States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Restores Blair County Children, Youth, and Families' Full License After Two Years of Successful Collaboration and Enhanced Technical Assistance
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 16 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services issued the following news on April 15, 2026:
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Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Restores Blair County Children, Youth, and Families' Full License After Two Years of Successful Collaboration and Enhanced Technical Assistance
License restoration follows two years of successful monitoring and enhanced technical assistance to support child welfare workforce on behalf of children and families in Blair County
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The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) today announced that it has restored
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 16 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services issued the following news on April 15, 2026:
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Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Restores Blair County Children, Youth, and Families' Full License After Two Years of Successful Collaboration and Enhanced Technical Assistance
License restoration follows two years of successful monitoring and enhanced technical assistance to support child welfare workforce on behalf of children and families in Blair County
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The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) today announced that it has restoredBlair County Children, Youth and Families' (BCCYF) full license to operate, recognizing the progress and necessary improvements that Blair County leadership has made to BCCYF's operations since its license was revoked in May 2024.
"Child welfare and family supports are an essential function of county government in Pennsylvania, and PA DHS and the Blair County Commissioners have worked closely to protect and support the children and families of Blair County. The Commissioners have demonstrated strong leadership and commitment in addressing challenges and driving improvement within BCCYF," said PA DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. "We are encouraged by BCCYF's progress and the measurable gains it has made toward achieving operational compliance, and this full license underscores the agency's stability. PA DHS remains committed to supporting BCCYF as it continues this important work."
Since the revocation of its license in May 2024, BCCYF has operated under a provisional license and a PA DHS-supervised settlement agreement, which required the county to make structural improvements and have a continuous quality assurance program for essential functions and decisions. During this time, PA DHS, through its Office of Children, Youth and Families' (OCYF) Central Region, provided intensive on-site support to help BCCYF strengthen its operations and make measurable progress children and families, including daily on-site support and the appointment of an operations manager who worked out of BCCYF's office alongside the county staff. With the issuance of a full license, the settlement agreement remains in effect through the end of May 2026.
With OCYF's assistance, BCCYF has strengthened its child abuse investigation processes and timeliness, implemented improved casework and management practices, and made meaningful progress in staff recruitment, training, and retention. BCCYF has also improved in other key areas, including child safety and risk assessments, child welfare case documentation, family service planning, and supervisory oversight; demonstrating a sustained commitment to meeting state requirements and strengthening outcomes for children and families.
BCCYF's regular license remains subject to OCYF licensing inspections as well as unannounced monitoring visits.
How PA DHS Oversees County Children and Youth Agencies
Pennsylvania has a state-supervised, county-administered child welfare system. The county-administered system means that child welfare services are organized, managed, and delivered by 67 County Children and Youth Agencies (CCYAs), with staff in these agencies hired as county employees. PA DHS' OCYF licenses CCYAs to provide essential child welfare operations, which include investigations of potential abuse and neglect, foster care coordination and monitoring, case management services, and other supportive services.
When a county is unable to or inadequately supports these operations or is non-compliant with laws like the Child Protective Services Law, OCYF issues a six-month provisional license that requires the county to submit a plan of correction, which OCYF then monitors to ensure the plan is followed.
Under the Shapiro Administration, PA DHS has prioritized stronger collaboration with county children and youth agencies and has offered an unprecedented level of direct support and technical assistance from OCYF to county agencies to stabilize operations and strengthen capacity across the Commonwealth's child welfare system.
Continued Budget Investments to Support County Children and Youth Agencies
The Shapiro Administration recognizes the pressures facing child welfare across Pennsylvania, which is why Governor Shapiro's goal is to better support families before challenges escalate and to reduce unnecessary involvement in the child welfare system. To this end, Governor Shapiro's proposed 2026-27 budget includes funding for 20 additional positions at ChildLine.
ChildLine is a 24/7 hotline for individuals who suspect child abuse to contact by calling 1-800-932-0313. When someone calls ChildLine, they are connected with caseworkers who are trained to collect all helpful information from anyone reporting concern for a child's safety. The caseworkers then transmit these reports to the appropriate investigating agencies for review, assessment and follow-up, if necessary.
Recruiting, training, and retaining ChildLine workers who serve and protect Pennsylvania's children has been a challenge because of the 24/7/365 operation. This budget proposal recognizes these challenges and proposes to add 15 additional ChildLine call-takers and 5 supervisory staff, including trainers. Expanding ChildLine capacity will help ensure that reports are triaged more effectively and alleviate strain on CCYAs by connecting families to the right supports at the right time, whether within child welfare or through other community systems.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/newsroom/pa-dhs-restores-blair-county-children--youth--and-families--full
Pa. State Sen. Pennycuick Announces Legislation to Require Licensure for Drug and Alcohol Recovery Residences
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 16 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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Pennycuick Announces Legislation to Require Licensure for Drug and Alcohol Recovery Residences
Today, Senator Tracy Pennycuick (R-24th) announced she is introducing legislation to require all currently established drug and alcohol recovery residences in the Commonwealth to obtain licensure within three years.
Act 59 of 2017 gave the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) the ability to create a licensure program only for recovery residences that receive
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 16 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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Pennycuick Announces Legislation to Require Licensure for Drug and Alcohol Recovery Residences
Today, Senator Tracy Pennycuick (R-24th) announced she is introducing legislation to require all currently established drug and alcohol recovery residences in the Commonwealth to obtain licensure within three years.
Act 59 of 2017 gave the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) the ability to create a licensure program only for recovery residences that receivestate or federal funding or referrals from state agencies. While the optional licensure program is effective for those required to be licensed, thousands of recovery residences are left without any credential, leaving room for bad actors to take advantage of people in their most vulnerable states seeking recovery. Additionally, without a clear understanding of where these facilities are operating, who they are serving, and how they are functioning, we risk leaving significant gaps in oversight and coordination within our public health system.
In the 24th Senatorial District, the Borough of Pottstown, for example, struggles with an unusually high number of homes for recovering addicts and alcoholics - more than all the rest of Montgomery County combined. Pennycuick's legislation would ensure recovery homes are licensed and following guidelines established by the state.
"By requiring all recovery residences to be licensed, we can ensure greater transparency and accountability, and protect those individuals who are residing there", said Pennycuick. "Further, it provides time to these recovery houses to meet Department standards required for licensure. By building a more accurate picture of substance abuse recovery residences across Pennsylvania, we can ensure that individuals are receiving care in a safe, high-quality environment."
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Original text here: https://www.pasenategop.com/news/pennycuick-announces-legislation-to-require-licensure-for-drug-and-alcohol-recovery-residences/
New Hampshire Will Ensure Timely Restitution Payments for Crime Victims
CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 16 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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New Hampshire Will Ensure Timely Restitution Payments for Crime Victims
The State of New Hampshire will invest in a new system to ensure timely restitution payments for crime victims following approval by the Governor and Executive Council today.
The Governor's Office and the New Hampshire Department of Corrections (NHDOC) worked to deliver this solution following an issue with the State's previous payment system that temporarily disrupted restitution payments.
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 16 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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New Hampshire Will Ensure Timely Restitution Payments for Crime Victims
The State of New Hampshire will invest in a new system to ensure timely restitution payments for crime victims following approval by the Governor and Executive Council today.
The Governor's Office and the New Hampshire Department of Corrections (NHDOC) worked to deliver this solution following an issue with the State's previous payment system that temporarily disrupted restitution payments.
"New Hampshire is the safest state in the nation because we protect victims of crime and hold offenders accountable, and we have an obligation to ensure timely restitution payments for those who have been harmed," said Governor Ayotte. "Commissioner Hart and his team at the Department of Corrections worked tirelessly to identify a solution that would make the system more efficient, transparent, and accountable. I thank the Executive Council for approving this contract today. Together, we are bringing more justice and peace of mind to victims."
NHDOC manages approximately 13,000 restitution cases involving more than 21,000 victims, with over $2.6 million in court-ordered payments collected annually.
"The contract the Council approved today provides a much-needed system upgrade to ensure that the more than 21,000 victims receiving restitution payments get the timely service they deserve," said Executive Councilor Janet Stevens. "I thank Commissioner Hart and his team for the time and effort devoted to resolving this matter. I'm committed to working with Governor Ayotte, my fellow Councilors, leadership at NHDOC, and all our state public safety officials to protect victims. We must hold those responsible for making restitution payments accountable and ensure we meet our restitution obligations outlined in the law. Presently, 60 percent of those required to make restitution payments have not done so within 60 days. This is unacceptable."
The agreement has a total value not to exceed $600,000 and is funded at no cost to New Hampshire taxpayers. NHDOC will use revenue from its 15% administrative surcharge for offenders paying restitution to fund the new system.
"Restitution is about more than just a financial obligation, it's about accountability and justice for victims," said NHDOC Commissioner William Hart. "We know the delays over the past year have been frustrating and have had a real impact on people's lives. This new system will help make the process more reliable and transparent. Victims deserve that, and it's something we are committed to getting right."
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About the Contract:
Under the approved agreement, FieldWare LLC will implement a comprehensive, turnkey solution to replace the disrupted process. The system will enable payment collection through multiple channels, automate outreach to offenders, provide real-time compliance notifications, and ensure direct, timely disbursement of funds to victims. The platform is designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability across the restitution process.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/new-hampshire-will-ensure-timely-restitution-payments-crime-victims
N.C. Public Safety Dept.: Hayes Named Director at C.A. Dillon Juvenile Detention Center
RALEIGH, North Carolina, April 16 -- The North Carolina Department of Public Safety issued the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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Hayes Named Director at C.A. Dillon Juvenile Detention Center
The North Carolina Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention has named Jeffrey Hayes as director of C.A. Dillon Juvenile Detention Center in Butner.
Hayes has served in multiple roles in North Carolina's juvenile detention and youth development centers since 1997. Hayes worked as a facility supervisor and acting director at Umstead Juvenile Detention Center before serving as
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, April 16 -- The North Carolina Department of Public Safety issued the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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Hayes Named Director at C.A. Dillon Juvenile Detention Center
The North Carolina Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention has named Jeffrey Hayes as director of C.A. Dillon Juvenile Detention Center in Butner.
Hayes has served in multiple roles in North Carolina's juvenile detention and youth development centers since 1997. Hayes worked as a facility supervisor and acting director at Umstead Juvenile Detention Center before serving asa unit administrator at Dillon Youth Development Center, and later a youth counselor supervisor at Edgecombe Youth Development Center. Most recently, Hayes has served as the assistant director and then interim director at C.A. Dillon Juvenile Detention Center.
A native of Warren County, Hayes holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from North Carolina Central University. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family.
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Original text here: https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2026/04/15/hayes-named-director-ca-dillon-juvenile-detention-center
MassDEP Issues Fine for Waste Site Cleanup Violations in Leicester
BOSTON, Massachusetts, April 16 -- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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MassDEP Issues Fine for Waste Site Cleanup Violations in Leicester
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued a $7,875 penalty to 21-69 Main Street, LLC, for violating the oil and hazardous material spill cleanup regulations at its property located at 21-69 Main Street in Leicester.
The property is a former fabric and leather manufacturing mill site where a cleanup of historic oil and hazardous material releases
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, April 16 -- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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MassDEP Issues Fine for Waste Site Cleanup Violations in Leicester
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued a $7,875 penalty to 21-69 Main Street, LLC, for violating the oil and hazardous material spill cleanup regulations at its property located at 21-69 Main Street in Leicester.
The property is a former fabric and leather manufacturing mill site where a cleanup of historic oil and hazardous material releaseswas completed in 2013. A portion of the property is subject to a Notice of Activity and Use Limitation (AUL), which restricts certain property uses and imposes maintenance obligations due to residual contamination. The company purchased the property in 2023 but failed to incorporate the AUL in the deed and to provide a copy of the deed to MassDEP as required.
In January 2025, MassDEP inspected the property and discovered the company had performed excavation work and created piles of contaminated soil at the site. The company did not consult with a Licensed Site Professional, submit a plan for the work to MassDEP, notify MassDEP of a change in the activity and exposure at the site, or provide a health and safety plan for workers, all of which are requirements of the AUL. Additionally, the company was improperly storing contaminated soil and had not promptly removed and disposed of the soil piles.
"Activity and Use Limitations provide necessary safeguards to ensure remaining contamination does not compromise public health or the environment," said Andrea Briggs, acting director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester. "Property owners who fail to follow these requirements may expose the public to avoidable risks, which will result in additional costs, including possible fines."
In addition to the penalty, MassDEP's consent order directs the company to remove and properly dispose of contaminated soil piles at the site.
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Original text here: https://www.mass.gov/news/massdep-issues-fine-for-waste-site-cleanup-violations-in-leicester
Maine State Sen. Tipping Applauds Inclusion of Retirement Funding for Community Crisis Workers in Supplemental Budget Passed by Legislature, Signed by Governor
AUGUSTA, Maine, April 16 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Mike Tipping, D-Orono:
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Sen. Tipping applauds inclusion of retirement funding for community crisis workers in supplemental budget passed by Legislature, signed by Governor
Sen. Mike Tipping, D-Orono, applauds the inclusion of funding for adding community crisis workers to Maine's Public Employees Retirement System Special Plan in the supplemental budget passed by the Maine Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills last week.
"For years, we have tried to allow state mental
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AUGUSTA, Maine, April 16 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Mike Tipping, D-Orono:
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Sen. Tipping applauds inclusion of retirement funding for community crisis workers in supplemental budget passed by Legislature, signed by Governor
Sen. Mike Tipping, D-Orono, applauds the inclusion of funding for adding community crisis workers to Maine's Public Employees Retirement System Special Plan in the supplemental budget passed by the Maine Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills last week.
"For years, we have tried to allow state mentalhealth workers who do difficult -- and sometimes dangerous -- work to retire with dignity at a reasonable age," said Sen. Tipping. "Last year, what we passed and got funded covered some institutional workers, but not those who do the important and dangerous work of community response. This funding covers these workers who shared heartbreaking testimony."
The supplemental budget allows Maine's Public Employees Retirement System Special Plan to include workers who provide crisis outreach and crisis services to adults with developmental disabilities or intellectual disabilities in a community-based or residential setting, recognizing the high-risk, emotionally demanding nature of their work. This change helps workers retire with dignity while strengthening recruitment and retention in a critical behavioral health workforce that supports Maine people.
As the Senate chair of the Legislature's Labor Committee, Sen. Tipping sponsored the original bill, LD 2067, "An Act to Include Community Mental Health Workers Under the 1998 Special Plan for Retirement." Last year's budget included provisions from another bill Sen. Tipping sponsored, LD 579, "An Act to Include Certain Mental Health Workers Under the 1998 Special Plan for Retirement," which extended retirement benefits to some workers at Dorothea Dix and Riverview -- but not the community response workers. LD 2067 sought to include these remaining workers, and the funding in the budget accomplishes this goal.
The 2026 supplemental budget delivers for working families, prioritizing stability and responsibility through a targeted tax increase on those earning more than $1M per year, allowing the state to respond to real pressures facing Maine people -- from rising housing and energy costs, to child care access and health care, while maintaining discipline around ongoing spending and preparing for continued economic uncertainty. It will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.
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Original text here: https://www.mainesenate.org/sen-tipping-applauds-inclusion-of-retirement-funding-for-community-crisis-workers-in-supplemental-budget-passed-by-legislature-signed-by-governor/
Arizona State Senate Republicans: Bill Expanding Death Benefits for Arizona First Responders Passes Legislature
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 16 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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Bill Expanding Death Benefits for Arizona First Responders Passes Legislature
When a first responder is killed in the line of duty, their family shouldn't be left fighting for benefits. The Arizona Senate is taking action to fix that, passing SB 1503 to strengthen financial support for more families of fallen heroes.
The measure, sponsored by Republican Senator David Gowan, now heads to the Governor's desk for signature.
Under current law, gaps in the definition
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PHOENIX, Arizona, April 16 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on April 15, 2026:
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Bill Expanding Death Benefits for Arizona First Responders Passes Legislature
When a first responder is killed in the line of duty, their family shouldn't be left fighting for benefits. The Arizona Senate is taking action to fix that, passing SB 1503 to strengthen financial support for more families of fallen heroes.
The measure, sponsored by Republican Senator David Gowan, now heads to the Governor's desk for signature.
Under current law, gaps in the definitionof "first responder" have left certain individuals unprotected -- including state correctional officers, Arizona National Guard members on state active duty, and law enforcement pilots. These men and women face dangerous situations every day, yet their families could be denied the $250,000 state death benefit simply because of how the law was written. SB 1503 addresses this issue.
The bill expands the definition of "first responder" under A.R.S. Sec. 38-1171 to include these groups, ensuring their surviving spouses and dependents qualify for the one-time benefit. It also clarifies that "killed in the line of duty" includes deaths caused by another person's criminal act while performing official duties.
Senator Gowan has long championed stronger support for first responder families. In 2023, he sponsored the legislation that placed Proposition 311 on the 2024 ballot, where Arizona voters overwhelmingly approved the $250,000 state death benefit funded by criminal conviction fees. SB 1503 builds directly on that voter-backed foundation by closing remaining gaps in eligibility.
The urgency of this bill is underscored by the recent death of Arizona Department of Public Safety pilot Robert Skankey, who was killed in the line of duty on February 4 when his helicopter crashed while responding to a police shootout in Flagstaff. Skankey's family has been unable to access the state death benefit--a situation this legislation directly remedies.
"These are Arizonans who show up in the hardest moments -- guarding prisons, responding to emergencies under state orders, and supporting law enforcement from the air. When the worst happens, their families should not be left navigating red tape or facing financial uncertainty," said Senator Gowan. "SB 1503 ensures Arizona is stepping up to honor their service and stand behind them when it matters most."
SB 1503 includes an emergency clause and applies retroactively to December 31, 2025, allowing it to take effect immediately upon the Governor's signature so families like Skankey's can receive the benefit without delay.
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/bill-expanding-death-benefits-for-arizona-first-responders
