Photo credit: iStock.com/hxdbzxy Rates of childhood obesity in the U.S. have soared in the past few years, with an alarming 19.7% of children classified as “obese” or “morbidly obese” in 2020. As children’s physical and psychological health suffers from this issue, now deemed a public health concern, State Legislatures are beginning to take action. Several [...]
In this week's State of the States, we explore pivotal developments across the U.S., from New Jersey’s tax increases to ensure a $6 billion surplus, to Pennsylvania’s ongoing budget delays, and Alabama’s move to ban hemp-derived THC. These critical state-level actions are shaping budgets, public services, and emerging industries as the new fiscal year begins. [...]
Photo credit: iStock.com/Urupong Since our last update on social media regulation for minors, the conversation around protecting young users online has intensified, with states across the U.S. advancing bold legislative measures in 2025. From Nevada’s push to restrict addictive features like infinite scrolling to Vermont’s robust data privacy protections, lawmakers are addressing the growing concerns [...]
Photo credit: iStock.com/demerzel21 Previously, DMGS covered efforts to restrict hazing on college campuses. Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate, which often takes many forms. Hazing deaths and injuries remain a prevalent issue on many college [...]
Photo credit: iStock.com/Motortion In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization overruled a federal constitutional guarantee of freedom to abortion. Since then, legislation concerning reproductive healthcare—including access to contraception, testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and breast, cervical, and testicular cancer screenings—has garnered renewed attention throughout the United [...]
As states continue to address pressing issues, legislatures have made significant strides this week on a variety of topics. From Alabama’s renewed efforts to regulate library content to California’s push for undocumented immigrant homeownership, state lawmakers are tackling both controversial and essential matters. Significant actions include Alaska’s focus on veteran support, mental health funding initiatives [...]
Photo credit: iStock.com/runna10 Every year in the United States, a growing number of teachers leave their positions. While there are multiple reasons for this alarming trend, many teachers point to inadequate compensation as a significant factor. Other contributing issues include being overworked and navigating complex politics within school administrations and boards. However, the insufficient pay [...]
Welcome to the latest edition of the DMGS Weekly State of the States. This week, state lawmakers cultivated plans to address medical debt, funding shortages, voter initiatives, and other relevant topics. Join us as we explore the various state actions having major impacts across the nation. Alabama Alabama lawmakers have pre-filed bills to ban gun [...]
Photo credit: iStock.com/Francesco Scatena Recent trends across the country have seen several states introducing bills to ban certain chemicals, particularly perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in consumer products. According to the EPA, PFAS are persistent chemicals that degrade very slowly (forever chemicals), leading to their widespread presence in the blood of humans and animals, various [...]
Photo credit: iStock.com/JoyImage In the lead-up to the 2024 election, while many Americans focus on who the next U.S. president will be, another significant issue is on the ballot in several states. Nevada, Oregon, Alaska, and Missouri voters will decide whether to adopt or reject ranked-choice voting (RCV), a topic we’ve previously covered. Proponents argue [...]
Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.
© All rights reserved. • Duane Morris Government Strategies
Stay In Touch