Legislation
Articles tagged with Legislation
New research examines “remorse bias” in legal decision-making
Two studies by Rutgers University professor Colleen Berryessa explore how expressions of remorse are interpreted in the legal system, finding that it can lead to serious inequities in legal outcomes. The research highlights the need for greater awareness and education within the legal system to better understand how remorse is assessed.
Causes of excess deaths in the US compared with other high-income countries
Companies disclose more on cybersecurity – but markets remain indifferent
A study by the University of Vaasa and Aalto University finds that mandatory cybersecurity disclosure in the US has increased internal documentation and made cyber risks more visible to senior management, but not affected investor behavior. Companies produced new content describing their cybersecurity governance structures, suggesting ...
Americans support cannabis rescheduling, study finds
A new study analyzing over 40,000 comments in the public record found that Americans strongly support the federal government's reclassification of cannabis to a less dangerous Schedule III. The majority cited therapeutic benefits and economic impacts as motivations for rescheduling.
Novel study maps changes in US immigration policy landscape since 9/11
A comprehensive analysis of US state and local sanctuary and anti-sanctuary policies reveals associations with immigrants' health outcomes. Sanctuary policies are linked to improved community trust, reduced crime, and higher employment rates, while anti-sanctuary policies increase deportation risk and negatively impact mental health.
Scrapped inheritance tax linked to stronger growth in private firms with heirs, Swedish study shows
Private firms with potential family successors in Sweden grew faster and invested more after the abolition of inheritance tax, which led to higher corporate taxes. The study suggests that rents from the tax abolition were shared with society through taxes and employee salaries.
Distance traveled among out-of-state Chicago abortion fund callers
The study found that out-of-state Chicago Abortion Fund callers traveled more than 3 times the distance to Illinois after Dobbs compared to before. These callers were also more likely to have private or no insurance, be from rural areas, and receive hospital-based care during their pregnancy.
Bullying, state policy, and mental health symptoms in gender-diverse youths
A cohort study found that bullying and restrictive legislation were associated with higher rates of psychotic-like experiences in gender-diverse youths. The study suggests that supportive environments and policies can help alleviate mental health concerns among this population.
Bullying and adverse social climate take measurable toll on mental health of gender-diverse youth
Research found that gender-diverse teens reported higher rates of psychological stress and psychotic-like experiences, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and other serious mental health disorders. Bullying and unsupportive legislation drove these findings.
Examining the impact of sanctioned elites on authoritarian realignment
A study found that economic interests influenced Japanese legislators' behavior, with sanction-hit industries supporting military-backed policies and procurement sectors showing no shift. This challenges the common view of economic beneficiaries as authoritarian supporters.
AMS science preview: AI forecast limits, unpredictable hurricanes, simplified heat index
New research from the American Meteorological Society explores AI forecasting limits, the impact of climate change on hurricane trends, and simplifies the heat index. The studies find that machine learning can outperform numerical physics-based models in certain conditions, but not universally.
NCCN announces first fellows for new advocacy academy to help drive effective cancer policy
The NCCN Advocacy Academy connects oncology professionals with policymakers to drive evidence-based cancer policy. The program aims to cultivate policy leadership skills among emerging scientists and care providers.
“Better design instead of blanket bans”
The report proposes new strategies for digital safety, including AI-powered tools to detect and intervene in harmful situations. Experts also recommend involving children and youths in the design process, particularly schools, to promote agency and well-being.
Unionization, ownership status, and direct care worker turnover
This cross-sectional study found that direct care worker unionization and employer ownership are independently associated with workforce turnover rates. State policies facilitating DCW unionization or public employment of DCWs may improve retention rates, according to the study.
The US is driving a public health emergency of international concern
Experts warn that US policy changes pose a grave threat to global health, risking multiple international infectious disease outbreaks. The authors argue that the recent US decisions meet the criteria for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under International Health Regulations (IHRs).
Impact of Japan's indoor smoke-free laws on the prevalence of smoke-free establishments
The implementation of Japan's indoor smoke-free laws resulted in a modest increase in smoke-free establishments, with a 5.7% nationwide increase and 13.5% in areas with stricter ordinances. Despite this, a substantial number of establishments still permit indoor smoking due to exemptions under the current legislation.
American Meteorological Society and partners issue statement on public availability of scientific evidence on climate change
The American Meteorological Society and partners urge reinstatement of climate science chapter in judicial reference manual, citing concerns over public access to scientific knowledge. The statement emphasizes the overwhelming agreement among experts on climate change, its impacts, and human activities as primary drivers.
Seeking abortion care across state lines after the Dobbs decision
People in states with abortion bans face limitations to obtaining care out of state, emphasizing the need for policy change, visible information, and resources. The study suggests supporting individuals through social support systems to address these limitations.
UGA Bioinformatics doctoral student selected for AIBS and SURA public policy fellowship
Olivia Asher, a Ph.D. candidate in bioinformatics at UGA, has been selected for the 2026 AIBS & SURA Public Policy Fellowship. She will work with AIBS and SURA policy staff in Washington, DC, to gain hands-on experience with science policy and advocacy efforts.
Trends in poverty and birth outcomes in the US
A recent study by JAMA Pediatrics reveals stark disparities in birth outcomes by poverty status, with low-income families facing increased risks of low birth weight. The findings underscore the importance of supporting vulnerable populations during pregnancy and birth through evidence-based antipoverty policies.
Many post-authorization studies fail to comply with public disclosure rules
Only 6 of every 10 finalised post-authorisation studies uploaded protocols and less than 7% had results available for EMA's database. This lack of transparency hinders scientific review and research credibility.
Pandemic, election crises mark 'critical events' in declining democratic accountability standards, governance scholar writes
Governance scholar Christopher Koliba argues that the politicization of the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020 US elections led to a transgression of democratic accountability standards. The two crises undermined reason and truthfulness, forbearance toward democratic institutions, and professional discretion.
Adolescent and young adult requests for medication abortion through online telemedicine
The study found increased requests for medication abortion among adolescents in states with gestational bans and parental consent requirements. Young adults also sought more medication abortion services post-Dobbs, with the highest demand in states with restrictive abortion laws.
Pregnant women unaware of their rights and suffer violations in the workplace
A study funded by FAPESP found that most Brazilian women are unaware of their labor rights during pregnancy and postpartum. The research revealed that over half reported experiencing some type of workplace violation, with the risk increasing for those in greater social vulnerability contexts.
Businesses can either lead transformative change or risk extinction: IPBES
A new report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) emphasizes the critical role of businesses in halting and reversing biodiversity loss. Businesses can either drive transformative change or risk extinction, as they rely on and impact nature. The report provides methods and 100+ actions for bu...
Socioeconomic status and postpartum depression risk by state trigger laws after dobbs
A cohort study found a disproportionate increase in postpartum depression among women and adolescents in low-socioeconomic status communities following state abortion bans. The legislation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for targeted mental health support and policy interventions.
Characterization of the international-born health care workforce in rural US communities
The study examines the characterization of the international-born health care workforce in rural US communities. It highlights the Conrad 30 waiver program, which enabled thousands of J-1 visa holders to remain in the US, caring for approximately 44 million patients, and H1-B visas as additional vehicles for immigrant clinicians.
Laws to keep guns away from distressed individuals reduce suicides
A new analysis by UC Berkeley researchers found that 'red flag' laws significantly reduced firearm suicides in four states that implemented the laws. The study estimates that these laws prevented over 675 suicides between 2023 and 2024. Non-firearm suicide rates remained unchanged.
To reduce CO2 emissions, policy on carbon pricing, taxation and investment in renewable energy is key
A new study evaluates climate policies in 40 countries, finding that a comprehensive toolkit including carbon pricing, taxation, and renewable energy investments is most effective. Countries like Australia, Canada, and Japan have substantial potential to strengthen their climate performance by increasing fossil fuel excise taxes.
Major US tobacco brands flouting platform + federal policies to restrict young people’s access to their content on Instagram
Research reveals leading US tobacco brands violate Instagram, FTC, and FDA marketing policies to restrict young people's access. Lax/missing age verification, disclosure on brand-influencer relationships, and health warnings are common violations.
Universal pre-kindergarten for child maltreatment prevention
This study found that universal pre-kindergarten may help mitigate racial and ethnic disparities in child protective services involvement. Reductions in child neglect associated with UPK could benefit children's health and well-being in the short- and long-term.
Targeted regulation of abortion providers laws and pregnancies conceived through fertility treatment
A study found that TRAP laws increase maternal morbidity among fertility care patients, while states without such laws have better health outcomes. The study suggests a significant association between TRAP laws and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Global first: New Indigenous-led research initiative to revitalize legal orders
Next Steps: Rebuilding Indigenous Law is a new research initiative that empowers Indigenous communities to renew and rebuild their own legal systems. The project, supported by a $10 million investment, aims to rebuild entire Indigenous legal orders and revitalize traditional legal traditions.
Recent changes to EU chemicals legislation are rarely reflected in the EU pharmaceutical sector
A new study reveals that changes to EU chemicals legislation are often overlooked in the pharmaceutical sector, despite their potential impact on human health and environmental sustainability. The analysis highlights the need for closer cooperation between regulatory agencies to address the complex interactions between different sectors.
Leading global tax research from Singapore: The strategic partnership between SMU and the Tax Academy of Singapore
The Strategic Partnership between SMU and the Tax Academy of Singapore aims to boost ongoing discourse on global taxation issues through in-depth analyses of major developments. The partnership seeks to equip decision-makers with full background information necessary to make good tax decisions, contributing to the global tax academic c...
'Exploitative' online money gaming in India causing financial, health and social harm, analysis shows
New legislation bans online money games in India, highlighting aggressive promotional spending and addictive design features that exploit users. The study finds 450 million people lose Rs. 20,000 crores annually through online gaming, with cases of Internet Gaming Disorder and suicides reported.
What the history of the printing press can teach us about AI regulation
A study on printing press regulation in early modern England reveals the importance of diverse voices and financial resources in shaping regulation. The research highlights how societies regulate new technologies, including AI, by involving a broad range of stakeholders to prevent monopolization and ensure transparency.
The world’s healthiest countries aren’t the richest, according to new study
A new study ranks 38 OECD countries on their progress toward global health goals, finding that some of the world's wealthiest nations lag behind smaller economies. Nations with well-integrated public health systems and preventative care achieve better outcomes for every pound spent.
Bold action needed to fix NHS clinical placement crisis
A new report from the Higher Education Policy Institute calls for a fundamental rethink of NHS clinical placement provision. The paper proposes practical interventions to make placements more effective and sustainable, including greater use of simulation and digital learning, new supervision frameworks, and community-based models.
Distance to care and telehealth abortion demand after Dobbs
A recent study found that telehealth medication abortion requests doubled in 18 states following the Dobbs decision, with the majority of requests occurring before 6 weeks of pregnancy. This increase builds upon previous findings indicating a rise in telehealth requests among individuals living far from in-person abortion services.
Cannabis laws and opioid use among commercially insured patients with cancer diagnoses
A recent study found that cannabis may reduce opioid use among commercially insured patients with cancer diagnoses, indicating potential benefits for pain management. However, further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of cannabis as a treatment for cancer-related pain.
Ability to practice across state lines now a reality for thousands of professional counselors
The American Counseling Association has launched the Counseling Compact, enabling thousands of professional counselors to practice across state lines. This mutual recognition model allows counselors to work in person or via telehealth, providing access to mental health services for millions of Americans.
Global refugee sponsorship scheme could improve perceptions of refugees in the UK – research
A new research project found that a global sponsorship programme would improve perceptions of refugees in the UK, providing equal rights and entitlements. The existing three main schemes, Community Sponsorship, Homes for Ukraine, and Communities for Afghans, have shown success despite disparities in scale and approach.
Child and adolescent firearm-related homicide occurring at home
A significant risk factor for in-home firearm homicide is domestic violence and child abuse, highlighting the need for improved safe storage laws and extreme risk protection orders. Young children are disproportionately affected, emphasizing the importance of preventing these deaths through stricter regulations.
University of Houston awarded $1 million to study teacher certification pathways, outcomes
The University of Houston has received a $1 million grant to study teacher certification pathways and their impact on student outcomes in Texas. The project aims to provide new statewide data, research, and policy analysis to reduce the number of uncertified teachers in Texas classrooms.
Job demand, not just skills, shapes public attitudes on immigration
A recent study published in the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies found that public attitudes towards immigration are shaped by job demand rather than just skill level. The research showed that citizens in both England and Japan were more likely to grant visas to workers in high-demand occupations, regardless of their skill level.
Do state bans on flavored e-cigarettes inadvertently increase traditional cigarette use?
A comprehensive state ban on flavored e-cigarettes leads to a decrease in vaping among young adults aged 18–24 years by about 2–3 percentage points, while increasing traditional cigarette use by a similar amount. For youth under 18, there is suggestive evidence of an increase in cigarette use, undermining broader tobacco control efforts.
Do state bans on flavored e-cigarettes inadvertently increase traditional cigarette use?
A state ban on flavored e-cigarettes may lead to a net negative effect on health for young adults, increasing traditional cigarette use while reducing vaping. The study found that comprehensive bans had no impact on tobacco participation among adults aged 25 and older.
Medical school admissions after the Supreme Court’s 2023 Affirmative Action ruling
The study found a decline in underrepresented in medicine student matriculation into US medical schools following the SCOTUS ruling. This decline was particularly pronounced in states without pre-existing state-level affirmative action bans.
Residing in conservative states is impacting the mental health of US LGBTQIA+ students—national study suggests
A national study has found that LGBTQIA+ college students living in conservative US states experience poorer mental health, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Colleges are urged to implement inclusive policies and provide resources to support these students.
Gerrymandering erodes confidence in democracy
A UCR-led study found that partisan gerrymandering undermines public faith in elections, leading to disillusionment and erosion of civic behavior. The research connects gerrymandering to broader perceptions of corruption, suggesting that even if a party wins, the victory can feel hollow due to perceived manipulation.
AADOCR opposes executive order politicizing NIH grant review
The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research strongly opposes the Executive Order allowing political appointees to review and influence federal grant funding decisions. This could compromise the integrity of the NIH peer review system, which relies on rigorous evaluation by subject-matter experts.
Provision of abortion medications using online asynchronous telemedicine under shield laws in the US
A recent study analyzed use of online asynchronous telemedicine abortion services from July 2023 to September 2024. The research found that these services increased access to abortion care, particularly in rural areas where traditional abortion providers are scarce.
Technology standards currently offer a greater chance of success than regulation
Researchers propose a quality management system for quantum technologies to ensure security, interoperability, transparency and accountability. International standards can facilitate cooperation among countries like China, the US, and Europe, creating trust in new technologies.
So what do the world’s coastlines look like in 2025?
A new study revisits forecasts made in 2002 about the world's rocky shorelines, finding some threats have materialized while others have not. The researchers highlight the importance of addressing issues like ocean acidification and plastic pollution to protect coastlines.
Use of tobacco and cannabis following state-level cannabis legalization
A longitudinal cohort study found that recreational cannabis legalization was associated with increased cannabis and electronic nicotine delivery systems use, but not a significant increase in cigarette use. The study suggests that commercialization policy should be closely monitored as retail cannabis expands.
State gun laws and firearm-related homicides and suicides
A cross-sectional study found that stronger gun laws were associated with lower overall firearm mortality, particularly for suicide. Policies addressing root causes of violence through economic mobility and social services may also reduce homicides.
Do local voting rights affect migrants’ participation in protests?
Research finds that migrants living in cities with restrictive voting rights and favorable public opinion towards immigrants participate more frequently in protests. Perceived discrimination increases protest likelihood, while supportive public opinion lowers social and political risks.
BMI in children before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic
A large study of Danish children found that COVID-19 mitigation policies affected BMI across all weight categories, not just those with obesity. The findings suggest that age and BMI class differences were present, warranting policies targeting all BMI groups in children.