States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
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R.I. A.G. Neronha and 14 Attorneys General Issue Joint Statement on Protecting Access to Gender-Affirming Care
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Feb. 6 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following joint statement on Feb. 5, 2025:
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Attorney General Peter F. Neronha and 14 attorneys general today issued a joint statement to reaffirm their commitment to protecting access to gender-affirming care in response to the Trump Administration's recent Executive Order. The coalition released the following statement:
"As state attorneys general, we stand firmly in support of healthcare policies that respect the dignity and rights of all people. Health care decisions should be made by patients,
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Feb. 6 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following joint statement on Feb. 5, 2025:
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Attorney General Peter F. Neronha and 14 attorneys general today issued a joint statement to reaffirm their commitment to protecting access to gender-affirming care in response to the Trump Administration's recent Executive Order. The coalition released the following statement:
"As state attorneys general, we stand firmly in support of healthcare policies that respect the dignity and rights of all people. Health care decisions should be made by patients,families, and doctors, not by a politician trying to use his power to restrict your freedoms. Gender-affirming care is essential, life-saving medical treatment that supports individuals in living as their authentic selves.
"The Trump Administration's recent Executive Order is wrong on the science and the law. Despite what the Trump Administration has suggested, there is no connection between "female genital mutilation" and gender-affirming care, and no federal law makes gender-affirming care unlawful. President Trump cannot change that by Executive Order.
"Last week, attorneys general secured a critical win from a federal court that directed the federal government to resume funding that had been frozen by the Trump Administration. In response to the Court's Order, the Department of Justice has sent a notice stating that 'federal agencies cannot pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate any awards or obligations on the basis of the OMB memo, or on the basis of the President's recently issued Executive Orders.' This means that federal funding to institutions that provide gender-affirming care continues to be available, irrespective of President Trump's recent Executive Order. If the federal administration takes additional action to impede this critical funding, we will not hesitate to take further legal action.
"State attorneys general will continue to enforce state laws that provide access to gender-affirming care, in states where such enforcement authority exists, and we will challenge any unlawful effort by the Trump Administration to restrict access to it in our jurisdictions."
Joining Attorney General Neronha in issuing this statement are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://riag.ri.gov/press-releases/attorney-general-neronha-and-14-attorneys-general-issue-joint-statement-protecting
NCDHHS Invests $3 Million to Expand Child First, Strengthening Support for Young Children and Families Across North Carolina
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Feb. 6 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
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NCDHHS Invests $3 Million to Expand Child First, Strengthening Support for Young Children and Families Across North Carolina
NCDHHS invierte $3 millones para expandir Child First, fortaleciendo el apoyo para ninos pequenos y familias en Carolina del Norte -- Version en espanol abajo
PRESS RELEASE -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is investing $3 million to expand access to Child First, an evidence-based, early childhood intervention
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Feb. 6 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
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NCDHHS Invests $3 Million to Expand Child First, Strengthening Support for Young Children and Families Across North Carolina
NCDHHS invierte $3 millones para expandir Child First, fortaleciendo el apoyo para ninos pequenos y familias en Carolina del Norte -- Version en espanol abajo
PRESS RELEASE -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is investing $3 million to expand access to Child First, an evidence-based, early childhood interventionprogram proven to reduce the risk of child maltreatment and prevent young children and families from entering the foster care system. This investment, awarded to Alliance Health, Trillium Health Resources and Vaya Health, will expand Child First services to additional counties across the state, providing critical, community-based access to behavioral health care and family support services.
RALEIGH
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is investing $3 million to expand access to Child First, an evidence-based, early childhood intervention program proven to reduce the risk of child maltreatment and prevent young children and families from entering the foster care system. This investment, awarded to Alliance Health, Trillium Health Resources and Vaya Health, will expand Child First services to additional counties across the state, providing critical, community-based access to behavioral health care and family support services.
Child First is a nationally recognized, two-generation care model that provides home-based clinical therapy for young children (prenatal through age five) and their parents or primary caregivers while also connecting families to essential resources in their communities. The program has been proven to strengthen parent-child relationships, reduce maternal depression and build resilience for families experiencing challenges like poverty, domestic violence, substance abuse, homelessness or incarceration.
Child First is a front-end, upstream resource that can support young families before abuse or neglect occurs, preventing the need for intervention through child welfare services in the future.
"We know that the earliest years of life set the foundation for a child's future health and well-being," said North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "By expanding access to Child First, we are ensuring that more families receive the support they need to create stable, nurturing environments where young children can thrive."
The goal of NCDHHS' $3 million investment is to expand access to evidence-based programs in underserved communities in North Carolina to improve outcomes for children and families. Trillium Health Resources and Alliance Health have been awarded $1 million each to expand Child First into a combined 22 additional counties across the state. Vaya Health has dedicated $350,000 to expanding Child First in western North Carolina, and the remainder of their $1 million award will support other evidence-based behavioral health programs, including Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Child First is currently available in 31 North Carolina counties through providers such as Children's Home Society, RHA Health Services, Easter Seals PORT Health and Coastal Horizons. With this expansion, more families will have access to trauma-informed, family-focused care and support in their own homes.
"Investing in early intervention and prevention services is one of the most effective ways we can support children and families, helping them build stability and resilience before a challenge becomes a crisis," said NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Opportunity and Well-Being Susan Osborne. "By expanding access to Child First, we are ensuring more families receive comprehensive, evidence-based support - laying the foundation for lifelong health and well-being."
To strengthen the overall impact of the program across the state, NCDHHS is launching a Child First Learning Collaborative. The collaborative will bring together providers, the participating LME/MCOs and Child First NC partners to assess the program's effectiveness, support successful implementation and help to inform the department's future investments in evidence-based, community-based services.
This initiative is part of the department's broader $835 million investment to transform behavioral health in North Carolina. Of these funds, $80 million is committed to building a child behavioral health system that improves outcomes for children and families through trauma-informed, family-centered care. The goal is to integrate a continuum of services into North Carolina's homes, communities and schools to meet children and families where they are, ensuring access to the right services at the right time to meet their needs.
For more information, go to the Child First NC website.
El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte esta invirtiendo $3 millones para ampliar el acceso a Child First, un programa de intervencion en la primera infancia basado en la evidencia que ha demostrado reducir el riesgo de maltrato infantil y evitar que los ninos pequenos y las familias ingresen al sistema de cuidado de crianza. Esta inversion, otorgada a Alliance Health, Trillium Health Resources y Vaya Health, ampliara los servicios de Child First a condados adicionales en todo el estado, proporcionando acceso critico y basado en la comunidad a la atencion de salud conductual y los servicios de apoyo familiar.
Child First es un modelo de atencion de dos generaciones reconocido a nivel nacional que proporciona terapia clinica en el hogar para ninos pequenos (prenatales hasta los cinco anos) y sus padres o cuidadores principales, al tiempo que conecta a las familias con recursos esenciales en sus comunidades. Se ha demostrado que el programa fortalece las relaciones entre padres e hijos, reduce la depresion materna y desarrolla la resiliencia de las familias que experimentan desafios como la pobreza, la violencia domestica, el abuso de sustancias, la falta de vivienda o el encarcelamiento.
Child First es un recurso inicial y ascendente que puede apoyar a las familias jovenes antes de que ocurra el abuso o la negligencia, evitando la necesidad de intervencion a traves de los servicios de bienestar infantil en el futuro.
"Sabemos que los primeros anos de vida establecen los principios basicos para la salud y el bienestar futuros de un nino", dijo el secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Dev Sangvai. "Al ampliar el acceso a Child First, nos aseguramos de que mas familias reciban el apoyo que necesitan para crear entornos estables y enriquecedores donde los ninos pequenos puedan prosperar".
El objetivo de la inversion de $3 millones de NCDHHS es ampliar el acceso a programas basados en evidencia en comunidades desatendidas en Carolina del Norte para mejorar los resultados para los ninos y las familias. Trillium Health Resources y Alliance Health han recibido $1 millon cada una para expandir Child First a un total combinado de 22 condados adicionales en todo el estado. Vaya Health ha dedicado $350,000 a expandir Child First en el oeste de Carolina del Norte, y el resto de su subvencion de $1 millon apoyara otros programas de salud conductual basados en evidencia, incluida la terapia de interaccion entre padres e hijos y la terapia cognitiva conductual centrada en el trauma.
Child First esta actualmente disponible en 31 condados de Carolina del Norte a traves de proveedores como Children's Home Society, RHA Health Services, Easter Seals PORT Health y Coastal Horizons. Con esta expansion, mas familias tendran acceso a atencion y apoyo informados sobre el trauma centrados en la familia y en sus propios hogares.
"Invertir en servicios tempranos de intervencion y prevencion es una de las formas mas efectivas en que podemos apoyar a los ninos y las familias, ayudandoles a desarrollar estabilidad y resiliencia antes de que un desafio se convierta en una crisis", dijo Susan Osborne, Secretaria Adjunta de Oportunidades y Bienestar de NCDHHS. "Al ampliar el acceso a Child First, nos aseguramos de que mas familias reciban un apoyo integral y basado en la evidencia, sentando las bases para la salud y el bienestar de por vida".
Para fortalecer el impacto general del programa en todo el estado, NCDHHS esta lanzando una Colaboracion de Aprendizaje Infantil Primero (Child First Learning Collaborative). La colaboracion reunira a los proveedores, las entidades locales de administracion/organizaciones de asistencia administrada (LME/MCO, por sus siglas en ingles) participantes y los socios de Child First NC para evaluar la efectividad del programa, apoyar la implementacion exitosa, y ayudar a informar las inversiones futuras del departamento en servicios comunitarios basados en evidencia.
Esta iniciativa es parte de la inversion mas amplia del departamento de $835 millones para transformar la salud del comportamiento en Carolina del Norte. De estos fondos, $80 millones se comprometen a construir un sistema de salud conductual infantil que mejore los resultados para los ninos y las familias a traves de una atencion centrada en la familia e informada sobre el trauma. El objetivo es integrar una gama continua de servicios en los hogares, comunidades y escuelas de Carolina del Norte para satisfacer a los ninos y las familias donde se encuentran, asegurando el acceso a los servicios adecuados en el momento adecuado para satisfacer sus necesidades.
Para obtener mas informacion sobre Child First NC, visite childfirst.org.
Related Topics:
* Children Services
* Mental Health
* Child and Family Well-Being
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Original text here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2025/02/04/ncdhhs-invests-3-million-expand-child-first-strengthening-support-young-children-and-families-across
Minn. Gov. Walz Issues Proclamation on Winter Walk to School Day
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Feb. 6 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following proclamation:
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WHEREAS: Children are safer when communities prioritize pedestrian and bicycle safety; and
WHEREAS: Physical activity influences our overall well-being and supports a healthy lifestyle. Choosing to walk or bike to school offers an opportunity to build physical activity into daily routines; and
WHEREAS: Increasing the number of children safely walking and biking to school can reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and even reduce asthma attacks; and
WHEREAS: Studies show that after 20
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Feb. 6 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following proclamation:
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WHEREAS: Children are safer when communities prioritize pedestrian and bicycle safety; and
WHEREAS: Physical activity influences our overall well-being and supports a healthy lifestyle. Choosing to walk or bike to school offers an opportunity to build physical activity into daily routines; and
WHEREAS: Increasing the number of children safely walking and biking to school can reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and even reduce asthma attacks; and
WHEREAS: Studies show that after 20minutes of physical activity, students tested better in reading, spelling, and math, and were more likely to read above their grade level; and
WHEREAS: Safe Routes to School programs have been shown to reduce the rate of pedestrian injury by 44 percent; and
WHEREAS: Safe Routes to School programs highlight that walking or biking to school is an affordable option for families. Busing shortages have schools reimagining their transportation plans, and not every parent or caregiver can afford to drive their student to school. Transportation is the second-highest household expense in the United States; and
WHEREAS: More than 500 schools across Minnesota have been awarded funding through planning, infrastructure, and non-infrastructure grants from the Minnesota Department of Transportation; and
WHEREAS: Walk and Bike to School Days are special opportunities that encourage personal well-being and community engagement. These events support families, caretakers, parents, and students as they make walking and biking to school a habit. Every leader and decision-maker should witness the value of walkable and bikeable communities and support the choices that make them possible.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, February 5, 2025, as:
WINTER WALK TO SCHOOL DAY
in the State of Minnesota.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State Capitol this 4 th day of February.
GOVERNOR
SECRETARY OF STATE
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/governor/assets/02.05.2025%20Winter%20Walk%20to%20School%20Day_tcm1055-668122.pdf
Lt. Governor Toland Announces More Than $4 Million Available in Community Service Tax Credit Program
TOPEKA, Kansas, Feb. 6 -- The Kansas Department of Commerce issued the following news release:
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Lt. Governor Toland Announces More Than $4 Million Available in Community Service Tax Credit Program
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $4.13 million in tax credits will be made available under the Kansas Department of Commerce's Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP).
"Revitalizing our communities and state requires targeted investments that make people want to live and work in Kansas," Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.
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TOPEKA, Kansas, Feb. 6 -- The Kansas Department of Commerce issued the following news release:
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Lt. Governor Toland Announces More Than $4 Million Available in Community Service Tax Credit Program
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $4.13 million in tax credits will be made available under the Kansas Department of Commerce's Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP).
"Revitalizing our communities and state requires targeted investments that make people want to live and work in Kansas," Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said."CSP supports communities by substantially reducing the cost for donors to make contributions to charitable organizations that help fund important local projects."
The Community Service Tax Credit Program provides an opportunity for private, non-profit organizations and public healthcare entities to improve their ability to undertake major capital campaigns involving community service, non-governmental crime prevention, youth apprenticeship and technical training, and healthcare services.
Under the program, the state authorizes nonprofit organizations to offer tax credits to donors that make contributions towards approved projects. Organizations are chosen through a competitive selection process in which applications are thoroughly analyzed to determine award sizes and final awardees.
Proposed projects must be unique or one-time in nature while creating lasting value for charitable organizations. Projects could include a capital campaign, major equipment purchase, major renovation, capacity building and more.
Applications will be open March 1 through April 30. Those applying may request up to $200,000 in tax credits. Applicants in rural communities of less than 15,000 population are eligible for a 70% credit. Those applicants not located in rural areas are eligible for a 50% credit.
If your organization is interested in applying for CSP, the Department of Commerce will host an introductory webinar at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 27. For more information and to register for the webinar, click here.
For questions regarding CSP, contact Quality Places Specialist Miranda Carpenter by email or call (785) 940-0626.
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Original text here: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/2025/02/lt-governor-toland-announces-more-than-4-million-available-in-community-service-tax-credit-program/
Idaho A.G. Labrador Defends Union Gospel Mission's Authority to Hire Based on Religious Beliefs
BOISE, Idaho, Feb. 6 -- Idaho Attorney General Raul R. Labrador issued the following news release on Feb. 5, 2025:
Attorney General Raul Labrador joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in defending a religious organization's broad authority to make employment decisions based on religious beliefs to accomplish the organization's mission and goals. The coalition filed an amicus brief with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday.
In the case of Union Gospel Mission of Yakima Washington v. Ferguson, the coalition of attorneys general argues that Union Gospel Mission, a nonprofit religious
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BOISE, Idaho, Feb. 6 -- Idaho Attorney General Raul R. Labrador issued the following news release on Feb. 5, 2025:
Attorney General Raul Labrador joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in defending a religious organization's broad authority to make employment decisions based on religious beliefs to accomplish the organization's mission and goals. The coalition filed an amicus brief with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday.
In the case of Union Gospel Mission of Yakima Washington v. Ferguson, the coalition of attorneys general argues that Union Gospel Mission, a nonprofit religiousorganization, should be allowed broad decision-making authority over who they employ to ensure all employees share their religious beliefs and will not undermine the organization's religious mission. However, the Washington Supreme Court and former State of Washington Attorney General Robert Ferguson wrongly interpreted that the Washington Law Against Discrimination's (WLAD) religious exemption should only give the Mission authority to hire and fire employees with a direct role in sharing or teaching the organization's religious beliefs.
"The government should have no role in dictating the affairs, management, or mission of any religious organization," said Attorney General Labrador. "The Union Gospel Mission should be free to hire who they believe best represents their values, from the CEO to the janitor, without government demanding otherwise and saying that one classification of employee does not sufficiently embody the spirit of the organization."
The church autonomy doctrine, which enables religious organizations to govern themselves and make employment decisions without interference from the state, protects the Mission's hiring decisions. Courts have decided that not only does the church autonomy doctrine apply to churches and religious schools, but also organizations whose "purpose and character are primarily religious," which includes organizations like the Mission.
"The Mission's hiring policy is a quintessential matter of church government. Allowing Washington's antidiscrimination law to regulate those decisions 'would impermissibly inject ... [the] government into [decisions on] religious doctrine and governance,'" the attorneys general wrote.
Attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia also joined the brief led by Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen.
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Original text here: https://www.ag.idaho.gov/newsroom/attorney-general-labrador-defends-union-gospel-missions-authority-to-hire-based-on-religious-beliefs/
Ala. Gov. Ivey Officially Launches Public Safety Package
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Feb. 6 -- Gov. Kay Ivey, R-Alabama, issued the following news release on Feb. 5, 2025:
Governor Kay Ivey during her state of the state address Tuesday evening unveiled the public safety package.
"Bolstering public safety is my number one priority this session, and I am proud to partner with Speaker Ledbetter and a bipartisan group of legislators in putting forward a package of bills that will back the blue and combat inner city gun violence," said Governor Ivey during her address. "Working together, we will create a safer Alabama."
The public safety legislation, which
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MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Feb. 6 -- Gov. Kay Ivey, R-Alabama, issued the following news release on Feb. 5, 2025:
Governor Kay Ivey during her state of the state address Tuesday evening unveiled the public safety package.
"Bolstering public safety is my number one priority this session, and I am proud to partner with Speaker Ledbetter and a bipartisan group of legislators in putting forward a package of bills that will back the blue and combat inner city gun violence," said Governor Ivey during her address. "Working together, we will create a safer Alabama."
The public safety legislation, whichwill help back the blue and combat inner city gun violence, will be dubbed the 'Safe Alabama' package.
"The men and women who wear the badge represent the very best of our state, and it's time that we take additional steps to show them that we have their backs and appreciate the sacrifices they make to protect and serve," said House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter. "The Safe Alabama Package sends a clear message that Alabama stands firmly behind our law enforcement officers and has zero tolerance for those who threaten the safety of our citizens. I'm proud to partner with Governor Ivey on this initiative and am excited to begin moving these bills through the legislative process."
During the governor's address she revealed she will push for enhanced legal protections for law enforcement and will support dependent scholarships for long-serving law enforcement families. There will also be a bill to strengthen existing law for impersonating a law enforcement officer.
"Fighting crime in our cities, streets and neighborhoods and allowing Alabamians to feel safe in their homes rank among our most important duties as lawmakers," said Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger. "At the same time, the men and women who wear a badge and patrol our cities must know that their elected leaders in Montgomery have their backs at all times, and I am confident that this package accomplishes all of those goals."
The governor added that to crack down on inner city gun violence, there would be enhanced penalties for dangerous felons with guns. She is pushing to expand Aniah's Law, boost the successful Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit she established for Montgomery, ban Glock switches and enhance supervision of high-risk juveniles.
"I look forward to working with Governor Ivey in providing our law enforcement officers all of the training and resources they need to conduct their job safely," said Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton. "We need to do all we can to end this epidemic of senseless gun violence plaguing our communities, while also investing in our schools and mental healthcare systems."
Safe Alabama Package:
Back the Blue Legal Protection Act
Civil Liability Protections: This bill would repeal the existing peace-officer immunity law and replace it with expanded civil liability protections for law enforcement officers performing their official duties. Under this new protection, a law enforcement officer would be shielded from a lawsuit unless he or she was acting "recklessly without law enforcement justification" or he or she was violating a person's clearly established rights.
Criminal Protections: A law enforcement officer would be immune from prosecution for on-the-job use of force unless his or her conduct violates a person's constitutional rights against excessive force.
For both civil and criminal matters, the bill would establish procedures designed to halt legal proceedings while the officer seeks to establish the protections afforded under the new law.
Law Enforcement Dependent Scholarship
This bill would establish the Alabama Law Enforcement Officers' Family Scholarship Program, designed to boost recruitment and retention of law enforcement by providing financial assistance for college tuition and associated expenses to eligible dependents of long-serving law enforcement officers. It would apply to undergraduate programs at participating public technical schools, colleges and universities in Alabama.
Officer Impersonation Prevention Act
This bill would broaden the existing crime of "impersonating a peace officer" to include individuals who accept employment as a peace officer while knowing they are ineligible to serve or knowing that their Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission certification has been revoked or suspended. Additionally, it would prohibit employers from hiring individuals they know are prohibited from serving as peace officers under the same circumstances.
Inner City Gun Violence Act
Felons in possession of a firearm: This bill would expand the current "certain persons forbidden" law to include individuals with any prior felony conviction unless they have had their gun rights restored by pardon. It would also establish a new felony offense prohibiting a person from possessing a firearm while on bail awaiting trial for certain violent offenses, provided the person is first convicted of the violent offense.
Pretrial detention: This bill would expand Aniah's Law to add the crimes of "certain persons forbidden" and "shooting into an occupied dwelling" to the list of crimes for which bail may be denied. It also would allow a judge to deny bail if the defendant is charged with "solicitation, attempt or conspiracy" to commit any offense for which bail may be denied. (In all cases, the prosecution must still prove that the defendant is a flight risk or threat to public safety.) This change would require a companion constitutional amendment to authorize the above additions.
Shooting into occupied dwellings: This bill increases the penalty for shooting into an occupied dwelling, vehicle or other designated space from a Class B felony to a Class A felony.
Parole/probation revocation: This bill would require the Board of Pardons and Paroles to revoke parole, or a court to revoke probation, when a parolee or probationer has been convicted of unlawful firearm possession. It would allow parole or probation to be revoked when the parolee or probationer is found in possession of a firearm by his or her parole or probation officer. Possession of a firearm by a parolee or probationer would no longer be subject only to a 45-day "dunk" in the county jail.
Aniah's Law Enhancement Constitutional Amendment
This would amend the constitution to align with the changes being made in the Inner City Gun Violence Act.
Metro Area Crime Suppression Budget Proposal
Governor Ivey's budget proposal would boost funding to the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit to include $3 million in recurring appropriations supporting a permanent, 24-man crime suppression unit.
Glock Switch Ban
Subject to certain exceptions, this bill would make it a Class C felony for a person to knowingly possess a "Glock Switch"-- a part or combination of parts designed to convert a pistol into a fully automatic machine gun.
Juvenile Accountability and Monitoring Act
Electronic Monitoring of High-Risk Juveniles: This bill would clarify that Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles, or any other state agency, can provide electronic monitoring services to children released by a juvenile court pending disposition of their case.
Detention of Juvenile Status Offenders: This bill would repeal the 72-hour limitation on confinement of juvenile status offenders who have violated a valid court order.
The bills and resolution were introduced today, February 5, 2025.
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Original text here: https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2025/02/governor-ivey-officially-launches-public-safety-package/
3M PFAS Settlement Grant Program RFP Now Open
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Feb. 6 -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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3M PFAS settlement grant program RFP now open
$20 million available for restoration and recreation projects
A request for proposals has opened for restoration and recreation projects in the Twin Cities east metropolitan area and in downstream areas of the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers that have been affected by Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) released by 3M.
The state of Minnesota reached a settlement with 3M in 2018 after alleging that the company's releases
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Feb. 6 -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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3M PFAS settlement grant program RFP now open
$20 million available for restoration and recreation projects
A request for proposals has opened for restoration and recreation projects in the Twin Cities east metropolitan area and in downstream areas of the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers that have been affected by Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) released by 3M.
The state of Minnesota reached a settlement with 3M in 2018 after alleging that the company's releasesof PFAS chemicals had damaged drinking water and natural resources in the Twin Cities east metropolitan area. After legal and other expenses were paid, about $720 million will be invested in drinking water and natural resource projects. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are co-trustees of these funds.
Priority 1, about $700 million, is dedicated to drinking water projects in the Twin Cities east metropolitan area.
Priority 2, up to $20 million, is for projects that restore and enhance aquatic resources, wildlife, habitat, fishing, and outdoor recreational opportunities in the project area. The project area includes portions of Washington, Ramsey and Dakota counties and downstream areas of the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers affected by PFAS released by 3M. A project area map (PDF) opens in a new browser tab is available on the 3M PFAS settlement homepage.
Applicant organizations must be capable of planning and executing a project in the project area. Applications will be considered from local units of government, nonprofit organizations, watershed districts, federal/state agencies, Tribes, and schools. Individuals or for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply for a grant.
To be considered, a project must help achieve one or more of these settlement goals:
Goal 1 - Restore, protect, and enhance aquatic and terrestrial resources, wildlife, and habitats.
Goal 2 - Increase understanding of fish tissue contamination, improve communication about PFAS-based fish consumption advisories, and identify and enhance alternative, non-contaminated fishing areas.
Goal 3 - Improve and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities.
Applicants can apply for no less than $20,000 per project. No match is required.
The RFP is a two-part proposal process:
Applicants will first submit a letter of intent -- a brief project description and map to determine whether a project qualifies for Priority 2 funding. Agency staff will review all submissions and apply the project criteria and specifications in determining which applications will be invited to submit a full application. Letters of intent can be submitted via email until 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 4 to 3MPriority2@state.mn.us opens in a new browser tab.
Project criteria and specifications were determined by project co-trustees (the Minnesota DNR and the Minnesota PCA) in consultation with two work groups -- a government and 3M work group and a resident work group.
Specifics about how to submit a letter of intent and other details are available on the project webpage. More information about the 3M PFAS Settlement and Priority 2 is available on the 3M PFAS Settlement web portal opens in a new browser tab. The webpage and the portal both include a link to sign up for email updates. Questions can be emailed to 3MPriority2@state.mn.us opens in a new browser tab.
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Original text here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/2025/02/05/3m-pfas-settlement-grant-program-rfp-now-open