administrative regulation; and (3) what reporting policies and procedures are detailed in law. Through analysis of the collected information, the researchers have examined the degree to which states have modernized their respective public health laws to approach mandatory reporting by way of general legislation regarding "matters of public health importance" and subsequent detailed administrative regulation to specify those matters.

  9. Public opinion on abortion in eight Mexican states amid opposition to legalization.

    PubMed

    Valencia Rodríguez, Jorge; Wilson, Kate S; Díaz Olavarrieta, Claudia; García, Sandra G; Sánchez Fuentes, Maria Luisa

    2011-09-01

    In opposition to Mexico City's legalization of first-trimester abortion, 17 Mexican states (53 percent) have introduced initiatives or reforms to ban abortion entirely, and other states have similar legislation pending. We conducted an opinion survey in eight states--four where constitutional amendments have already been approved and four with pending amendments. Using logistic regression analyses, we found that higher education, political party affiliation, and awareness of reforms/initiatives were significantly associated with support for the Mexico City law. Legal abortion was supported by a large proportion of respondents in cases of rape (45-70 percent), risk to a woman's life (55-71 percent), and risk to a woman's health (48-68 percent). A larger percentage of respondents favored the Mexico City law, which limits elective legal abortion to the first 12 weeks of gestation (32-54 percent), than elective abortion without regard to gestational limit (14-31 percent).

  10. Policies on worksite lactation support within states and organizations.

    PubMed

    Abdulloeva, Safina; Eyler, Amy A

    2013-09-01

    The issue of workplace lactation support has intensified due to the Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) amendment of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) obliging employers to provide a reasonable break time for nursing mothers. This objective of this study is to examine organizational policies on worksite lactation support as they relate to the new federal standards in state employees and within large state public and private universities. State laws were collected from National Conference of State Legislators. Policies for state employees and large public and private universities were collected via human resource or personnel administration websites. The policies were coded for content and compared to FLSA requirements. The presence of state law on lactation support and extent to which the organizational policies encompass FSLA were compared with state breastfeeding rates at 6 months. After the ACA became effective in 2010, 33 state organizations, 36 state public universities, and 13 private universities issued the administrative notice and aligned their organizational policies with the federal requirements. Twenty-four states enacted worksite breastfeeding law prior to the 2010 federal law. Nineteen states with enacted worksite breastfeeding state laws also have lactation policies for state employees. States and universities vary in the presence of a formal, written lactation support policy for state employees. There was a significant correlation between State law and 6 months exclusive breastfeeding rates. Future research should investigate whether the federal law serves as stronger catalyst for organizational policies than does state law. Additionally, other policies such as paid maternity leave may also contribute to achieving the desired breastfeeding rates.

  11. To amend title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to authorize the establishment of, and provide support for, State-based universal health care systems that provide comprehensive health benefits to State residents, and for other purposes.

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7

    2018-06-13

    House - 06/13/2018 Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, Armed Services, and Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for... (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  12. Impact of Legislation on Post-School Transition Practice for Young People with Additional Support Needs in Scotland

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Richardson, Thomas D.; Jindal-Snape, Divya; Hannah, Elizabeth F. S.

    2017-01-01

    A longitudinal study was conducted to understand post-school transition practice for young people with additional support needs (ASN) before and after the implementation of key legislation, the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, amended in 2009. Primary data were collected from one local authority in Scotland. Twelve…

  13. Schoolhouse & Statehouse.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Urschel, Jane W.

    2002-01-01

    Interviews with 11 Colorado state legislators about their views on local control reveal they have no fear of pushing the constitutional envelope when it comes to legislating school policy. School board members must get involved in the legislative process, whether by lobbying legislators on behalf of important education issues or testifying as…

  14. Why drivers use cell phones and support legislation to restrict this practice.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2017-04-01

    A study was conducted to investigate why people talk on a cell phone while driving and why they also support legislation to restrict this practice. Participants completed a survey about their driving attitudes, abilities, and behaviors, and performed...

  15. Putting the Nation on Notice.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wilson, Richard E.; Davis, Dwight E.

    1982-01-01

    Calls for federal legislation to support the role of community colleges in adult employment development. Advocates legislative support of private sector and community college cooperation and broad-based business/industry tax incentives. Identifies human resource development concerns; economic recovery and defense trends; areas for increased…

  16. States of confusion: Jurisdictional variation in Australian medicines nomenclature.

    PubMed

    Hope, Denise; King, Michelle

    2015-06-01

    In December 2000, the Galbally Review recommended Australia achieve national uniformity in drugs and poisons legislation. While the Commonwealth Poisons Standard classifies and schedules medicines and poisons, the Australian States and Territories are responsible for regulating the supply of medicines and poisons through individual medicines legislation. In December 2013, this legislation was examined to identify the nomenclature used to describe medicines. The research found considerable variation across jurisdictions in terms of the nomenclature used, in particular the terms used for Schedules in the State and Territory legislation were often inconsistent with each other and the terms used in the Poisons Standard. Of most concern is that the same term may be used to describe different medicines in different jurisdictions, leading to possible confusion for health practitioners working across jurisdictions as is now possible under national registration. It is therefore imperative that national uniformity of drugs and poisons legislation is achieved to facilitate a common practice reference.

  17. Firearm Deaths in America: Can We Learn From 462,000 Lives Lost?

    PubMed

    Resnick, Shelby; Smith, Randi N; Beard, Jessica H; Holena, Daniel; Reilly, Patrick M; Schwab, C William; Seamon, Mark J

    2017-09-01

    We sought to determine whether state firearm legislation correlated with firearm-related fatality rates (FFR) during a 15-year period. The politicized and controversial topic of firearm legislation has been grossly understudied when the relative impact of American firearm violence is considered. Scientific evidence regarding gun legislation effectiveness remains scant. Demographic and intent data (1999-2013) were collected from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web-Based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System database and compared by state firearm legislation rankings with respect to FFR. State scorecards were obtained from firearm-restrictive (Brady Campaign/Law Center against Gun Violence [BC/LC]) and less-restrictive (National Rifle Association) groups. FFR were compared between restrictive and least-restrictive states during 3 periods (1999-2003, 2004-2008, 2009-2013). During 1999 to 2013, 462,043 Americans were killed by firearms. Overall FFR did not change during the 3 periods (10.89 ± 3.99/100,000; 10.71 ± 3.93/100,000; 11.14 ± 3.91/100,000; P = 0.87). Within each period, least-restrictive states had greater unintentional, pediatric, and adult suicide, White and overall FFR than restrictive states (all P < 0.05). Conversely, no correlation was seen, during any of the 3 time periods, with either homicide or Black FFR-population subsets accounting for 41.7% of firearm deaths. Restrictive firearm legislation is associated with decreased pediatric, unintentional, suicide, and overall FFR, but homicide and Black FFR appear unaffected. Future funding and research should be directed at both identifying the most effective aspects of firearm legislation and creating legislation that equally protects every segment of the American population.

  18. State-Tribal Legislation: 1992 and 1993 Summaries.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    White-Tail Feather, Alex; And Others

    This report summarizes state legislative activity in 1992 and 1993 pertaining to Native American issues. An overview of each year is followed by state-by-state summaries. In 1993, of 238 bills, resolutions, and memorials introduced, 116 were enacted, with 31 pending. During 1993, education issues were important and included the integration of…

  19. What State Legislators Think about School Finance. An Opinion Survey of State Legislature Education Committee Chairman.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Falcon, James C.

    The attitudes of State legislative education committee chairmen concerning possible changes in the financing and governance of education were surveyed. The chairmen provided comments on the deficiencies in federal, State, and local revenue sources; discussed problems of governance; gave their opinions on educational innovations and program…

  20. Partisan Differences on Higher Education Accountability Policy: A Multi-State Study of Elected State Legislators

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Morse, Andrew Q.

    2014-01-01

    Public institutions in the United States face a policy challenge to adapt to accountability expectations among a variety of stakeholders (Bogue & Hall, 2012; Thelin, 2004; Richardson & Martinez, 2009). Among the major stakeholders are state legislators who hold fiscal and policy influence over public institutions, but these leaders have…

  1. An Analysis of Bullying Legislation among the Various States

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hallford, Abby Jane Swanson

    2009-01-01

    Scope and method of study. The purpose of this study is to understand the existing state legislation concerning bullying in schools to determine whether the development, structure, and content of these state mandates parallel any change in reported incidents of bullying by public schools in each of those states. This is a descriptive and…

  2. Reduction in emergency department visits for children's asthma, ear infections, and respiratory infections after the introduction of state smoke-free legislation.

    PubMed

    Hawkins, Summer Sherburne; Hristakeva, Sylvia; Gottlieb, Mark; Baum, Christopher F

    2016-08-01

    Despite the benefits of smoke-free legislation on adult health, little is known about its impact on children's health. We examined the effects of tobacco control policies on the rate of emergency department (ED) visits for childhood asthma (N=128,807), ear infections (N=288,697), and respiratory infections (N=410,686) using outpatient ED visit data in Massachusetts (2001-2010), New Hampshire (2001-2009), and Vermont (2002-2010). We used negative binomial regression models to analyze the effect of state and local smoke-free legislation on ED visits for each health condition, controlling for cigarette taxes and health care reform legislation. We found no changes in the overall rate of ED visits for asthma, ear infections, and upper respiratory infections after the implementation of state or local smoke-free legislation or cigarette tax increases. However, an interaction with children's age revealed that among 10-17-year-olds state smoke-free legislation was associated with a 12% reduction in ED visits for asthma (adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR) 0.88; 95% CI 0.83, 0.95), an 8% reduction for ear infections (0.92; 0.88, 0.97), and a 9% reduction for upper respiratory infections (0.91; 0.87, 0.95). We found an overall 8% reduction in ED visits for lower respiratory infections after the implementation of state smoke-free legislation (0.92; 0.87, 0.96). The implementation of health care reform in Massachusetts was also associated with a 6-9% reduction in all children's ED visits for ear and upper respiratory infections. Our results suggest that state smoke-free legislation and health care reform may be effective interventions to improve children's health by reducing ED visits for asthma, ear infections, and respiratory infections. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Breast Density Notification Legislation and Breast Cancer Stage at Diagnosis: Early Evidence from the SEER Registry.

    PubMed

    Richman, Ilana; Asch, Steven M; Bendavid, Eran; Bhattacharya, Jay; Owens, Douglas K

    2017-06-01

    Twenty-eight states have passed breast density notification laws, which require physicians to inform women of a finding of dense breasts on mammography. To evaluate changes in breast cancer stage at diagnosis after enactment of breast density notification legislation. Using a difference-in-differences analysis, we examined changes in stage at diagnosis among women with breast cancer in Connecticut, the first state to enact legislation, compared to changes among women in control states. We used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) registry, 2005-2013. Women ages 40-74 with breast cancer. Breast density notification legislation, enacted in Connecticut in October of 2009. Breast cancer stage at diagnosis. Our study included 466,930 women, 25,592 of whom lived in Connecticut. Legislation was associated with a 1.38-percentage-point (95 % CI 0.12 to 2.63) increase in the proportion of women in Connecticut versus control states who had localized invasive cancer at the time of diagnosis, and a 1.12-percentage-point (95 % CI -2.21 to -0.08) decline in the proportion of women with ductal carcinoma in situ at diagnosis. Breast density notification legislation was not associated with a change in the proportion of women in Connecticut versus control states with regional-stage (-0.09 percentage points, 95 % CI -1.01 to 1.02) or metastatic disease (-0.24, 95 % CI -0.75 to 0.28). County-level analyses and analyses limited to women younger than 50 found no statistically significant associations. Single intervention state, limited follow-up, potential confounding from unobserved trends. Breast density notification legislation in Connecticut was associated with a small increase in the proportion of women diagnosed with localized invasive breast cancer in individual-level but not county-level analyses. Whether this finding reflects potentially beneficial early detection or potentially harmful overdiagnosis is not known. Legislation was not associated with changes in regional or metastatic disease.

  4. Partisan Politics or Public-Health Need? An empirical analysis of state choice during initial implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

    PubMed

    Mayer, Martin; Kenter, Robert; Morris, John C

    2015-01-01

    States' policy decisions regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 have often been explained as predominantly, if not solely, partisan. Might rival explanations also apply? Using a cross-sectional 50-state regression model, we studied standard political variables coupled with public-health indicators. This work differs from existing research by employing a dependent variable of five additive measures of ACA support, examining the impact of both political and socioeconomic indicators on state policy decisions. Expanding on recent empirical studies with our more nuanced additive index of support measures, we found that same-party control of a state's executive and legislative branches was indeed by far the single best predictor of policy decisions. Public-health indicators, overwhelmed by partisan effect, did not sufficiently explain state policy choice. This result does not allay the concerns that health policy has become synonymous with health politics and that health politics now has little to do with health itself.

  5. Energy: the states' response in 1978

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mackey, Earl S.

    A compilation of all state legislative energy enactments for legislature, in 1978 is presented. It provides source material to legislators and their staff. Each bill is separated into one or more of the 37 major subject categories. Broad categories cover public utilities; tax exemption; tax application; franchise protection; conservation; resource development; solar easements; mineral extraction regulation; management; emergency powers; anti-trust; anit-environment; and miscellaneous legislation.

  6. The Efficacy of Urban Insurgency in the Modern Era

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-05-31

    native Algerians. Passage of legislation required a two-thirds majority vote, essentially giving the colons undisputed veto power. In reality, the...was unable to pass legislation without significant bipartisanship. Tupamoro strength was steadily increasing. The Tupamoros clearly acted...they were defeated by the forces of the Free State. In 1936, the Free State enacted legislation , which removed the English monarch as their head of

  7. The Feasibility of a Cadre Approach to Mobilization

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-05-01

    system, legislation was now required to structure and organize the force. Subsequentlythe Militia Act of 1792 was passsed and after being heavily...States was questioned. Thus, several legislative acts were passed between 1903 to 1933, which formulated the National Guard as it is known today, and...have to undergo major legislative revisions regarding the authority over the National Guard, its state versus national responsibilities, and the amount

  8. Smart Grid, Smart Inverters for a Smart Energy Future | State, Local, and

    Science.gov Websites

    , legislation which defines the state's interconnection standards and permits the interconnection of smart the cost and benefits of advanced inverter enabling legislation. Expect conversations concerning

  9. American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

    MedlinePlus

    ... Inspector General DMEPOS, RACs, MACs, and other CMS contractor activity Research Advocacy State Affairs and Legislation Tracking ... Inspector General DMEPOS, RACs, MACs, and other CMS contractor activity Research Advocacy State Affairs and Legislation Tracking ...

  10. A Legislative Overview of No Child Left Behind

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mills, Jack I.

    2008-01-01

    No Child Left Behind (NCLB), the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, was passed in 2002. This legislation broadly states federal policy regarding education and is situated within the historical context of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society programs. Like any federal legislation, NCLB consists of the legislation itself but…

  11. Legislation on violence against women: overview of key components.

    PubMed

    Ortiz-Barreda, Gaby; Vives-Cases, Carmen

    2013-01-01

    This study aimed to determine if legislation on violence against women (VAW) worldwide contains key components recommended by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the United Nations (UN) to help strengthen VAW prevention and provide better integrated victim protection, support, and care. A systematic search for VAW legislation using international legal databases and other electronic sources plus data from previous research identified 124 countries/territories with some type of VAW legislation. Full legal texts were found for legislation from 104 countries/territories. Those available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish were downloaded and compiled and the selection criteria applied (use of any of the common terms related to VAW, including intimate partner violence (IPV), and reference to at least two of six sectors (education, health, judicial system, mass media, police, and social services) with regard to VAW interventions (protection, support, and care). A final sample from 80 countries/territories was selected and analyzed for the presence of key components recommended by PAHO and the UN (reference to the term "violence against women" in the title; definitions of different types of VAW; identification of women as beneficiaries; and promotion of (reference to) the participation of multiple sectors in VAW interventions). Few countries/territories specifically identified women as the beneficiaries of their VAW legislation, including those that labeled their legislation "domestic violence" law ( n = 51), of which only two explicitly mentioned women as complainants/survivors. Only 28 countries/territories defined the main forms of VAW (economic, physical, psychological, and sexual) in their VAW legislation. Most highlighted the role of the judicial system, followed by that of social services and the police. Only 28 mentioned the health sector. Despite considerable efforts worldwide to strengthen VAW legislation, most VAW laws do not incorporate the key recommended components. Significant limitations were found in the legislative content, its application, and the extent to which it provided women with integrated protection, support, and care. In developing new VAW legislation, policymakers should consider the vital role of health services.

  12. Child Support Enforcement Legislation. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Public Assistance and Unemployment Compensation of the Committee on Ways and Means. House of Representatives, Ninety-Eighth Congress, First Session.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Committee on Ways and Means.

    This document contains prepared statements and witness testimony from the Congressional hearing on child support enforcement legislation. Statistical data on family composition, divorce and separation trends, living arrangements for children, poverty status, welfare support, and child support are presented. The content of proposed bill H.R. 3545…

  13. Knowledge and attitude toward smoke-free legislation and second-hand smoking exposure among workers in indoor bars, beer parlors and discotheques in Osun State of Nigeria

    PubMed Central

    Onigbogi, Olanrewaju Olusola; Odukoya, Oluwakemi; Onigbogi, Modupe; Sekoni, Oluwakemi

    2015-01-01

    Background: One of the requirements of the Osun State smoke-free legislation is to ensure smoke-free enclosed and partially enclosed workplaces. This survey was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude of workers in indoor bars, beer parlors and discotheques to smoke-free legislation in general and the Osun State smoke-free law in particular. Methods: A convenience sampling of 36 hospitality centers was conducted. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to elicit responses about the objectives from non-smoking workers. The questionnaires had sections on knowledge of the Osun State smoke-free law, attitude toward the law and smoke-free legislation in general and exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke by the workers. Questions were also asked about the second-hand tobacco smoking status of these workers. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 15.0. Results: We had 154 participants recruited into the study. There were 75 males (48.0%) and 79 females (52.0%). On the overall, respondents had a good knowledge of the effects of second-hand smoke on health (70.2%) with 75.0% of them being aware of the general smoke-free law and 67.3% being aware of the Osun State smoke-free law although none of them had ever seen a copy of the law. A high proportion (60.0%) was in support of the Osun smoke-free law although all of them think that the implementation of the law could reduce patronage and jeopardize their income. Attitude toward second-hand smoking was generally positive with 72.0% of them having no tolerance for second-hand tobacco smoke in their homes. Most participants (95.5%) had been exposed to tobacco smoke in the workplace within the past week. Conclusion: Despite the high level of awareness of the respondents about the dangers of second hand smoke and their positive attitude to smoke-free laws, nearly all were constantly being exposed to second hand smoke at work. This calls for policy level interventions to improve the implementation of the smoke-free law. PMID:25844384

  14. Knowledge and attitude toward smoke-free legislation and second-hand smoking exposure among workers in indoor bars, beer parlors and discotheques in Osun State of Nigeria.

    PubMed

    Onigbogi, Olanrewaju Olusola; Odukoya, Oluwakemi; Onigbogi, Modupe; Sekoni, Oluwakemi

    2015-04-01

    One of the requirements of the Osun State smoke-free legislation is to ensure smoke-free enclosed and partially enclosed workplaces. This survey was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude of workers in indoor bars, beer parlors and discotheques to smoke-free legislation in general and the Osun State smoke-free law in particular. A convenience sampling of 36 hospitality centers was conducted. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to elicit responses about the objectives from non-smoking workers. The questionnaires had sections on knowledge of the Osun State smoke-free law, attitude toward the law and smoke-free legislation in general and exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke by the workers. Questions were also asked about the second-hand tobacco smoking status of these workers. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 15.0. We had 154 participants recruited into the study. There were 75 males (48.0%) and 79 females (52.0%). On the overall, respondents had a good knowledge of the effects of second-hand smoke on health (70.2%) with 75.0% of them being aware of the general smoke-free law and 67.3% being aware of the Osun State smoke-free law although none of them had ever seen a copy of the law. A high proportion (60.0%) was in support of the Osun smoke-free law although all of them think that the implementation of the law could reduce patronage and jeopardize their income. Attitude toward second-hand smoking was generally positive with 72.0% of them having no tolerance for second-hand tobacco smoke in their homes. Most participants (95.5%) had been exposed to tobacco smoke in the workplace within the past week. Despite the high level of awareness of the respondents about the dangers of second hand smoke and their positive attitude to smoke-free laws, nearly all were constantly being exposed to second hand smoke at work. This calls for policy level interventions to improve the implementation of the smoke-free law.

  15. Impact of Breast Density Legislation on Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Supplemental Screening: A Survey of 110 Radiology Facilities.

    PubMed

    Nayak, Lina; Miyake, Kanae K; Leung, Jessica W T; Price, Elissa R; Liu, Yueyi I; Joe, Bonnie N; Sickles, Edward A; Thomas, William R; Lipson, Jafi A; Daniel, Bruce L; Hargreaves, Jonathan; Brenner, R James; Bassett, Lawrence W; Ojeda-Fournier, Haydee; Lindfors, Karen K; Feig, Stephen A; Ikeda, Debra M

    2016-09-01

    Breast density notification laws, passed in 19 states as of October 2014, mandate that patients be informed of their breast density. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of this legislation on radiology practices, including performance of breast cancer risk assessment and supplemental screening studies. A 20-question anonymous web-based survey was emailed to radiologists in the Society of Breast Imaging between August 2013 and March 2014. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test. Around 121 radiologists from 110 facilities in 34 USA states and 1 Canadian site responded. About 50% (55/110) of facilities had breast density legislation, 36% of facilities (39/109) performed breast cancer risk assessment (one facility did not respond). Risk assessment was performed as a new task in response to density legislation in 40% (6/15) of facilities in states with notification laws. However, there was no significant difference in performing risk assessment between facilities in states with a law and those without (p < 0.831). In anticipation of breast density legislation, 33% (16/48), 6% (3/48), and 6% (3/48) of facilities in states with laws implemented handheld whole breast ultrasound (WBUS), automated WBUS, and tomosynthesis, respectively. The ratio of facilities offering handheld WBUS was significantly higher in states with a law than in states without (p < 0.001). In response to breast density legislation, more than 33% of facilities are offering supplemental screening with WBUS and tomosynthesis, and many are performing formal risk assessment for determining patient management. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  16. SOMED (School of Mines and Energy Development): Annual report, 1987--1988

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Coulter, L.B.

    1989-01-01

    The University of Alabama has an established commitment to assist in the prudent development of the state's natural resources. The State School of Mines, which was established by legislation, was expanded and designated the School of Mines and Energy Development (SOMED) in 1977. SOMED has the functional responsibility for the planning, coordination, and support of mineral and energy related research at the University through the various schools and colleges, the Natural Resources Center, and the Mineral Resources Institute. SOMED also supports faculty research through a grants program and undergraduate and graduate research and education in scholarships, fellowships, and grants. inmore » the past 12 years, SOMED has been successful in carrying out its mission. SOMED programs are briefly outlined.« less

  17. Women's Knowledge of and Support for Abortion Restrictions in Texas: Findings from a Statewide Representative Survey.

    PubMed

    White, Kari; Potter, Joseph E; Stevenson, Amanda J; Fuentes, Liza; Hopkins, Kristine; Grossman, Daniel

    2016-12-01

    States have passed numerous laws restricting abortion, and Texas passed some of the most restrictive legislation between 2011 and 2013. Information about women's awareness of and support for the laws' provisions could inform future debates regarding abortion legislation. Between December 2014 and January 2015, some 779 women aged 18-49 participated in an online, statewide representative survey about recent abortion laws in Texas. Poisson regression analysis was used to assess correlates of support for a law that would make obtaining an abortion more difficult. Women's knowledge of specific abortion restrictions in Texas and reasons for supporting these laws were also assessed. Overall, 31% of respondents would support a law making it more difficult to obtain an abortion. Foreign-born Latinas were more likely than whites to support such a law (prevalence ratio, 1.5), and conservative Republicans were more likely than moderates and Independents to do so (2.3). Thirty-six percent of respondents were not very aware of recent Texas laws, and 19% had never heard of them. Among women with any awareness of the laws, 19% supported the requirements; 42% of these individuals said this was because such laws would make abortion safer. Many Texas women of reproductive age are unaware of statewide abortion restrictions, and some support these requirements because of misperceptions about the safety of abortion. Advocates and policymakers should address these knowledge gaps in efforts to protect access to legal abortion. Copyright © 2016 by the Guttmacher Institute.

  18. Women’s Knowledge of and Support for Abortion Restrictions in Texas: Findings from a Statewide Representative Survey

    PubMed Central

    White, Kari; Potter, Joseph E.; Stevenson, Amanda J.; Hopkins, Kristine; Fuentes, Liza; Grossman, Daniel

    2016-01-01

    CONTEXT States have passed numerous laws restricting abortion, and Texas passed some of the most restrictive legislation between 2011 and 2013. Information about women’s awareness of and support for the laws’ provisions could inform future debates regarding abortion legislation. METHODS Between December 2014 and January 2015, some 779 women aged 18–49 participated in an online, statewide representative survey about recent abortion laws in Texas. Poisson regression analysis was used to assess correlates of support for a law that would make obtaining an abortion more difficult. Women’s knowledge of specific abortion restrictions in Texas and reasons for supporting these laws were also assessed. RESULTS Overall, 31% of respondents would support a law making it more difficult to obtain an abortion. Foreign-born Latinas were more likely than whites to support such a law (prevalence ratio, 1.5), and conservative Republicans were more likely than moderates and Independents to do so (2.3). Thirty-six percent of respondents were not very aware of recent Texas laws, and 19% had never heard of them. Among women with any awareness of the laws, 19% supported the requirements; 42% of these individuals said this was because such laws would make abortion safer. CONCLUSIONS Many Texas women of reproductive age are unaware of statewide abortion restrictions, and some support these requirements because of misperceptions about the safety of abortion. Advocates and policymakers should address these knowledge gaps in efforts to protect access to legal abortion. PMID:27082099

  19. The Regulation of Private Schools in America: A State-by-State Analysis.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Williams, L. Particia, Comp.

    Today, a parent's right to choose a private education for his or her children is reflected in the statutes of all 50 states. State regulation of private schools, however, is not without limitations. The challenge to state legislators in regulating private schools is to draft legislation that: (1) respects the fundamental right of parents to direct…

  20. The Impact of State Legislation and Model Policies on Bullying in Schools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Terry, Amanda

    2018-01-01

    Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the coverage of state legislation and the expansiveness ratings of state model policies on the state-level prevalence of bullying in schools. Methods: The state-level prevalence of bullying in schools was based on cross-sectional data from the 2013 High School Youth Risk Behavior…

  1. To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Rep. Rehberg, Denny [R-MT-At Large

    2009-04-28

    House - 04/29/2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  2. JPRS Report, Supplement. East Europe: Recent Legislation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-07-19

    land must assure its cultivation and its soil protection . Article 54. Land owners who do not fulfill the obligations stipulated in article 53, will be...phenomena or from economic and social activities. Soil protection and improvement work is based on studies and projects undertaken at the request of...them, by units specializing in such work. The state supports the performance of soil protection and improvement projects, partially or totally

  3. A resolution expressing support for the XIX International AIDS Conference and the sense of the Senate that continued commitment by the United States to HIV/AIDS research, prevention, and treatment programs is crucial to protecting global health.

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL

    2012-07-26

    Senate - 07/26/2012 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and passed without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  4. A resolution recognizing the January 12, 2013, opening of the United States Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, and supporting plans for other educational pavilions and initiatives.

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Sen. Landrieu, Mary L. [D-LA

    2012-12-19

    Senate - 12/19/2012 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  5. A resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of the founding of Ducks Unlimited, Incorporated, the achievements of the organization in habitat conservation, and the support of the organization for the waterfowling heritage of the United States.

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS

    2012-04-19

    Senate - 04/19/2012 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  6. Multiple Streams Approach to Tobacco Control Policymaking in a Tobacco-Growing State

    PubMed Central

    Mamudu, Hadii M.; Dadkar, Sumati; Veeranki, Sreenivas P.; He, Yi; Barnes, Richard; Glantz, Stanton A.

    2014-01-01

    Smokefree policies (SFPs) have diffused throughout the US and worldwide. However, the development of SFPs in the difficult policy environment of tobacco-producing states and economies worldwide has not been well-explored. In 2007, Tennessee, the third largest tobacco producer in the US, enacted the Non-Smoker Protection Act (NSPA). This study utilizes the multiple streams model to provide understanding of why and how this policy was developed by triangulating interviews with key stakeholders and legislative debates with archival documents. In June 2006, the Governor unexpectedly announced support for SFP, which created a window of opportunity for policy change. The Campaign for Healthy and Responsible Tennessee, a health coalition, seized this opportunity and worked with the administration and the Tennessee Restaurant Association to negotiate a comprehensive SFP, however, a weaker bill was used by the legislative leadership to develop the NSPA. Although the Governor and the Tennessee Restaurant Association’s support generated an environment for 100 % SFP, health groups did not fully capitalize on this environmental change and settled for a weak policy with several exemptions. This study suggests the importance for proponents of policy change to understand changes in their environment and be willing and able to capitalize on these changes. PMID:24370600

  7. When the private sphere goes public: exploring the issues facing family caregiver organizations in the development of long-term care policies.

    PubMed

    Rozario, Philip A; Palley, Elizabeth

    2008-01-01

    Though family caregiving forms the backbone of the long-term care system in the United States, long-term care policies have traditionally focused on paid services that frail older people and people with disabilities utilize for their day-to-day functioning. Part of the exclusion of family caregiving from the long-term care discourse stems from the traditional separation of the private sphere, where family caregiving occurs, from the public sphere of policy making. However, the passage of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) and Medicaid waiver legislation may reflect recent changes in the government's position on their role in addressing issues related to the "private spheres." In this article, we explore the nature of family caregiving in the United States, the divide between the public and private spheres and provide an overview of family caregiving-related policies and programs in the U.S. In our review, we examine the provisions in the FMLA, NFCSP, and Medicaid waiver legislation that support family caregiving efforts. We also examine the roles of family caregiver organizations in making family caregiving an important element of long-term care policy and influencing policy-making.

  8. Decriminalization of abortion in Mexico City: the effects on women's reproductive rights.

    PubMed

    Becker, Davida; Díaz Olavarrieta, Claudia

    2013-04-01

    In April 2007, the Mexico City, Mexico, legislature passed landmark legislation decriminalizing elective abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. In Mexico City, safe abortion services are now available to women through the Mexico City Ministry of Health's free public sector legal abortion program and in the private sector, and more than 89 000 legal abortions have been performed. By contrast, abortion has continued to be restricted across the Mexican states (each state makes its own abortion laws), and there has been an antichoice backlash against the legislation in 16 states. Mexico City's abortion legislation is an important first step in improving reproductive rights, but unsafe abortions will only be eliminated if similar abortion legislation is adopted across the entire country.

  9. Critical Path to Nuclear Science and Technology Knowledge Transfer and Skill Development in K-12 Schools: Why America Needs Action and Support from Federal and State Education Departments Now

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Vincenti, J.R.; Anderson, G.E.

    2006-07-01

    With the signing of President Bush's energy bill in August of 2005, the successful application of the new energy legislation may have more to do with educational standards required in our schools than applications of research and technology in the long-term. Looking inside the new legislation, the future of that legislation's success may not just hinge on investment in technology, but ensuring that our citizens, especially our youth, are prepared and better informed to be able to understand, react, and apply the economically and national security driven intent of the law. How can our citizens make sense of change ifmore » they lack the skills to be able to understand, not only the technology, but also the science that drives the change? President Bush's passage of the 1,724-page bill emphasizes conservation, clean energy research, and new and improved technology. The legislation also provides for economic incentives toward building more nuclear power plants. This paper will use four questions as a focal point to emphasize the need for both state and federal education departments to review their current standards and respond to deficiencies regarding learning about radioactivity, radiation, and nuclear science and technology. The questions are: 1. Will America accept new nuclear power development? 2. Will waste issues be resolved concerning high- and low-level radioactive waste management and disposal? 3. Will nuclear 'anything' be politically correct when it comes to your backyard? 4. Is our youth adequately educated and informed about radioactivity, radiation, and nuclear science and technology? This paper will use Pennsylvania as a case study to better understand the implications and importance of the educational standards in our school systems. This paper will also show how the deficiency found in Pennsylvania's academic standards, and in other states, has a significant impact on the ability to fulfill the legislation's intent of realizing energy independence and national security. (authors)« less

  10. Public health law for the collection and reporting of health care–associated infections

    PubMed Central

    Meier, Benjamin Mason; Stone, Patricia W.; Gebbie, Kristine M.

    2015-01-01

    Background State-based laws for reporting of health care-associated infections (HAI) have developed and changed dramatically in recent years, affecting the costs of reporting and impact on infection rates. It is necessary for practitioners of infection control to understand these changing legal frameworks and their application to practice. Methods Employing systematic state-based research, the researchers have documented legislation and administrative regulations for institution-specific HAI reporting, using this information to create a comprehensive resource on state-based laws for mandatory HAI reporting. Results As of August 27, 2007, 24 states have adopted laws requiring reporting of HAI rates, with an additional 7 states currently considering legislation that would require HAI reporting and 19 states employing detailed regulation in the absence of any current legislative authorization specific to HAI. This study documents (1) which states require reporting of HAI and, if so, whether this is done by legislation or administrative regulation; (2) whether the specific HAIs to be reported are identified in state law or codified generally as “diseases of public health importance,” with reporting specified by administrative regulation; and (3) what reporting policies and procedures are detailed in law. Conclusion Through analysis of the collected information, the researchers have examined the degree to which states have modernized their respective public health laws to approach mandatory reporting by way of general legislation regarding “matters of public health importance” and subsequent detailed administrative regulation to specify those matters. PMID:18926306

  11. A Child's Right to Human Dignity: Reforming Anti-Bullying Laws in the United States

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dayton, John; Dupre, Anne Proffitt

    2009-01-01

    This article presents the findings of research into the bullying laws in the United States. Against the backdrop of international law, it addresses children's rights to protection from bullying in US schools. It includes recommendations for improving anti-bullying legislation based on state anti-bullying legislation in the United States, and…

  12. A Common Student Information System for Washington State Community Colleges.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Haines, Ray

    In response to state legislation requesting a comprehensive management information system and cost benefit analysis, the Washington State Board of Community College Education revised their reporting procedures with the goal of facilitating district and legislative requests, management of the community college system, and integration of the budget…

  13. 28 CFR 61.7 - Legislative proposals.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Department of Justice which develops or significantly cooperates and supports a bill or legislative proposal to Congress which may have an effect on the environment shall, in the early stages of development of the bill or proposal, undertake an assessment to determine whether the legislation will significantly...

  14. 28 CFR 61.7 - Legislative proposals.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Department of Justice which develops or significantly cooperates and supports a bill or legislative proposal to Congress which may have an effect on the environment shall, in the early stages of development of the bill or proposal, undertake an assessment to determine whether the legislation will significantly...

  15. 28 CFR 61.7 - Legislative proposals.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Department of Justice which develops or significantly cooperates and supports a bill or legislative proposal to Congress which may have an effect on the environment shall, in the early stages of development of the bill or proposal, undertake an assessment to determine whether the legislation will significantly...

  16. 28 CFR 61.7 - Legislative proposals.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Department of Justice which develops or significantly cooperates and supports a bill or legislative proposal to Congress which may have an effect on the environment shall, in the early stages of development of the bill or proposal, undertake an assessment to determine whether the legislation will significantly...

  17. 28 CFR 61.7 - Legislative proposals.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... Department of Justice which develops or significantly cooperates and supports a bill or legislative proposal to Congress which may have an effect on the environment shall, in the early stages of development of the bill or proposal, undertake an assessment to determine whether the legislation will significantly...

  18. The 1993 Utah Legislative Session: Policy Implications for Educational Structure and Governance.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Johnson, Bob L., Jr.; Sperry, David J.

    This paper presents an overview and description of "significant" education legislation passed during the 1993 Utah Legislative Session. Specific attention is given to legislation that affects the governance and structure of education in the state. The centerpiece of the Governor's educational agenda and the definitive action of the 1993…

  19. Electroconvulsive therapy: administrative codes, legislation, and professional recommendations.

    PubMed

    Harris, Victoria

    2006-01-01

    Government regulatory involvement in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is due to several factors, including patient advocate groups, prior abuse by psychiatrists, and a general trend of state authority to move into areas traditionally governed by medical authorities. Regardless of the specific reasons, ECT is both highly effective in the treatment of many psychiatric disorders and heavily regulated by state administrative codes and legislation. The purpose of this article is to conduct a systematic review of the state administrative codes and legislation for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and to compare the findings with professional recommendations for the administration of ECT.

  20. Teens and Indoor Tanning: A Cancer Prevention Opportunity for Pediatricians

    PubMed Central

    Fisher, David E.; Geller, Alan C.

    2013-01-01

    In October 2011, California became the first US state to ban indoor tanning for minors under age 18 years. Vermont followed in May 2012. Increasingly, scientific evidence shows that artificial tanning raises the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, a common cancer in adolescents and young adults and the type most likely to result in death. The World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Medical Association, and other organizations strongly recommend legislation to ban minors under age 18 from indoor tanning. Several nations have banned teen tanning. Yet, tanning in salons is still a prevalent practice in the United States, especially among teen girls, where rates for the oldest teens approach 40%. There is no federal legislation to restrict minors from salon tanning. More than 60% of states have some kind of legislation regarding minors’ use of tanning salons, but only California and Vermont have passed complete bans of indoor tanning for minors. The Indoor Tanning Association, an industry advocacy group, has vigorously opposed legislative efforts. Pediatricians can play key roles in counseling families and with legislative efforts. In this update, we review the prevalence of salon tanning, association with skin cancer risk, tanning addiction, the roles of the federal and state governments in regulation and legislation, and responses to arguments created by industry to oppose legislation. Preventing exposure to artificial tanning may save lives, including young lives, and is a key cancer prevention opportunity for pediatricians. PMID:23509165

  1. Teens and indoor tanning: a cancer prevention opportunity for pediatricians.

    PubMed

    Balk, Sophie J; Fisher, David E; Geller, Alan C

    2013-04-01

    In October 2011, California became the first US state to ban indoor tanning for minors under age 18 years. Vermont followed in May 2012. Increasingly, scientific evidence shows that artificial tanning raises the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, a common cancer in adolescents and young adults and the type most likely to result in death. The World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Medical Association, and other organizations strongly recommend legislation to ban minors under age 18 from indoor tanning. Several nations have banned teen tanning. Yet, tanning in salons is still a prevalent practice in the United States, especially among teen girls, where rates for the oldest teens approach 40%. There is no federal legislation to restrict minors from salon tanning. More than 60% of states have some kind of legislation regarding minors' use of tanning salons, but only California and Vermont have passed complete bans of indoor tanning for minors. The Indoor Tanning Association, an industry advocacy group, has vigorously opposed legislative efforts. Pediatricians can play key roles in counseling families and with legislative efforts. In this update, we review the prevalence of salon tanning, association with skin cancer risk, tanning addiction, the roles of the federal and state governments in regulation and legislation, and responses to arguments created by industry to oppose legislation. Preventing exposure to artificial tanning may save lives, including young lives, and is a key cancer prevention opportunity for pediatricians.

  2. Legislative & Policy Supports for Inclusive Education in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    O'Donoghue, Fiona

    2001-01-01

    This article describes the legislative and policy provisions that support educational services for children with exceptional needs in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, Canada. The impact of the historical and cultural context on education is considered and significant achievements and challenges facing educators working to implement inclusion…

  3. No Deposit - No Return. What's It Costing Me?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hanselman, David L.

    This publication is a script, which may be used individually or in conjunction with a slide presentation, whose purpose is to support the use of returnable beverage containers. Major topics include costs, use of energy, recycling, depletion of resources, waste, existing legislation, and methods for supporting deposit legislation. The script was…

  4. Communicating program outcomes to encourage policymaker support for evidence-based state tobacco control.

    PubMed

    Schmidt, Allison M; Ranney, Leah M; Goldstein, Adam O

    2014-12-04

    Tobacco use, the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., can be reduced through state-level tobacco prevention and cessation programs. In the absence of research about how to communicate the need for these programs to policymakers, this qualitative study aimed to understand the motivations and priorities of policymakers in North Carolina, a state that enacted a strong tobacco control program from 2003-2011, but drastically reduced funding in recent years. Six former legislators (three Democrats, three Republicans) and three lobbyists for health organizations were interviewed about their attitudes towards tobacco use, support of state-funded programs, and reactions to two policy briefs. Five themes emerged: (1) high awareness of tobacco-related health concerns but limited awareness of program impacts and funding, (2) the primacy of economic concerns in making policy decisions, (3) ideological differences in views of the state's role in tobacco control, (4) the impact of lobbyist and constituent in-person appeals, and (5) the utility of concise, contextualized data. These findings suggest that building relationships with policymakers to communicate ongoing program outcomes, emphasizing economic data, and developing a constituent advocacy group would be valuable to encourage continued support of state tobacco control programs.

  5. A review of state legislation on DNA forensic data banking.

    PubMed Central

    McEwen, J. E.; Reilly, P. R.

    1994-01-01

    Recent advances in DNA identification technology are making their way into the criminal law. States across the country are enacting legislation to create repositories for the storage both of DNA samples collected from convicted offenders and of the DNA profiles derived from them. These data banks will be used to assist in the resolution of future crimes. This study surveys existing state statues, pending legislation, and administrative regulations that govern these DNA forensic data banks. We critically analyzed these laws with respect to their treatment of the collection, storage, analysis, retrieval, and use of DNA and DNA data. We found much variation among data-banking laws and conclude that, while DNA forensic data banking carries tremendous potential for law enforcement, many states, in their rush to create data banks, have paid little attention to issues of quality control, quality assurance, and privacy. In addition, the sweep of some laws is unnecessarily broad. Legislative modifications are needed in many states to better safeguard civil liberties and individual privacy. PMID:8198138

  6. Rural health network development: public policy issues and state initiatives.

    PubMed

    Casey, M M; Wellever, A; Moscovice, I

    1997-02-01

    Rural health networks are a potential way for rural health care systems to improve access to care, reduce costs, and enhance quality of care. Networks provide a means for rural providers to contract with managed care organizations, develop their own managed care entities, share resources, and structure practice opportunities to support recruitment and retention of rural physicians and other health care professionals. The results of early network development initiatives indicate a need for state officials and others interested in encouraging network development to agree on common rural health network definitions, to identify clearly the goals of network development programs, and to document and analyze program outcomes. Future network development efforts need to be much more comprehensive if they are to have a significant impact on rural health care. This article analyzes public policy issues related to integrated rural health network development, discusses current efforts to encourage network development in rural areas, and suggests actions that states may take if they desire to support rural health network development. These actions include adopting a formal rural health network definition, providing networks with alternatives to certain regulatory requirements, and providing incentives such as matching grants, loans, or technical assistance. Without public sector support for networks, managed care options may continue to be unavailable in many less densely populated rural areas of the country, and locally controlled rural health networks are unlikely to develop as an alternative to the dominant pattern of managed care expansion by large urban entities. Implementation of Medicare reform legislation could provide significant incentives for the development of rural health networks, depending on the reimbursement provisions, financial solvency standards, and antitrust exemptions for provider-sponsored networks in the final legislation and federal regulations.

  7. State parity laws and access to treatment for substance use disorder in the United States: implications for federal parity legislation.

    PubMed

    Wen, Hefei; Cummings, Janet R; Hockenberry, Jason M; Gaydos, Laura M; Druss, Benjamin G

    2013-12-01

    The passage of the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the 2010 Affordable Care Act incorporated parity for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment into federal legislation. However, prior research provides us with scant evidence as to whether federal parity legislation will hold the potential for improving access to SUD treatment. To examine the effect of state-level SUD parity laws on state-aggregate SUD treatment rates and to shed light on the impact of the recent federal SUD parity legislation. We conducted a quasi-experimental study using a 2-way (state and year) fixed-effect method. We included all known specialty SUD treatment facilities in the United States and examined treatment rates from October 1, 2000, through March 31, 2008. Our main source of data was the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, which provides facility-level information on specialty SUD treatment. State-level SUD parity laws during the study period. State-aggregate SUD treatment rates in (1) all specialty SUD treatment facilities and (2) specialty SUD treatment facilities accepting private insurance. The implementation of any SUD parity law increased the treatment rate by 9% (P < .001) in all specialty SUD treatment facilities and by 15% (P = .02) in facilities accepting private insurance. Full parity and parity only if SUD coverage is offered increased the SUD treatment rate by 13% (P = .02) and 8% (P = .04), respectively, in all facilities and by 21% (P = .03) and 10% (P = .04), respectively, in facilities accepting private insurance. We found a positive effect of the implementation of state SUD parity legislation on access to specialty SUD treatment. Furthermore, the positive association is more pronounced in states with more comprehensive parity laws. Our findings suggest that federal parity legislation holds the potential to improve access to SUD treatment.

  8. State Parity Laws and Access to Treatment for Substance Use Disorder in the United States: Implications for Federal Parity Legislation

    PubMed Central

    Wen, Hefei; Cummings, Janet R.; Hockenberry, Jason M.; Gaydos, Laura M.; Druss, Benjamin G.

    2014-01-01

    Context The passage of the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) incorporated parity for substance use disorder (SUD) into federal legislation. Yet prior research provides us with scant evidence as to whether federal parity legislation will hold the potential for improving access to SUD treatment. Objective This study examined the effect of state-level SUD parity laws on state-aggregate SUD treatment rates from 2000 to 2008, to shed light on the impact of the recent federal-level SUD parity legislation. Design A quasi-experimental study design using a two-way (state and year) fixed-effect method Setting and Participants All known specialty SUD treatment facilities in the United States Interventions State-level SUD parity laws between 2000 and 2008 Main Outcome Measures State-aggregate SUD treatment rates in: (1) all specialty SUD treatment facilities, and (2) specialty SUD treatment facilities accepting private insurance Results The implementation of any SUD parity law increased the treatment rate by 9 percent (p<0.01) in all specialty SUD treatment facilities and by 15 percent (p<0.05) in facilities accepting private insurance. Full parity and parity-if-offered (i.e., parity only if SUD coverage is offered) increased SUD treatment rate by 13 percent (p<0.05) and 8 percent (p<0.05) in all facilities, and by 21 percent (p<0.05) and 10 percent (p<0.05) in those accepting private insurance. Conclusions We found a positive effect of the implementation of state SUD parity legislation on access to specialty SUD treatment. Furthermore, the positive association was more pronounced in states with more comprehensive parity laws. Our findings suggest that federal parity legislation holds the potential to improve access to SUD treatment. PMID:24154931

  9. US Public Opinion on Carrying Firearms in Public Places.

    PubMed

    Wolfson, Julia A; Teret, Stephen P; Azrael, Deborah; Miller, Matthew

    2017-06-01

    To estimate US public opinion, overall and by gun ownership status, about the public places where legal gun owners should be allowed to carry firearms. We fielded an online survey among 3949 adults, including an oversample of gun owners and veterans, in April 2015. We used cross-tabulations with survey weights to generate nationally representative estimates. Fewer than 1 in 3 US adults supported gun carrying in any of the specified venues. Support for carrying in public was consistently higher among gun owners than among non-gun owners. Overall, support for carrying in public was lowest for schools (19%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 16.7, 21.1), bars (18%; 95% CI = 15.9, 20.6), and sports stadiums (17%; 95% CI = 15.0, 19.5). Most Americans, including most gun owners, support restricting public places legal gun owners can carry firearms. These views contrast sharply with the current trend in state legislatures of expanding where, how, and by whom guns can be carried in public. Recent state laws and proposed federal legislation that would force states to honor out-of-state concealed carry permits are out of step with American public opinion.

  10. Decriminalization of Abortion in Mexico City: The Effects on Women’s Reproductive Rights

    PubMed Central

    Díaz Olavarrieta, Claudia

    2013-01-01

    In April 2007, the Mexico City, Mexico, legislature passed landmark legislation decriminalizing elective abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. In Mexico City, safe abortion services are now available to women through the Mexico City Ministry of Health’s free public sector legal abortion program and in the private sector, and more than 89 000 legal abortions have been performed. By contrast, abortion has continued to be restricted across the Mexican states (each state makes its own abortion laws), and there has been an antichoice backlash against the legislation in 16 states. Mexico City’s abortion legislation is an important first step in improving reproductive rights, but unsafe abortions will only be eliminated if similar abortion legislation is adopted across the entire country. PMID:23409907

  11. Immigration to the United States from Latin America: Past and Present. The Latin American Project: Volume 1, No. 4.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    League of United Latin American Citizens, Washington, DC.

    Immigration legislation in the United States is aimed primarily at Mexican migrants, who account for over half of all undocumented immigrants in the United States. Citizens of Central American and Caribbean countries contribute another 20%. The first section of this booklet traces the development of United States immigration legislation from the…

  12. Awareness of Breast Density and Its Impact on Breast Cancer Detection and Risk

    PubMed Central

    Rhodes, Deborah J.; Radecki Breitkopf, Carmen; Ziegenfuss, Jeanette Y.; Jenkins, Sarah M.; Vachon, Celine M.

    2015-01-01

    Purpose Legislation mandating disclosure of breast density (BD) information has passed in 21 states; however, actual awareness of BD and knowledge of its impact on breast cancer detection and risk are unknown. Methods We conducted a national cross-sectional survey administered in English and Spanish using a probability-based sample of screening-age women, with oversampling of Connecticut, the only state with BD legislation in effect for > 1 year before the survey. Results Of 2,311 women surveyed, 65% responded. Overall, 58% of women had heard of BD, 49% knew that BD affects breast cancer detection, and 53% knew that BD affects cancer risk. After multivariable adjustment, increased BD awareness was associated with white non-Hispanic race/ethnicity (Hispanic v white non-Hispanic: odds ratio [OR], 0.23; P < .001), household income (OR, 1.07 per category increase; P < .001), education (OR, 1.19 per category increase; P < .001), diagnostic evaluation after a mammogram (OR, 2.64; P < .001), and postmenopausal hormone therapy (OR, 1.69; P = .002). Knowledge of the masking effect of BD was associated with higher household income (OR, 1.10; P < .001), education (OR, 1.22; P = .01), prior breast biopsy (OR, 2.16; P < .001), and residing in Connecticut (Connecticut v other states: OR, 3.82; P = .003). Connecticut residents were also more likely to have discussed their BD with a health care provider (67% v 43% for residents of other US states; P = .001). Conclusion Disparities in BD awareness and knowledge exist by race/ethnicity, education, and income. BD legislation seems to be effective in increasing knowledge of BD impact on breast cancer detection. These findings support continued and targeted efforts to improve BD awareness and knowledge among women eligible for screening mammography. PMID:25732156

  13. Awareness of breast density and its impact on breast cancer detection and risk.

    PubMed

    Rhodes, Deborah J; Radecki Breitkopf, Carmen; Ziegenfuss, Jeanette Y; Jenkins, Sarah M; Vachon, Celine M

    2015-04-01

    Legislation mandating disclosure of breast density (BD) information has passed in 21 states; however, actual awareness of BD and knowledge of its impact on breast cancer detection and risk are unknown. We conducted a national cross-sectional survey administered in English and Spanish using a probability-based sample of screening-age women, with oversampling of Connecticut, the only state with BD legislation in effect for > 1 year before the survey. Of 2,311 women surveyed, 65% responded. Overall, 58% of women had heard of BD, 49% knew that BD affects breast cancer detection, and 53% knew that BD affects cancer risk. After multivariable adjustment, increased BD awareness was associated with white non-Hispanic race/ethnicity (Hispanic v white non-Hispanic: odds ratio [OR], 0.23; P < .001), household income (OR, 1.07 per category increase; P < .001), education (OR, 1.19 per category increase; P < .001), diagnostic evaluation after a mammogram (OR, 2.64; P < .001), and postmenopausal hormone therapy (OR, 1.69; P = .002). Knowledge of the masking effect of BD was associated with higher household income (OR, 1.10; P < .001), education (OR, 1.22; P = .01), prior breast biopsy (OR, 2.16; P < .001), and residing in Connecticut (Connecticut v other states: OR, 3.82; P = .003). Connecticut residents were also more likely to have discussed their BD with a health care provider (67% v 43% for residents of other US states; P = .001). Disparities in BD awareness and knowledge exist by race/ethnicity, education, and income. BD legislation seems to be effective in increasing knowledge of BD impact on breast cancer detection. These findings support continued and targeted efforts to improve BD awareness and knowledge among women eligible for screening mammography. © 2015 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

  14. Transportation legislative data base : state radioactive materials transportation statute compilation, 1989-1993

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1994-04-30

    The Transportation Legislative Data Base (TLDB) is a computer-based information service containing summaries of federal, state and certain local government statutes and regulations relating to the transportation of radioactive materials in the United...

  15. Supporting return-to-work in the face of legislation: stakeholders' experiences with return-to-work after breast cancer in Belgium.

    PubMed

    Tiedtke, Corine; Donceel, Peter; Knops, Lieve; Désiron, Huget; Dierckx de Casterlé, Bernadette; de Rijk, Angelique

    2012-06-01

    The diagnosis of breast cancer increasingly implies a return-to-work (RTW) challenge as survival rates increase. RTW is regarded as a multidisciplinary process and a country's legislation affects the degree of involvement of the different stakeholders. We elucidated on bottlenecks and contributing factors and the relationship between policy and practice regarding RTW of employees with breast cancer as perceived by Belgian (Flemish) stakeholders. Three multidisciplinary groups (n = 7, n = 9, n = 10) were interviewed during a breast cancer conference. Treating physicians (n = 4), employers (n = 6), social security physicians (n = 3), occupational physicians (n = 4), survivors (n = 5) and representatives of patient associations (n = 4) were included. The major theme was the legal and practical role in the RTW process as experienced by the participants. Qualitative thematic analysis was performed to analyse stakeholders' experiences of women's RTW after breast cancer. The stakeholders reported different perspectives. Employees focus on treatment and feel ill-informed about the RTW options. Treating physicians do not feel competent about advising on work-related questions. Employers have to balance the interests of both the business and the employee. Social security physicians assess ability to work and facilitate RTW options. Occupational physicians see opportunities but the legislation does not support their involvement. Stakeholders expressed the need for coordination and reported finding ways to accommodate the employee's needs by being flexible with the legislation to support the RTW process. Two factors might hamper RTW for breast cancer patients: the varying stakeholder perspectives and Belgian legislation which emphasizes the patient or disability role, but not the employee role. When stakeholders are motivated they find ways to support RTW, but improved legislation could support the necessary coordination of RTW for these patients.

  16. The Southern Regional Education Board and Member States, December 2014

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), 2014

    2014-01-01

    This report provides an overview of Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) programs and services and how each member state participated in them from December 2013 through November 2014. SREB serves a wide range of education policy leaders, including governors, state legislators, executive and legislative staff, and K-12 and postsecondary agency…

  17. Survey of State Education Finance Legislative Activity and Trends, 1994-1997.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Crampton, Faith E.

    This paper presents the results of the second annual survey of state school-finance legislation conducted by the Education Finance and Economics Program of the National Education Association's Research Unit. The report, the only comprehensive 50-state survey being conducted, has three major purposes: (1) to provide an annual snapshot of state…

  18. Children, Youth and Family Issues, 1997. State Legislative Summary.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stelzer, Leann, Ed.

    This document is a compilation of legislation on issues critical to children and families enacted during 1997 by the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The laws pertaining to various issues are listed by state and briefly described. Issues are: (1) abuse and neglect (including background checks and screening, court procedures, financing,…

  19. The Relationship of the State Coordinating Agency with the Executive and Legislative Divisions of State Government in Meeting Budget Needs of Higher Education Systems. Proceedings of Ten-State Regional Conference (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, December 1976).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    State Higher Education Executive Officers Association.

    Proceedings of a 10-state 1976 regional conference on the relationship of the state coordinating agency with the executive and legislative divisions of state government in meeting budget needs for higher education systems are presented as part of an inservice education program. The participating states were Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas,…

  20. Integrating research, legal technical assistance, and advocacy to inform shared use legislation in Mississippi.

    PubMed

    Spengler, John O; Frost, Natasha R; Bryant, Katherine K

    2014-01-01

    The purpose of this article was to describe the process by which research findings informed the successful passage of legislation designed to increase opportunities for physical activity in Mississippi, and discuss implications and lessons learned from this process. The article is descriptive and conceptual, and addresses the collaborative process by which research, legal technical assistance, and advocacy informed and shaped shared use legislation in Mississippi. Collaborators informing this article were an Active Living Research grantee, a staff attorney with the Public Health Law Center, the American Heart Association Mississippi Government Relations Director, and community partners. The American Heart Association and Public Health Law Center developed policy guidance in the form of sample language for legislation as a starting point for states in determining policy needed to eliminate or reduce barriers to the shared use of school recreational facilities. The policy guidance was informed by evidence from Active Living Research-funded research studies. The American Heart Association, supporting a bill shaped by the policy guidance, led the effort to advocate for successful shared use legislation in Mississippi. Research should be policy relevant and properly translated and disseminated. Legal technical assistance should involve collaboration with both researchers and advocates so that policymakers have the information to make evidence-based decisions. Government relations directors should collaborate with legal technical staff to obtain and understand policy guidance relevant to their advocacy efforts. Effective collaborations, with an evidence-based approach, can lead to informed, successful policy change.

  1. Will the EU Clinical Trials Regulation Support the Innovative Industry in Bringing New Medicines Faster to Patients?

    PubMed

    Atzor, Sabine; Gokhale, Surendra; Doherty, Michael

    2013-04-01

    A perspective from the innovative industry is provided in this article about the long awaited legal proposal for a Clinical Trial Regulation ("Proposal"), adopted in July 2012. With this Proposal, the European Commission reacted to a call by all stakeholders for more harmonization and streamlining of the provisions for conducting clinical trials in the EU. Discrepant approaches between Member States, a failure to respect legal timelines, and a lack of formal coordination mechanisms within and between Member States have resulted in an increased workload for the industry and contributed to a decline in Europe's attractiveness as a place to carry out research and development. The Proposal introduces a concept whereby the sponsor makes a single submission of the clinical trial application dossier to an EU portal, which is followed by a single assessment based on cooperation between Member States. A possibility for the sponsor to choose a 'reporting Member State' to take the lead on key aspects of the assessment is expected to support excellence building and work sharing of Competent Authorities in the EU. The Proposal respects the fact that certain aspects need to be reviewed nationally. The new process aims to lead to a single decision per clinical trial per concerned Member State. The rules are built on the principle of strict adherence to timelines for authorization. The timelines are ambitious but at the same time competitive, as the process builds in mechanisms that strengthen compliance. The rules have been designed to encourage sponsors to file complete submission packages, since any substantial modification to a trial would lead to delays in its commencement. Sponsors need to streamline their internal processes accordingly. In the end, streamlining is an effort that needs to be accepted by all parties involved. The Proposal does not detail how Member States organize the involvement of different bodies, such as Competent Authorities and Ethics Committees, because according to the EU Treaty, the EU cannot legislate on aspects falling into pure Member State competence. The Proposal, however, establishes the assessment objectives on the basis of Good Clinical Practices set by the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) and the Declaration of Helsinki by the World Medical Association. As such, the new legislation is likely to have implications on Member States' internal organization. In addition, Ethics Committees in Europe would benefit from an EU platform for best practice exchange-a concept that would need to be requested by the Council and the European Parliament through the legislative process. A single decision system for the entire EU per clinical trial has been discussed as an option, but such an approach was difficult to achieve while respecting national competencies. In this situation, the Proposal represents an acceptable compromise, provided its proposed mechanisms, processes, and timelines are retained upon implementation. As the Proposal is now on the table for discussion by the 27 Member States' governments and by the European Parliament, co-legislators and stakeholders should be aware that any dilution of these provisions would be detrimental to the objective to ensure patient access and make the conditions for clinical research in Europe attractive and fit for the future.

  2. A resolution reaffirming the strong support of the United States Government for freedom of navigation and other internationally lawful uses of sea and airspace in the Asia-Pacific region, and for the peaceful diplomatic resolution of outstanding territorial and maritime claims and disputes.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ

    2014-04-07

    Senate - 07/10/2014 Resolution agreed to in Senate with amendments and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  3. A resolution recognizing the 63rd anniversary of India's independence, expressing appreciation to Americans of Indian descent for their contributions to society, and expressing support and optimism for the strategic partnership and friendship between the United States and India in the future.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX

    2010-08-05

    Senate - 08/05/2010 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  4. A bill to amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act.

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Sen. Rockefeller, John D., IV [D-WV

    2011-02-07

    Senate - 02/07/2011 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  5. A bill to amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Sen. Rockefeller, John D., IV [D-WV

    2009-01-29

    Senate - 01/29/2009 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  6. A resolution supporting the mission and goals of 2013 National Crime Victims' Rights Week to increase public awareness of the rights, needs, and concerns of, and services available to assist, victims and survivors of crime in the United States.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS

    2013-04-25

    Senate - 04/25/2013 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  7. To amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Defense to make grants to recognized science and technology secondary schools to support research and development projects at such schools in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology to supplement the national security functions of the Department of Defense.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11

    2009-07-24

    House - 01/12/2010 Referred to the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  8. Conflict and compromise in public health policy: analysis of changes made to five competitive food legislative proposals prior to adoption.

    PubMed

    Dinour, Lauren M

    2015-04-01

    Competitive foods in schools have historically been scrutinized for their ubiquity and poor nutritional quality, leading many states to enact legislation limiting the availability and accessibility of these items. Evaluations of these policy approaches show their promise in improving the healthfulness of school food environments, considered an important strategy for reducing childhood obesity. Yet little is known about the decision-making processes by which such legislation is formed and adopted. Using a comparative case study design, this study describes and analyzes the policy formation processes surrounding five state-level competitive food bills introduced in 2009-2010. Data for each case were drawn from multiple key informant interviews and document reviews. Case studies were conducted, analyzed, and written independently using a standard protocol and were subsequently compared for recurring and unique themes. Abbreviated case studies and summary tables are provided. Results indicate that bill cost is a major barrier to achieving strong, health-promoting policy change. Additionally, findings reveal that supporters of stronger competitive food policies often concede to changes that weaken a bill in order to neutralize opposition and achieve stakeholder buy-in. These challenges suggest that continued research on the development, implementation, and evaluation of public health policies can contribute to the advancement of new strategies for effective health promotion. © 2015 Society for Public Health Education.

  9. 7 CFR 1216.70 - Certification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ..., research, and information organizations may request certification, provided the state-legislated promotion...-legislated peanut promotion, research and information organization in a major peanut-producing state does not... organization that shall contain information deemed relevant and specified by the Secretary for the making of...

  10. 7 CFR 1216.70 - Certification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ..., research, and information organizations may request certification, provided the state-legislated promotion...-legislated peanut promotion, research and information organization in a major peanut-producing state does not... organization that shall contain information deemed relevant and specified by the Secretary for the making of...

  11. 7 CFR 1216.70 - Certification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ..., research, and information organizations may request certification, provided the state-legislated promotion...-legislated peanut promotion, research and information organization in a major peanut-producing state does not... organization that shall contain information deemed relevant and specified by the Secretary for the making of...

  12. 7 CFR 1216.70 - Certification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ..., research, and information organizations may request certification, provided the state-legislated promotion...-legislated peanut promotion, research and information organization in a major peanut-producing state does not... organization that shall contain information deemed relevant and specified by the Secretary for the making of...

  13. 7 CFR 1216.70 - Certification.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ..., research, and information organizations may request certification, provided the state-legislated promotion...-legislated peanut promotion, research and information organization in a major peanut-producing state does not... organization that shall contain information deemed relevant and specified by the Secretary for the making of...

  14. Additional Support Needs Reforms and Social Justice in Scotland

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Riddell, Sheila; Stead, Joan; Weedon, Elisabet; Wright, Kevin

    2010-01-01

    New additional support-needs legislation in Scotland sought to recognise the way in which poverty, as well as individual impairment, contribute to the creation of children's difficulties in learning. As well as identifying a wider range of needs, the legislation sought to provide parents, irrespective of social background, with more powerful means…

  15. Support for Higher Education: Perceptions of Selected University Administrators and Legislators in Tennessee

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Davies, Deidre Y.; Good, Donald W.

    2014-01-01

    This quantitative study examined the perceptions of selected university administrators and legislators concerning levels of support for Tennessee public higher education. The purpose of the study was to gain a greater understanding among the various constituents as to the needs and restraints facing higher education funding. The population…

  16. An analysis framework for characterizing and explaining development of EIA legislation in developing countries-Illustrated for Georgia, Ghana and Yemen

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kolhoff, Arend J., E-mail: akolhoff@eia.nl; Driessen, Peter P.J., E-mail: p.driessen@uu.nl; Runhaar, Hens A.C., E-mail: h.a.c.runhaar@uu.nl

    2013-01-15

    Actors in the field of international development co-operation supporting the development of EIA legislation in developing countries often do not achieve the results envisaged. The performance of EIA in these countries often remains weak. One reason, we assume, is that often those actors support the establishment of overly ambitious EIA legislation that cannot achieve its objectives in the light of constraining contexts. To provide more effective support we need to better understand the enabling and constraining contextual factors that influence the development of EIA legislation and to which support actors should align itself. In this article a new analysis frameworkmore » for classifying, characterizing and explaining the development of EIA legislation is described, measured in terms of ambition levels. Ambitions are defined as intentions the EIA authorities aim to fulfill, expressed in formal EIA legislation. Three country cases, Yemen, Georgia and Ghana are used to illustrate the usefulness of our framework and as a first test to refine the framework. We have formulated the following five hypotheses that complement and refine our analysis framework. One, EIA legislation may develop multilinearly in terms of ambition levels. Two, ambitions in EIA legislation seem to be influenced to a great extent by the power and capacity of, on the one hand, the environmental authorities supporting EIA and, on the other hand, the sector authorities hindering the development of EIA. Three, the political system is the most important context factor influencing the rules of policy-making and the power of the different actors involved. Four, the importance of context factors on the development of ambitions is dependent on the phase of EIA system development. Five, some ambitions seem to be influenced by particular factors; for instance the ambitions for the object of study seem to be influenced by the level of environmental awareness of the sector ministries and parliament. The analysis framework may also assist actors involved in the development of EIA legislation in setting ambitions for EIA legislation that are feasible within the context in which it will be developed and implemented. Application of a country-specific EIA model would seem to be the preferred model to develop EIA legislation because by taking capacities of actors and context factors as a starting point, it offers more potential to well-performing EIA systems. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer EIA systems develop from less to high ambitious and sometimes vice versa. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ambitions in EIA legislation are determined by the capacity of environment- and sector authority. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The political system is the most important context factor explaining the ambitions of an EIA system. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer An analysis framework developed to measure EIA system ambitions might help to setambitions.« less

  17. California state information handbook: formerly utilized sites remedial action program

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    None

    This volume is one of a series produced under contract with the DOE, by Politech Corporation to develop a legislative and regulatory data base to assist the FUSRAP management in addressing the institutional and socioeconomic issues involved in carrying out the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. This Information Handbook series contains information about all relevant government agencies at the Federal and state levels, the pertinent programs they administer, each affected state legislature, and current Federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives. This volume is a compilation of information about the state of California. It contains: a description of themore » state executive branch structure; a summary of relevant state statutes and regulations; a description of the structure of the state legislature, identification of the officers and committee chairmen, and a summary of recent relevant legislative action; the full text of relevant statutes and regulations.« less

  18. Oregon state information handbook formerly utilized sites remedial action program

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    None

    This volume is one of a series produced under contract with the DOE, by Politech Corporation to develop a legislative and regulatory data base to assist the FUSRAP management in addressing the institutional and socioeconomic issues involved in carrying out the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. This Information Handbook series contains information about all relevant government agencies at the Federal and state levels, the pertinent programs they administater, each affected state legislature, and current Federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives. This volume is a compilation of information about the State of Oregon. It contains: a description of themore » state executive branch structure; a summary of relevant state statutes and regulations; a description of the structure of the state legislature, identification of the officers and committee chairmen, and a summary of recent relevant legislative action; and the full text of relevant statutes and regulations.« less

  19. Iowa state information handbook: formerly utilized sites remedial action program

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    None

    This volume is one of a series produced under contract with the DOE, By Politech Corporation to develop a legislative and regulatory data base to assist the FUSRAP management in addressing the institutional and socioeconomic issues involved in carrying out the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. This Information Handbook series contains information about all relevant government agencies at the Federal and state levels, the pertinent programs they administer, each affected state legislature, and current Federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives. This volume is a compilation of information about the state of Iowa. It contains: a description of themore » state executive branch structure; a summary of relevant state statutes and regulations; a description of the structure of the state legislature, identification of the officers and committee chairmen, and a summary of recent relevant legislative action; the full test of relevant statutes and regulations.« less

  20. Oregon state information handbook: formerly utilized sites remedial action program

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    None

    This volume is one of a series produced under contract with the DOE, by Politech Corporation to develop a legislative and regulatory data base to assist the FUSRAP management in addressing the institutional and socioeconomic issues involved in carrying out the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. This Information Handbook series contains information about all relevant government agencies at the Federal and state levels, the pertinent programs they administer, each affected state legislature, and current Federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives. This volume is a compilation of information about the State of Oregon. It contains a description of themore » state executive branch structure; a summary of relevant state statutes and regulations; a description of the structure of the state legislature, identification of the officers and committee chairmen, and a summary of recent relevant legislative action; and the full text of relevant statutes and regulations.« less

  1. Pennsylvania state information handbook: formerly utilized sites remedial action program

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    None

    This volume is one of a series produced under contract with the DOE, by Politech Corporation to develop a legislative and regulatory data base to assist the FUSRAP management in addressing the institutional and socioeconomic issues involved in carrying out the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. This Information Handbook series contains information about all relevant government agencies at the Federal and State levels, the pertinent programs they administer, each affected state legislature, and current Federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives. This volume is a compilation of information about the State of Pennsylvania. It contains a description of themore » state executive branch structure; a summary of relevant state statutes and regulations; a description of the structure of the state legislature, identification of the officers and committee chairmen, and a summary of recent relevant legislative action; and the full text of relevant statutes and regulations.« less

  2. Florida state information handbook: formerly utilized sites remedial action program

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    None

    This volume is one of a series produced under contract with DOE, Office of Nuclear Waste Management, by Politech Corporation to develop a legislative and regulatory data base to assist the FUSRAP management in addressing the institutional and socioeconomic issues involved in carrying out the Remedial Action Program. This Information Handbook series contains information about all relevant government agencies at the federal and state levels, the pertinent programs they administer, each affected state legislature, and current federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives. This volume is a compilation of information about the State of Florida. It contains a description ofmore » the state executive branch structure; a summary of relevant state statutes and regulations; a description of the structure of the state legislature, identification of the officers and committee chairmen, and a summary of recent relevant legislative action; and the full text of relevant statutes and regulations.« less

  3. New Mexico state information handbook: formerly utilized sites remedial action program

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    None

    This volume is one of a series produced under contract with the DOE, by Politech Corporation to develop a legislative and regulatory data base to assist the FUSRAP management in addressing the institutional and socioeconomic issues involved in carrying out the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. This information Handbook series contains information about all relevant government agencies at the Federal and state levels, the pertinent programs they administer, each affected state legislature, and current Federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives. This volume is a compilation of information about the State of New Mexico. It contains a description ofmore » the state executive branch structure; a summary of relevant state statutes and regulations; a description of the structure of the state legislature, identification of the officers and committee chairmen, and a summary of recent relevant legislative action; and the full text of relevant statutes and regulations.« less

  4. Associations Between Antibullying Policies and Bullying in 25 States.

    PubMed

    Hatzenbuehler, Mark L; Schwab-Reese, Laura; Ranapurwala, Shabbar I; Hertz, Marci F; Ramirez, Marizen R

    2015-10-01

    Bullying is the most widespread form of peer aggression in schools. In an effort to address school bullying, 49 states have passed antibullying statutes. Despite the ubiquity of these policies, there has been limited empirical examination of their effectiveness in reducing students' risk of being bullied. To evaluate the effectiveness of antibullying legislation in reducing students' risk of being bullied and cyberbullied, using data from 25 states in the United States. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a population-based survey of 63 635 adolescents in grades 9 to 12 from 25 states participating in the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System study (September 2010-December 2011). Data on antibullying legislation were obtained from the US Department of Education (DOE), which commissioned a systematic review of state laws in 2011. The report identified 16 key components that were divided into the following 4 broad categories: purpose and definition of the law, district policy development and review, school district policy components (eg, responsibilities for reporting bullying incidents), and additional components (eg, how policies are communicated). Policy variables from 25 states were linked to individual-level data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System on experiencing bullying and cyberbullying. Analyses were conducted between March 1, 2014, and December 1, 2014. State antibullying legislation. Exposure to bullying and cyberbullying in the past 12 months. There was substantial variation in the rates of bullying and cyberbullying across states. After controlling for relevant state-level confounders, students in states with at least 1 DOE legislative component in the antibullying law had a 24% (95% CI, 15%-32%) reduced odds of reporting bullying and 20% (95% CI, 9%-29%) reduced odds of reporting cyberbullying compared with students in states whose laws had no DOE legislative components. Three individual components of antibullying legislation were consistently associated with decreased odds of exposure to both bullying and cyberbullying: statement of scope, description of prohibited behaviors, and requirements for school districts to develop and implement local policies. Antibullying policies may represent effective intervention strategies for reducing students' risk of being bullied and cyberbullied in schools.

  5. Patterns and predictors of state adult obesity prevention legislation enactment in US states: 2010-2013.

    PubMed

    Donaldson, Elisabeth A; Cohen, Joanna E; Villanti, Andrea C; Kanarek, Norma F; Barry, Colleen L; Rutkow, Lainie

    2015-05-01

    This study examined bill- and state-level factors associated with enactment of adult obesity prevention legislation in US states. A review of bills in the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity's legislative database identified 487 adult obesity prevention bills, or proposed legislation, introduced between 2010 and 2013. Multilevel models were constructed to examine bill- and state-level characteristics associated with enactment. From 2010 to 2013, 81 (17%) of obesity prevention bills introduced were enacted across 35 states and the District of Columbia. Bills introduced in 2010 were more likely to be enacted than in 2013 (OR=9.49; 95% CI: 2.61-34.5). Bills focused on access to healthy food, physical activity, general and educational programs, as well as modifying rules and procedures (e.g., preemption) had greater odds of enactment relative to food and beverage taxes (OR=8.18; 95% CI: 2.85-23.4 healthy food; OR=17.3; 95% CI: 4.55-65.7 physical activity; OR=15.2; 95% CI: 4.80-47.9 general; OR=13.7; 95% CI: 3.07-61.5 rules). The year of bill introduction and overall bill enactment rate were related to adult obesity prevention legislation enactment in states. This study highlights the importance of a bill's topic area for enactment and provides insights for advocates and policymakers trying to address enactment barriers. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Patterns and predictors of state adult obesity prevention legislation enactment in US states: 2010–2013

    PubMed Central

    Donaldson, Elisabeth A.; Cohen, Joanna E.; Villanti, Andrea C.; Kanarek, Norma F.; Barry, Colleen L.; Rutkow, Lainie

    2015-01-01

    Objective This study examined bill- and state-level factors associated with enactment of adult obesity prevention legislation in US states. Methods A review of bills in the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity’s legislative database identified 487 adult obesity prevention bills, or proposed legislation, introduced between 2010 and 2013. Multilevel models were constructed to examine bill- and state-level characteristics associated with enactment. Results From 2010 to 2013, 81 (17%) of obesity prevention bills introduced were enacted across 35 states and the District of Columbia. Bills introduced in 2010 were more likely to be enacted than in 2013 (OR = 9.49; 95% CI: 2.61–34.5). Bills focused on access to healthy food, physical activity, general and educational programs, as well as modifying rules and procedures (e.g., preemption) had greater odds of enactment relative to food and beverage taxes (OR = 8.18; 95% CI: 2.85–23.4 healthy food; OR = 17.3; 95% CI: 4.55–65.7 physical activity; OR = 15.2; 95% CI: 4.80–47.9 general; OR = 13.7; 95% CI: 3.07–61.5 rules). Conclusion The year of bill introduction and overall bill enactment rate were related to adult obesity prevention legislation enactment in states. This study highlights the importance of a bill’s topic area for enactment and provides insights for advocates and policymakers trying to address enactment barriers. PMID:25735604

  7. Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Maternal Action to Protect Children from Secondhand Smoke: Pre- and Post-Smokefree Legislation in Hong Kong

    PubMed Central

    Chan, Sophia Siu Chee; Cheung, Yee Tak Derek; Leung, Doris Yin Ping; Mak, Yim Wah; Leung, Gabriel M.; Lam, Tai Hing

    2014-01-01

    Background Smokefree legislation may protect children from secondhand smoke (SHS) in the home from smoking parent(s). We examined the effect of the 2007 smokefree legislation on children’s exposure to SHS in the home and maternal action to protect children from SHS exposure in Hong Kong. Methods Families with a smoking father and a non-smoking mother were recruited from public clinics before (2005–2006, n = 333) and after the legislation (2007–2008, n = 742) which led to a major extension of smokefree places in Hong Kong. Main outcomes included children’s SHS exposure in the home, nicotine level in mothers’ and children’s hair and home environment, mothers’ action to protect children from SHS, and their support to the fathers to quit. Results Fewer mothers post-legislation reported children’s SHS exposure in the home (87.2% versus 29.3%, p<0.01), which was consistent with their hair nicotine levels (0.36ng/mg versus 0.04ng/mg, p<0.01). More mothers post-legislation in the last month took their children away from cigarette smoke (6.3% versus 92.2%; p<0.01) and advised fathers to quit over 3 times (8.3% versus 33.8%; p<0.01). No significant change was found in the content of smoking cessation advice and the proportion of mothers who took specific action to support the fathers to quit. Conclusions SHS exposure in the home decreased and maternal action to protect children from SHS increased after the 2007 smokefree legislation. Maternal support to fathers to quit showed moderate improvement. Cessation services for smokers and specific interventions for smoking families should be expanded together with smokefree legislation. PMID:25166507

  8. Secondhand smoke exposure and maternal action to protect children from secondhand smoke: pre- and post-smokefree legislation in Hong Kong.

    PubMed

    Chan, Sophia Siu Chee; Cheung, Yee Tak Derek; Leung, Doris Yin Ping; Mak, Yim Wah; Leung, Gabriel M; Lam, Tai Hing

    2014-01-01

    Smokefree legislation may protect children from secondhand smoke (SHS) in the home from smoking parent(s). We examined the effect of the 2007 smokefree legislation on children's exposure to SHS in the home and maternal action to protect children from SHS exposure in Hong Kong. Families with a smoking father and a non-smoking mother were recruited from public clinics before (2005-2006, n = 333) and after the legislation (2007-2008, n = 742) which led to a major extension of smokefree places in Hong Kong. Main outcomes included children's SHS exposure in the home, nicotine level in mothers' and children's hair and home environment, mothers' action to protect children from SHS, and their support to the fathers to quit. Fewer mothers post-legislation reported children's SHS exposure in the home (87.2% versus 29.3%, p<0.01), which was consistent with their hair nicotine levels (0.36 ng/mg versus 0.04 ng/mg, p<0.01). More mothers post-legislation in the last month took their children away from cigarette smoke (6.3% versus 92.2%; p<0.01) and advised fathers to quit over 3 times (8.3% versus 33.8%; p<0.01). No significant change was found in the content of smoking cessation advice and the proportion of mothers who took specific action to support the fathers to quit. SHS exposure in the home decreased and maternal action to protect children from SHS increased after the 2007 smokefree legislation. Maternal support to fathers to quit showed moderate improvement. Cessation services for smokers and specific interventions for smoking families should be expanded together with smokefree legislation.

  9. The effects of national health care reform on local businesses--Part III: secondary research questions--discoveries and implications.

    PubMed

    Rotarius, Timothy; Liberman, Aaron; Perez, Bianca

    2012-01-01

    This is the third part of a 3-part examination of what may potentially be expected from the 2010 national health care reform legislation. Political researchers and pundits have speculated endlessly on the many changes mandated by the 2010 national health care reform legislation, styled the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. A review and assessment of this legislation at several levels (federal, state, state agency, local region, and individual business leaders) were undertaken. The results of this expanded analysis suggest strongly that nationally members of the business community and their employees will benefit from the legislation early on (years 1 through 3) and then likely will be impacted adversely as the payment mechanisms driving the legislation are tightened by new federal regulations (years 4 onward). As a result of this research, it is surmised that businesses will be immediately impacted by the legislation, with small business owners being the prime beneficiaries of the new legislation, owing to the availability of coverage to approximately 32 million individuals who previously had no access to coverage. In that regard, the soon-to-be newly insured population also will be a prime beneficiary of the legislation as the limitations on chronic illnesses and other preexisting conditions will be reduced or eliminated by the legislation.

  10. Social security and mortality: The role of income support policies and population health in the United States

    PubMed Central

    Arno, Peter S.; House, James S.; Viola, Deborah; Schechter, Clyde

    2011-01-01

    Social Security is the most important and effective income support program ever introduced in the United States, alleviating the burden of poverty for millions of elderly Americans. We explored the possible role of Social Security in reducing mortality among the elderly. In support of this hypothesis, we found that declines in mortality among the elderly exceeded those among younger age groups following the initial implementation of Social Security in 1940, and also in the periods following marked improvements in Social Security benefits via legislation and indexing of benefits that occurred between the mid-1960s and the early 1970s. A better understanding of the link between Social Security and health status among the elderly would add a significant and missing dimension to the public discourse over the future of Social Security, and the potential role of income support programs in reducing health-related socioeconomic disparities and improving population health. PMID:21326333

  11. 75 FR 26918 - Fishlake Resource Advisory Committee

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-05-13

    ... requirements, brief participants on Payments to States legislative history, discuss the guidelines for Title II... following business will be conducted: (1) Welcome and Committee introductions; (2) Federal Advisory Committee Act overview and powerpoint; (3) review of Payments to States legislative history and discussion...

  12. State of the Art: Recent Legislation on Workers' Health and Safety.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Parmeggiani, L.

    1982-01-01

    Reviews present trends in occupational health and safety legislation. Discusses the role of the state, the development of workers' participation, trends in the organization of occupational health services, and methods and objectives of occupational safety and health. (Author/JOW)

  13. Review of Educational Legislation, 1917 and 1918. Bulletin, 1919, No. 13

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hood, William R.

    1919-01-01

    Within the two years comprehended in this review, the Congress of the United States has been in almost continuous session and all the states, except Alabama have held meetings of their legislative bodies. Six states, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and South Carolina hold annual meetings of their legislatures, and…

  14. A Summary of Major State Legislation Passed in 1972 Relating to the Education of Handicapped Children.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Education Commission of the States, Denver, CO. Handicapped Children's Education Project.

    Summarized are approximately 120 bills passed by state legislatures in 1972 pertaining to the education of handicapped children. The summaries are intended to provide general information concerning recent legislation by states and territories. Summaries usually include bill number and a resume of the bill's provisions. Examples of bills include…

  15. State Insurance Parity Legislation for Autism Services and Family Financial Burden

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Parish, Susan; Thomas, Kathleen; Rose, Roderick; Kilany, Mona; McConville, Robert

    2012-01-01

    We examined the association between states' legislative mandates that private insurance cover autism services and the health care-related financial burden reported by families of children with autism. Child and family data were drawn from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (N = 2,082 children with autism). State policy…

  16. Measuring up to the Model: A Ranking of State Charter School Laws. Seventh Edition

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ziebarth, Todd

    2016-01-01

    This seventh edition of "Measuring up to the Model: A Ranking of State Charter School Laws" presents the latest activity in charter public school legislation across the country. Some highlights include: (1) significant activity regarding potential enabling legislation in several of the states without charter public school laws, (2)…

  17. Building Blocks: A Legislator's Guide to Child Care Policy.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Culkin, Mary L.; Groginsky, Scott; Christian, Steve

    The care and education of the youngest children in the United States has become a critical public policy issue affecting millions of families. This guide closely examines the issues and tradeoffs in key child care policy decisions that face state legislators. The guide provides a discussion of state efforts to build supply, improve quality, and…

  18. Soil erosion and sediment control laws. A review of state laws and their natural resource data requirements

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Klein, S. B.

    1980-01-01

    Twenty states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands enacted erosion and sediment control legislation during the past decade to provide for the implementation or the strengthening of statewide erosion and sediment control plans for rural and/or urban lands. That legislation and the state programs developed to implement these laws are quoted and reviewed. The natural resource data requirements of each program are also extracted. The legislation includes amendments to conservation district laws, water quality laws, and erosion and sediment control laws. Laws which provides for legislative review of administrative regulations and LANDSAT applications and/or information systems that were involved in implementing or gathering data for a specific soil erosion and sediment control program are summarized as well as principal concerns affecting erosion and sediment control laws.

  19. Communicating Program Outcomes to Encourage Policymaker Support for Evidence-Based State Tobacco Control

    PubMed Central

    Schmidt, Allison M.; Ranney, Leah M.; Goldstein, Adam O.

    2014-01-01

    Tobacco use, the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., can be reduced through state-level tobacco prevention and cessation programs. In the absence of research about how to communicate the need for these programs to policymakers, this qualitative study aimed to understand the motivations and priorities of policymakers in North Carolina, a state that enacted a strong tobacco control program from 2003–2011, but drastically reduced funding in recent years. Six former legislators (three Democrats, three Republicans) and three lobbyists for health organizations were interviewed about their attitudes towards tobacco use, support of state-funded programs, and reactions to two policy briefs. Five themes emerged: (1) high awareness of tobacco-related health concerns but limited awareness of program impacts and funding, (2) the primacy of economic concerns in making policy decisions, (3) ideological differences in views of the state’s role in tobacco control, (4) the impact of lobbyist and constituent in-person appeals, and (5) the utility of concise, contextualized data. These findings suggest that building relationships with policymakers to communicate ongoing program outcomes, emphasizing economic data, and developing a constituent advocacy group would be valuable to encourage continued support of state tobacco control programs. PMID:25485977

  20. Survey Report: Legislation for Special Groups.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Martorana, S. V.; Broomall, James

    1981-01-01

    Summarizes the findings of an inquiry into 1980 state legislation affecting two-year colleges, focusing on administration and governance, academic affairs, defining and financing the community college mission, and future issues. Stresses the effects and importance of legislative policies and priorities on public education. (DMM)

  1. Legislating Change? Responses to Criminalizing Female Genital Cutting in Senegal

    PubMed Central

    Shell-Duncan, Bettina; Hernlund, Ylva; Wander, Katherine; Moreau, Amadou

    2014-01-01

    Although the international community has recently promoted legislation as an important reform strategy for ending female genital cutting (FGC), there exist divergent views on its potential effects. Supporters argue that legal prohibition of FGC has a general deterrent effect, while others argue legislation can be perceived as coercive, and derail local efforts to end the practice. This study examines the range of responses observed in rural Senegal, where a 1999 anti-FGC law was imposed on communities in which the practice was being actively contested and targeted for elimination. Drawing on data from a mixed-methods study, we analyze responses in relation to two leading theories on social regulation, the law and economics and law and society paradigms, which make divergent predictions on the interplay between social norms and legal norms. Among supporters of FGC, legal norms ran counter to social norms, and did little to deter the practice, and in some instances incited reactance or drove the practice underground. Conversely, where FGC was being contested, legislation served to strengthen the stance of those contemplating or favoring abandonment. We conclude that legislation can complement other reform strategies by creating an “enabling environment” that supports those who have or wish to abandon FGC. PMID:24771947

  2. A Decade of Progress toward Ending the Intensive Confinement of Farm Animals in the United States.

    PubMed

    Shields, Sara; Shapiro, Paul; Rowan, Andrew

    2017-05-15

    In this paper, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) farm animal protection work over the preceding decade is described from the perspective of the organization. Prior to 2002, there were few legal protections for animals on the farm, and in 2005, a new campaign at the HSUS began to advance state ballot initiatives throughout the country, with a decisive advancement in California (Proposition 2) that paved the way for further progress. Combining legislative work with undercover farm and slaughterhouse investigations, litigation and corporate engagement, the HSUS and fellow animal protection organizations have made substantial progress in transitioning the veal, pork and egg industries away from intensive confinement systems that keep the animals in cages and crates. Investigations have become an important tool for demonstrating widespread inhumane practices, building public support and convincing the retail sector to publish meaningful animal welfare policies. While federal legislation protecting animals on the farm stalled, there has been steady state-by-state progress, and this is complemented by major brands such as McDonald's and Walmart pledging to purchase only from suppliers using cage-free and crate-free animal housing systems. The evolution of societal expectations regarding animals has helped propel the recent wave of progress and may also be driven, in part, by the work of animal protection organizations.

  3. Legalman and Legal Clerk Study Guide. November 1994 Edition.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-11-01

    by the various legislative bodies such as Congress or state legislatures. 2. These laws come from the federal and state statutes and are commonly...to be the "official" set of books to report the laws or cases within the jurisdiction of the legislative body that enacted the statute. For example...or other legislative bodies, or administrative law. 3. "Secondary Authority" is not "the law" itself but instead is an explanation or description of

  4. 75 FR 52715 - Ashley Resource Advisory Committee

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-08-27

    ... requirements, brief participants on Payments to States legislative history, discuss the guidelines for Title II.... SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting is open to the public. The following business will be conducted: (1... to States legislative history and discussion of requirements related to Title II and Title III...

  5. 75 FR 51748 - Ashley Resource Advisory Committee

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-08-23

    ... requirements, brief participants on Payments to States legislative history, discuss the guidelines for Title II... through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting is open to the public. The following business will...; (3) review of Payments to States legislative history and discussion of requirements related to Title...

  6. School Consolidation Efforts in Mississippi

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Peters, Gary B.; Freeman, David

    2007-01-01

    Mississippi lawmakers have struggled with budgetary matters as turf wars intensified between political parties. The somber mood of legislators permeated the state. Hostile environments in both chambers had driven legislators to uncompromising positions, which created deadlock in the state capital. School consolidation, which not long ago was…

  7. Uses of research evidence among US state legislators who prioritize behavioral health issues

    PubMed Central

    Purtle, Jonathan; Dodson, Elizabeth A.; Brownson, Ross C.

    2016-01-01

    Objective Disseminating behavioral health (BH) research to legislators (i.e., elected policy makers) is widely acknowledged as a priority, but little is known about how research evidence is used and sought by this audience. The primary aim of this exploratory study was to identify the research dissemination preferences and research seeking practices of legislators who prioritize BH issues and describe the role research plays in determining their policy priorities. The secondary aim was to assess if these legislators differ from legislators who do not prioritize BH issues. Methods A telephone-based survey was conducted with 862 US state legislators (response rate 50%). A validated survey instrument was used to assess legislators’ priorities and the factors that determine them, research dissemination preferences, and research seeking practices. Bivariate analyses were conducted to characterize the study population and compare legislators who prioritized BH issues to legislators who did not. Results Legislators who prioritized BH issues were significantly more likely to identify research evidence as a factor that determined policy priorities than legislators who did not prioritize these issues (odds ratio=1.91, 95% CI=1.25–2.90, p=.002). Legislators who prioritized BH issues also attributed more importance to 10-of-12 features of disseminated research (e.g., research being unbiased [p=.014], research telling a story [p=.033]) and engaged in 8-of-11 research seeking and utilization practices (e.g., attending research presentations [p=.012]) more often. Conclusions Legislators who prioritize BH issues actively seek, have distinct preferences for, and are particularly influenced by research evidence. Testing legislator-focused BH research dissemination strategies is an area for future research. PMID:27364817

  8. Retrospectives on Factors Influencing Inclusive Opportunities for College Students with Extensive Support Needs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Orlando, Ann-Marie; Klinepeter, Elizabeth; Foster, Megan

    2016-01-01

    Current U.S. legislation calls for students with disabilities to be involved and make progress in general education curriculum. Despite the legislation, students with extensive support needs continue to be segregated from their peers and post-school outcomes remain dismal for this population of students. The purpose of this retrospective study was…

  9. 45 CFR 1226.9 - Exceptions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... draft, review, testify or make representations to a legislative body regarding a legislative measure upon request of the legislative body, a committee, or a member thereof, provided that: (1) The request... body. (2) The request states the type of representation or assistance requested and the issue to be...

  10. Learning to Lead: Online Learning Principals' and Counselors' Perceptions of a District's Virtual School Support Services and Desires for Professional Development

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Harrison Ross, Lisa

    2012-01-01

    The number of online learners in the United States at the K-12 level almost doubled in the two-year period from 2006 to 2008. However, research in this area is emergent at best. With the passage of legislation in 2010 requiring all school districts in Virginia to have a plan to provide online learning options for K-12 students, the need for…

  11. The Older Americans Act and the Rural Elderly. Hearing Before the Special Committee of Aging, United States Senate, Ninety-fourth Congress, First Session, April 28, 1975.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Senate Special Committee on Aging.

    Though amended in 1973, the Older Americans Act of 1965 has not met the needs of the rural elderly and was, consequently, the subject of these hearings by the Senate's Special Committee on Aging which consider proposed legislation under Title III of the Act to gain support for demonstration programs to assist older rural people and to improve the…

  12. A resolution congratulating the students, parents, teachers, and administrators of charter schools across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education, and supporting the ideals and goals of the 15th annual National Charter Schools Week, to be held May 4 through May 10, 2014.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Landrieu, Mary L. [D-LA

    2014-05-06

    Senate - 05/06/2014 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  13. Foreign Military Sales: A Growing Concern. Departments of State and Defense

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1976-06-01

    See p. 27.) --Implications of providing lo1.stical sup- port for de ~ense articles sold to foreign countries. (Seep. 28.) --Recovery of full cost ...items. we have taken exception to De - f~nse’s decision to exclude certain costs in its FMS pricing. ~ From November 1969 to December 1~75, we issued 10...Force readiness Follow-on support Recovering costs of sal~s Legislation to control growing arms sales \\ Opportunities identified by GAO for

  14. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the interment in national cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration of individuals who served in combat support of the Armed Forces in the Kingdom of Laos between February 28, 1961, and May 15, 1975, and for other purposes.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK

    2013-01-31

    Senate - 06/12/2013 Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 113-111. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  15. A resolution congratulating the students, parents, teachers, and administrators of charter schools across the United States for ongoing contributions to education and supporting the ideals and goals of the 11th annual National Charter Schools Week, to be held May 2 through May 8, 2010.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Sen. Landrieu, Mary L. [D-LA

    2010-05-05

    Senate - 05/05/2010 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  16. A resolution congratulating the students, parents, teachers, and administrators of charter schools across the United States for ongoing contributions to education, and supporting the ideals and goals of the 13th annual National Charter Schools Week, to be held May 6 through May 12, 2012.

    THOMAS, 112th Congress

    Sen. Landrieu, Mary L. [D-LA

    2012-05-08

    Senate - 05/08/2012 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  17. A resolution congratulating the students, parents, teachers, and administrators at charter schools across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education and supporting the ideas and goals of the 10th annual National Charter Schools Week, May 3 through May 9, 2009.

    THOMAS, 111th Congress

    Sen. Landrieu, Mary L. [D-LA

    2009-05-06

    Senate - 05/06/2009 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  18. Older teen attitudes toward birth control access in pharmacies: a qualitative study.

    PubMed

    Wilkinson, Tracey A; Miller, Courtney; Rafie, Samantha; Landau, Sharon Cohen; Rafie, Sally

    2018-03-01

    To examine adolescent attitudes toward accessing contraception through a new pharmacist prescribing model in the State of California. In-depth telephone interviews were conducted in summer 2015 with 30 females ages 18 to 19 in California. Participants were recruited using a social media advertisement. Semi-structured interviews utilized open-ended questions to understand teens' experiences with pharmacies, experiences obtaining contraception, and views on pharmacist prescribing of contraception. Responses were transcribed and qualitatively analyzed using an independent-coder method to identify salient themes. Participants were ethnically diverse and primarily living in suburban areas. All participants had completed high school and many had completed one year of college. Nearly all participants were supportive of California's new law allowing pharmacist prescribing of contraception. Thematic analyses revealed that while participants were satisfied with traditional service providers and valued those relationships, they appreciated the benefit of increased access and convenience of going directly to a pharmacy. Participants expected increased access to contraception in pharmacies would lead to both personal and societal benefits. They expressed concerns regarding parental involvement, as well as confidentiality in the pharmacy environment and with insurance disclosures. Older teens in California are very supportive of pharmacies and pharmacists as direct access points for contraception, but confidentiality concerns were noted. Policy makers and pharmacies can incorporate study findings when designing policies, services, and physical pharmacy spaces to better serve teens. Further research is warranted after pharmacies implement this new service to assess teen utilization and satisfaction as well as outcomes. Several states recently passed legislation enabling pharmacists to prescribe contraception and other states are considering similar legislation. Older teens are interested in this additional method of contraceptive access and understanding their perspectives can help guide implementation by states and in individual pharmacies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Nurses' Attitudes and Knowledge of Their Roles in Newborn Abandonment

    PubMed Central

    Cesario, Sandra K.

    2003-01-01

    The practice of abandoning newborns shortly after birth has always existed. Occurring in primitive and contemporary societies, the motivations for newborn abandonment are varied and dependent upon the social norms of a specific geographic region at a given point in time. Because the desire to abandon an infant has had no support system in American society, such unwanted infants have been abandoned in a manner leading to their deaths. In response, many states have passed safe-haven legislation to save the lives of unwanted newborns. The laws typically specify a mother's ability to “abandon” her child to a medical service provider. However, judgmental attitudes and a lack of accurate information may impede a health care provider's ability to carry out a safe-haven law. The study described here examines a sample of nurses in a state with a safe-haven law. The study revealed no significant correlation between a nurse's knowledge, attitude, and self-perception of preparedness to manage a newborn abandonment event. owever, the outcomes highlight the negative attitudes and lack of knowledge many nurses possess regarding newborn abandonment and the women who commit this act. Educational programs for all health care providers and the community are essential to the efficacy of the legislation that currently exists. Continued multidisciplinary strategizing and general awareness are needed to serve as catalysts to build supports for unwanted newborns and their safe assimilation into the community. PMID:17273338

  20. Strength and Comprehensiveness of School Wellness Policies in Southeastern US School Districts.

    PubMed

    Cox, Melissa J; Ennett, Susan T; Ringwalt, Christopher L; Hanley, Sean M; Bowling, James M

    2016-09-01

    In 2004, Congress passed legislation mandating that all public school districts participating in federal school meal programs develop a school wellness policy (SWP) to direct efforts related to nutrition and physical activity. We examined the extent to which SWPs varied in comprehensiveness and strength in a representative sample of school districts in the southeastern United States, the area of the country with the highest rates of childhood obesity. Policies were assessed using an established 96-item coding tool by 2 raters to ascertain the comprehensiveness and strength of the policies as a whole, and across distinct subsections specified by federal legislation. In addition, variability in SWP comprehensiveness and strength was assessed based on district sociodemographic characteristics. Overall, SWPs in the southeastern states are weakly written, fragmented, and lack requirements necessary for healthy school environments. District size, which was the only sociodemographic factor related to policy characteristics, yielded an inverse association. To encourage continued promotion of healthy school environments, school districts will require technical support to improve the quality of their school wellness policies. © 2016, American School Health Association.

  1. Tribal and state taxation of natural resources on Indian reservations

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Whiteing, J.S.

    1993-12-31

    Development of natural resources, including primarily energy resources, on Indian reservations has been significantly hampered by dual taxation - by tribes and states. The focus of tribes, states and industry has turnbed to potential legislative and other possible solutions. Discussed in the article are the following topics: Tribal taxation: tribal members, nonmembers on trust lands, nonmembers on fee lands; State taxation - Indian property, nonmembers; Alternatives to dual taxation - litigation, state-tribal cooperative agreements, new agreements for development, legislation.

  2. Fact Book on the Board of Regents 1982 Legislative Program for Libraries.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    New York State Library, Albany.

    This fact book summarizes the improvement in library systems and library services in New York State as a result of action taken by the state legislature in 1981, and outlines in detail the 1982 legislative proposals of the New York State Board of Regents for the further development of New York libraries. These proposals encompass the following…

  3. Exploring Campus Response to State Mandated Change: A Case Study of the Implementation of Legislation Allowing Guns on Campus

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grantham, Ashley Erin

    2016-01-01

    This case study examines the implementation of a state legislative mandate to allow guns on campus at a public higher education institution in the southeastern United States. This study explores the process that one campus underwent to implement an externally mandated change. Additionally, this study examined whether Newcombe and Conrad's (1981)…

  4. Class Size: What Research Says and What It Means for State Policy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Whitehurst, Grover J.; Chingos, Matthew M.

    2011-01-01

    Class size is one of the small number of variables in American K-12 education that are both thought to influence student learning and are subject to legislative action. Legislative mandates on maximum class size have been very popular at the state level. In recent decades, at least 24 states have mandated or incentivized class-size reduction…

  5. Financing family planning services: is categorical legislation still needed?

    PubMed

    Mcfarlane, D R; Meier, K J

    1991-01-01

    Federal and state funds have provided for family planning services in American since the 1960s. Since 1976, services have been funded principally through federal statutes Title X of the Public Health Service Act and Titles V, XIX, and XX of the Social Security Act as well as various state appropriations. While these statutes aim to ensure that women of lower socioeconomic status enjoy access to reproductive health care services, levels of public expenditure in this area vary widely among states. In 1987, public family planning expenditures/woman at risk ranged from $60.16 in Wisconsin to $9.41 in Florida. Within this range of expenditures, the relative importance of each funding source per state varies widely. States with the most robust Title XIX programs, Medicaid, however, have highest per woman family planning expenditures. Upon reviewing the complement of public funding sources and how they are spent at the state level, the authors argue that categorical legislation is still needed to protect access to contraceptive services in America. In particular, of funds from supporting statues, Medicaid is distributed most equitable across the country. These funds paid for 36% of all public outlays for family planning in 1987. Without categorical legislation, however, Medicaid is insufficient to maintain the national family planning effort; the 1987 contribution of $10.49/woman at risk of unwanted pregnancy was insufficient to provide minimum services. Title X requires grantees to follow regulations which ensure state uniformity of quality and service distribution; submission of annual 5-year plans to Congress on how family planning goals will be achieved; and also authorizes monies for training and research. Despite political attacks, family planning funding must remain separate from maternal and child health programs. Such independence will keep these services politically visible; allow use of the more extensive family planning delivery system; catalyze states to spend other monies on family planning; and fuel innovations in service delivery, client education, and new contraceptive technologies. Title X should even be reauthorized under more precise mandates and include a national data collection system, consideration of the shortage of clinicians, and codification of 1981 guidelines reversed by the gag rule.

  6. A bill to prohibit the use of drones to kill citizens of the United States within the United States.

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX

    2013-03-07

    Senate - 03/11/2013 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 22. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  7. Rights to Equality for Disabled Persons under Federal and State Law

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stapleton, Margaret

    1976-01-01

    Legislation has mandated equal opportunity in American society for persons with handicaps, creating mechanisms for ending discrimination against them. Access to education, employment, public transportation vehicles and other facilities, and community living situations is specifically guaranteed in federal legislation. State statutes and municipal…

  8. Future Tuition Tax Credit Legislation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wood, R. Craig

    1983-01-01

    Analyzing the United States Supreme Court decision in "Mueller v. Allen" declaring that certain forms of tuition tax credit are not unconstitutional, the author points out that school administrators should monitor legislative activities and be active in state policymaking or the future may hold larger tax credits and direct financial…

  9. Social-Ecological Resilience and Sustainable Commons Management Paradigms in State Comprehensive Water Planning Legislation: Are We Adapting or Maintaining the Status Quo?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dyckman, C.

    2016-12-01

    Water shortage has been increasing throughout the country, as record drought grips the western states and several southeastern states have sued adjoining states over shared water resources. State water planning can avert or lessen conflicts by balancing sectoral needs and legal priority within their own states. The state comprehensive water planning laws dictate the state water plan's process, coverage, and content, and the extent to which they codify the allocation status quo. The plans can contain the latest resource management paradigms that respond to climate change uncertainty; namely, sustainable commons management (SCM) and social-ecological resilience (SER). Building on the work of Pahl-Wostl (2009), Ostrom and Cox (2010), Agrawal (2003), and Walker and Salt (2012), who have advocated for and empirically researched the presence of sustainable SCM and SER processes in water management, I surveyed all 50 states to determine which states had comprehensive water planning legislation. Of those 26, I evaluated their legislative content using an augmented coercive versus cooperative analysis metric (May, 1993; Berke and French, 1994) that includes codifiable SCM and SER measures. I found that the majority of the states' legislation did not contain the SER and SCM measures; they also lack integral comprehensive water planning measures (i.e., conjoined surface and groundwater planning, instream flow protection, critical area planning, and water conservation practices) (Dyckman, forthcoming). There is a statistically significant and inverse relationship between the indices within the metric, affirming that the greater the legislation's coerciveness, the lower its adaptive capacity and its water planning comprehensiveness (Ostrom, 2010; Pendall, 2001). Planners in states with more SER and SCM measures in their state water planning statutes are more likely to have autonomy and ability to respond to localized water needs, with more comprehensive water planning tools.

  10. Current Legal I-O Issues.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ofsanko, Frank

    This report focuses on a myriad of national, state, and local laws, regulations and court decisions which govern the everyday work of industrial and organizational psychologists. Legislation already in effect and legislation still pending are discussed. Citing relevant legislation and court decisions throughout the text, the paper addresses such…

  11. The influence of newspaper coverage and a media campaign on smokers’ support for smoke-free bars and restaurants and on second-hand smoke harm awareness. Findings from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Netherlands Survey

    PubMed Central

    Nagelhout, Gera E.; van den Putte, Bas; de Vries, Hein; Crone, Matty; Fong, Geoffrey T.; Willemsen, Marc C.

    2015-01-01

    Objective To assess the influence of newspaper coverage and a media campaign about Dutch smoke-free legislation on smokers’ support for smoke-free bars and restaurants and on second-hand smoke (SHS) harm awareness. Design and main outcome measures A content analysis was conducted of 1,041 newspaper articles on the smoke-free legislation published in six Dutch newspapers from March 2008 until April 2009. Smokers who were regular readers of at least one of these newspapers (n = 677) were selected from the pre- and post-ban waves of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Netherlands Survey. Exposure to newspaper coverage and to the implementation campaign were correlated with changes in smokers’ support for smoke-free bars and restaurants and SHS harm awareness. Results Most newspaper coverage was found to be negative towards the smoking ban (57%) and focused on economic aspects (59%) rather than health aspects (22%). Exposure to this coverage had a small but significantly negative effect on support for smoke-free bars and restaurants (Beta = −0.09, p = 0.013). Among higher educated smokers, exposure to positive newspaper coverage had a more positive effect on support for smoke-free bars and restaurants. In addition, exposure to the implementation campaign had a small but significantly positive effect on SHS harm awareness (Beta = 0.11, p = 0.001). Conclusions Media attention about smoke-free legislation can influence smokers’ support for the legislation and SHS harm awareness. Tobacco control advocates should aim to establish positive media attention that puts forward the health arguments for the legislation. PMID:21586760

  12. Building on the Foundations of Part C Legislation: Beginning the Conversation for Reauthorization

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cole, Patricia; Oser, Cindy; Walsh, Sharon

    2011-01-01

    Just as the early years of a child's development create the architecture for future brain growth, early implementation of federal Part C legislation laid the groundwork for a system of supports for families of infants and toddlers with disabilities. Some aspects of the current legislation provide a sturdy foundation for sound policies and…

  13. Mismatches between Legislative Policy and School Practice in Religious Education: The Scottish Case

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Matemba, Yonah H.

    2015-01-01

    Religious education (RE) is arguably one of the most legislated curriculum areas anywhere in the world, and yet in countries where legislation and educational policy exist to support its provision, how schools implement the subject in practice has not received much attention in the discourse. This article attempts to address this lacuna by…

  14. The Self-Reported Effectiveness of New Mexico School Social Workers: A Call for Accountability

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Whittlesey-Jerome, Wanda K.

    2010-01-01

    Recent proposed legislation to change the public school funding formula has not taken the social work profession into account. There has been a lack of participation from professional associations in creating this legislation--critical legislation that enables school districts to determine what ancillary school support staff they will or will not…

  15. Encouraging Female Scientists to Run for Office in 2012

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Landau, Elizabeth

    2010-11-01

    In 2012, there will be the first major election in the United States following a redrawing of congressional and state legislative districts based on the 2010 census results. This modification of electoral district boundaries likely will open new legislative seats and change voting demographics of districts, creating an opportunity for new candidates running for local and federal office. In the current session of Congress, just 17% of members are women, and just 24% of state legislators nationwide are women. At the 2010 AGU Fall Meeting the AGU public affairs department and The 2012 Project will present a panel discussion with female scientists who are serving or have served in elected office. The 2012 Project is a national, nonpartisan campaign to increase the number of women in legislative office by identifying and engaging accomplished women 45 years and older from underrepresented fields and industries, including the sciences.

  16. The status of statewide burn prevention legislation.

    PubMed

    Hammond, J

    1993-01-01

    Successful programs in injury prevention can focus on changing an individual's attitude and behavior or on creating and amending the environment to reduce the likelihood of injury. To investigate the latter approach as it pertains to burn prevention, the American Burn Association Burn Prevention Committee catalogued statewide legislation (as opposted to county or municipal ordinances) in major areas of burn and fire prevention. Burn reporting was generally viewed by state fire marshals as a means to apprehend arsonists or investigate child abuse, as opposed to collect demographic data for injury prevention. Smoke detectors are mandated in new residential construction by the majority of states; however, one in six still leave this to local initiatives. Sprinkler systems have generally not been addressed by state legislation. The committee concludes that pursuing statewide legislative agendas as an area of burn and injury prevention is open to further initiatives.

  17. Ready or not? School preparedness for California's new personal beliefs exemption law.

    PubMed

    Wheeler, Marissa; Buttenheim, Alison M

    2014-05-07

    This paper describes elementary school officials' awareness of and preparedness for the implementation of California's new exemption law that went into effect on January 1, 2014. The new law prescribes stricter requirements for claiming a personal beliefs exemption from mandated school-entry immunizations. We used cross-sectional data collected from a stratified random sample of 315 schools with low, middle, and high rates of personal beliefs exemptions. We described schools' awareness and specific knowledge of the new legislation and tested for differences across school types. We additionally tested for associations between outcome variables and school and respondent characteristics using ordered logit and negative binomial regression. Finally, we described schools' plans and needs for implementing the new legislation. Elementary school staff reported an overall low level of awareness and knowledge about the new legislation and could identify few of its features. We observed, however, that across the exemption-level strata, respondents from high-PBE schools reported significantly higher awareness, knowledge and feature identification compared to respondents from low-PBE schools. Multivariate analyses revealed only one significant association with awareness, knowledge and identification: respondent role. Support staff roles were associated with lower odds of having high self-rated awareness or knowledge compared to health workers, as well as with a reduced log count of features identified. Though most school officials were able to identify a communication plan, schools were still in need of resources and support for successful implementation, in particular, the need for information on the new law. Schools need additional information and support from state and local agencies in order to successfully implement and enforce California's new school immunization law. In particular, our results suggest the need to ensure information on the new law reaches all levels of school staff. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Syria Transition Support Act of 2013

    THOMAS, 113th Congress

    Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ

    2013-05-15

    Senate - 07/24/2013 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 147. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  19. Sick of inequality: gender and support for paid sick days.

    PubMed

    Lindemann, Danielle J; Houser, Linda; White, Karen

    2015-01-01

    The availability of paid sick days (PSD) is on the forefront of policy issues relating to women's health and well-being. Previous research regarding PSD and other forms of family-work balance legislation has linked access to paid time off from work for addressing one's own or another's health concerns to a range of health benefits for working women and their families. In general, public support for such policies is high, but little work has tested the extent to which support extends to PSD. Researchers have yet to engage in a rigorous statistical analysis of public opinion on PSD, including whether opinion varies by gender. Using data from a 2013 poll of adults in New Jersey (n = 925), we bridged this research gap by conducting the first multivariate analysis of public attitudes toward PSD. As expected, we found markedly high levels of support for PSD across all respondents, with a preponderance of most sociodemographic categories supporting proposed PSD legislation in New Jersey. We also found that gender was a strong predictor of support for PSD, with women significantly (odds ratio, 1.916; p ≤ .01) more likely than men to be in favor of such legislation. We discuss the implications of our findings for future work on PSD as well as for research concerning women, wellness, and work-life legislation more broadly. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  20. An analysis of the Illinois Retail Rate Law and the Cook County waste-to-energy siting battles, 1987--2001

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sendzik, Mark Edward

    2002-01-01

    The analysis explores the environmental justice impacts of the 1998 Illinois Retail Rate Law and Cook County waste-to-energy siting proposals on the Chicago metropolitan area. Particular attention is given to the dynamics of the grassroots environmental organizations which emerged to fight the siting proposals. The organizations are examined in the context of NIMBYism, the antitoxic movement, the environmental justice movement, and mainstream environmentalism. In addition, the underlying causes for the unintended consequences of the Retail Rate Law are analyzed against the backdrop of market and government failure. Face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted with forty-one persons familiar with the battles over the Cook County siting proposals and the efforts to repeal the Retail Rate Law. The term "environmental justice" became controversial as siting opponents and supporters both appropriated the issue to support dueling positions on the proposed sitings. However, environmental justice did not play an instrumental role in repealing the Retail Rate Law or the siting proposals. Economic concerns led to the repeal of the legislation and demise of the original siting proposals. The circumstances of the siting battles and opposition groups raise questions about the future effectiveness of the environmental justice movement. A combination of market and government failure led to the unintended consequences from the retail Rate Law. Strategic maneuvering by state legislative leaders delayed the repeal of the legislation by several years. The resulting delay placed considerable cost on individuals, communities, corporations, and the State of Illinois. A bivariate analysis was conducted to examine whether the distribution patterns of ground level concentrations from the proposed facilities would have had a disproportionate distribution in lower-income and minority populations in the Chicago metropolitan area. The statistical analysis did discover evidence that ground level concentrations from the proposed Cook County facilities would have had a disproportionate distribution in poor and minority communities. The exposure level from only one pollutant examined in the analysis would have exceeded health benchmark standards. However, the evidence supports the need for cumulative impact analyses to determine a more through impact of projects in some circumstances.

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