Articles tagged with Legislation
A new study found that shortening overnight operations at bars and taverns reduced homicides by 51% within the first month and by 40% annually. Reducing late-night alcohol sales also decreased all violent crimes by 23% annually in a Baltimore neighborhood.
A new study published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A reveals that Supreme Court decisions are significantly shaped by interactions within the court. The researchers found that justices' decisions result from a complex process of negotiation and influence, rather than personal views or ideological leanings.
The air quality around new schools in England is alarming, with 86% of sites exceeding World Health Organization targets for major pollutants. Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution due to their developing bodies and organs.
A recent study by UCL researchers found that 16% of adult smokers in England, Wales, and Scotland reported using menthol-flavored cigarettes, equivalent to nearly one million people. The prevalence of menthol cigarette smoking remained stable despite the UK ban, which aimed to curb its use.
A new study published in The Journal of Experimental Social Psychology reveals that high-tech bots are more likely to be held responsible for civilian deaths, even when the incidents are identical. Researchers found that people perceive robots as more culpable if described in a more advanced way.
A study published by the American College of Surgeons found that permitless open carry laws in states without such restrictions had a significantly higher rate of firearm-related deaths and total suicides. The researchers suggested that the ease of access to firearms under these laws may be responsible for the increase in suicide rates.
A new study proposes three measures to improve the EU's response to illegal wildlife trade, including creating a database of all species trade and establishing regulations to prohibit the import of illegally captured specimens. The proposals aim to transform the EU into a model of environmental protection concerning wildlife trade.
A study of 8,988 preadolescent children found a significant link between tobacco product use and an increased risk of suicide attempts among elementary school-aged children. The findings suggest that emerging tobacco products are also associated with this increased risk, emphasizing the need for preventive policies.
A new study found that the 2021 Child Tax Credit expansion significantly reduced food insufficiency among American families, particularly those with children who experienced economic shocks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The monthly advance payments included in the expansion enabled all families to afford enough food and had a greater i...
Researchers found that American visitors to Florida were 63% more likely to die from a drug overdose compared to visitors to all other states. The high proportion of overdose deaths among visitors to Florida may be attributed to the state's 'Florida Shuffle' treatment loop and lack of regulation in pain management clinics.
Researchers found that increased polarization in Congress leads to longer periods of stasis and fewer bills passed, but the ones that do pass are larger and more impactful. This dynamics has become exaggerated, making it harder to change the status quo, resulting in bigger changes when they occur.
A study analyzing survey data from 718,000 participants found that living in states with abortion trigger laws was associated with higher anxiety and depression symptoms after the Dobbs v Jackson decision. The study suggests a small but significant increase in mental health issues among those residing in such states.
Non-sectarian political parties promote moderation and cooperation between single-issue parties in divided societies. They help represent voter concerns by focusing on key issues that affect diverse groups.
A new tool from University of Waterloo researchers measures citizens' trust in government and can inform the design and communication of public health initiatives. The tool was validated by surveying participants from diverse communities, finding that low trust in government is linked to conspiracy theories and vaccine hesitancy.
A new study warns that public bodies in England and Wales are 'overwhelmed' by the task of implementing human rights laws, with staff placing greater weight on implementation than on understanding the laws themselves. The research suggests that those who view equality and human rights law as malleable are more likely to trust individua...
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that the effective tax rate paid by multinational corporations varies greatly across countries, with some paying as little as 1% of gross income and others up to 67%. This disparity highlights the need for better data on tax rates to inform policy decisions.
Recent US legislation aims to increase fire management and tree planting to reduce large destructive fires and promote carbon sequestration. Fuel reduction activities are projected to remove 194-288 million metric tons of carbon from western forests over the next decade.
A team of international scientists cautions that reliance on mechanical cleanup devices to address plastic pollution is ineffective and may even harm marine life. They argue that reducing plastic production and consumption is the most cost-effective way to prevent further pollution.
Researchers found 22 globally threatened elasmobranch species in Cyprus' coastal waters, with simple measures like limiting net lengths crucial for sustainability. Local authorities have banned trading of 15 species, and conservation efforts are underway to protect the marine ecosystem.
A study found that Singapore's extended smoking ban led to a monthly fall in heart attack cases, especially among seniors and men. The research suggests that the ban reduced exposure to second-hand smoke, resulting in fewer heart attacks among the elderly population.
Academics warn that the UK's Nationality and Borders Act will have a disproportionate impact on sexually diverse asylum claimants due to lack of clear assessments. The reform may result in inaccurate decisions being made, potentially limiting the ability of many claimants to rely on refugee protection.
The illegal wildlife trade is a significant financial portfolio that creates state-level security and development risks. Implementing AML laws and sharing intelligence with banks can boost IWT law enforcement. Countries like Singapore, UK, and Australia are making progress in combating money laundering and IWT.
A new type of regulation is needed to support and encourage organisations to comply with equality and human rights law. The current enforcement pyramid fails to recognise innovation or good practice, instead relying on penalties that may deter staff from taking action.
A study found that gentrified neighborhoods have a 62% higher firearm injury incidence rate than non-gentrified communities. The researchers identified gentrification as a key factor contributing to the increased risk of firearm violence in these areas.
Researchers found substantial associations between donations and policy priorities expressed in congressional speeches, marking a viable arena for studying the impact of donors on congressional behavior. Businesses donate more to legislators than labor unions, with a stronger association with issue-attention.
A new study found pediatric endocrinologists are concerned about threats to their personal safety and the impact of transgender health bans on medical practice. The researchers surveyed 223 pediatric endocrinologists, with 56% providing gender-affirming care, and identified safety concerns, pressures on hospitals, and threats against p...
A significant share of EU voters perceive the European Commission as having more power than it actually does, according to a new study. Citizens' misperceptions about EU institutions can be exploited by populist parties, researchers warn.
Researchers call for four major changes to implement and govern SDGs globally, strengthening commitments by high-income countries, adjusting goals to new challenges, making them legally binding, and embedding them in institutions. Stronger global oversight is needed to support these reforms.
A study found large increases in cannabis-involved traffic injury emergency department visits in Ontario, Canada. The research suggests that commercialization of non-medical cannabis may have accelerated these incidents, highlighting the need for greater prevention efforts.
A new study by George Washington University found that unionization increases employer compliance with OSHA's reporting requirements, leading to safer nursing homes. Non-unionized nursing homes are less likely to report workplace injuries and illnesses, making it difficult for policymakers to track and prevent these incidents.
A Stanford study reveals how the meat and dairy industry lobbies governments to resist competition from alternative animal products, such as plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives. The research found that governments consistently devote more funding to traditional livestock systems than sustainable alternatives.
A study published in PNAS found that government-mandated external moderation is likely to be effective in limiting harm on fast-paced platforms like X. The researchers examined the dynamics of content dissemination and found that a lower half-life means most harm happens right after content is posted.
Adults increasingly perceive daily cannabis smoking as safer than tobacco and secondhand smoke exposure, despite existing science suggesting otherwise. This survey study of 5,035 adults found a significant shift in perceptions over four years.
The NYU Tandon School of Engineering has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop new technologies for securing the digital legal supply chain. The project aims to protect official laws and legal information from cyberattacks and malicious actors.
The study reveals that women physicians prioritize family building over career advancement, leading to a shift in their professional paths. Women in medicine experience significant alterations to their careers due to fertility concerns and family planning, contributing to ongoing gender disparities.
A new study reveals that rapid state law changes mean many families will need to drive longer distances to access gender-affirming care for their transgender children. The restrictions have led to 25% of Americans aged 10-17 living more than a day's drive away from a clinic offering such care.
Mothers with a criminal record and care experience face negative judgements and excessive scrutiny due to their 'known' status. The study emphasizes the need for supportive dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to break cycles of stigma and social care involvement, focusing on safe spaces and trust-building for care-experienced mothers.
Smoke-free legislation associated with significant reductions in morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular disease and respiratory system disease. Accelerating the implementation of smoke-free laws is crucial for protecting populations against smoking-related harm.
The revised ruling on advance medical directives in India may force terminally ill patients to endure 'machine-related suffering' without autonomy or dignity. The authors highlight shortcomings, including a cumbersome procedure for withdrawing life support and omission of consideration for healthcare access inequality.
A new study finds that de facto decriminalization of drug possession in Baltimore led to significant reductions in low-level drug-related arrests, mainly among the Black community. However, racial disparities persisted, with the ratio of street arrests in Black residents increasing after the policy change.
A study by Chinese researchers found that financial reports produced during fiscal years mismatched with annual business activity may be less reliable due to rigid accounting regulations. This can result in higher abnormal accruals, lower analyst forecast accuracy, and longer audit reporting delays for affected companies.
Projected health outcomes associated with Supreme Court decisions in 2022 suggest substantial harms to public health due to lack of COVID-19 workplace protections and revoked abortion rights. Nearly 3,000 excess deaths are projected over a decade.
A new study by Imperial College London found that only 12% of global net-zero greenhouse gas emissions pledges have high confidence in full implementation. To avoid worst impacts of climate change, researchers recommend legally binding targets and long-term plans.
State palliative care laws are associated with an increased likelihood of dying at home or in hospice among decedents from cancer. Passage of these laws may be an effective policy intervention to increase the number of seriously ill patients who experience their death in such locations.
A Rutgers study found that reentry services helped reduce the risk of overdose and death related to substance use disorder after a large-scale prison release in New Jersey. Researchers attribute this finding to the state's robust reentry supports for incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders.
Researchers analyzed 28 samples of curd cheese and mozzarella from Brazil and found aflatoxins in all, with levels below the European Union's upper limit. The study highlights the need for improved production practices throughout the dairy industry to minimize contamination.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 enfranchised a new section of society in the US South, resulting in increased Black turnout and election of Black politicians. Studies found that the act promoted tangible improvements in policy changes, including increased spending on public infrastructure.
A novel county-level index, Maternal Vulnerability Index (MVI), was associated with preterm birth after individual confounders adjustment, suggesting its utility for policy implications and lowering preterm rates improvement.
A study of 6.6 million individuals found a significant association between cannabis use disorder and an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder and unipolar depression. The findings may inform policies regarding cannabis use control.
A study of 5,813 youths found that socially vulnerable communities experienced a disproportionate number of assault-related firearm deaths. Stricter gun laws were associated with lower death rates, but disadvantaged communities remained disproportionately impacted.
A study by WVU researchers highlights the need for improved mental health programs for first responders, citing increased stress and stigma. The study recommends linking responders with culturally competent clinicians, establishing centralized organizations, and expanding research efforts to address these issues.
A new study by researchers at SUNY Albany found that the NY bail reform law had no significant impact on increases in murder, larceny, and motor vehicle theft rates. The study controlled for the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on crime rates, concluding that the law did not contribute to a rise in crimes.
A new study published in The Lancet finds that minimum unit pricing for alcohol is associated with a 13% decrease in deaths from alcohol consumption in Scotland. The policy has also led to significant reductions in alcohol-specific hospitalisations and long-term conditions, such as alcoholic liver disease and alcohol dependence syndrome.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that societies with high levels of social inequality are more likely to have laws that discriminate against certain groups. Additionally, autocracies often institutionalize religion to legitimize power and resist democratization.
New research highlights the need for extra support from professionals like teachers, youth workers, and speech therapists for children with disabilities when using the internet. The study found that these professionals often fail to provide adequate guidance on managing online risks, exacerbating existing digital inequalities.
A study in Brazil found that agricultural certification can encourage compliance with environmental laws, but doesn't necessarily reduce deforestation or increase natural regeneration. Certified coffee farms showed a general tendency for increased compliance, particularly in protected areas like the Atlantic Rainforest.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University and Cleveland State University researchers found that offering paid sick leave to US workers leads to fewer occupational injuries, less presenteeism and better employee health and safety. The study also shows positive impacts on business outcomes such as improved morale, retention, profitab...
As abortion restrictions take effect, acute care surgeons should prepare to treat complications such as infection, haemorrhage, and injury to the uterus, bowel, bladder, and circulatory system. Experts argue that providers have an ethical duty to protect patient privacy and not report complications to law enforcement.
A study of commercial and Medicare Advantage claims data from 2003 to 2017 found no statistically significant difference in psychosis-related diagnoses or prescribed antipsychotics between states with medical or recreational cannabis policies and those without. The findings suggest continued evaluation of psychosis as a potential conse...
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland concludes that EU regulation does not adequately consider the environmental emissions of pharmaceuticals in global manufacturing supply chains. The researchers argue that the current GMPs and ERA regulation are limited in scope and weight, and do not prevent the release of pharmaceu...