Articles tagged with Legislation
Research finds no effect of tax policy change on executive compensation; tax regulations may not be effective in curbing excessive pay. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act aimed to reduce CEO pay by limiting deductions for performance-based compensation, but studies have found little impact on the practice.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that states with hate crime laws protecting LGBTQ populations have lower rates of suicide attempts among both sexual and gender minority students, as well as heterosexual students. Overall, suicide attempt rates decreased by 16% in those states.
In the 2020 US House of Representatives elections, Democrats supporting the Green New Deal saw a significant increase in their vote share. This study examined the electoral appeal of climate policies, specifically the Green New Deal, and found that it resonated with voters.
A study published in Implementation Science found that including local economic data in emails to legislators increases engagement, but only for Democrats. The research suggests tailoring communication by political party can also be effective.
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that countries with strong rule of law have less economic volatility and higher productivity. Weak rule of law leads to poor contract enforcement, causing employee morale to suffer, ultimately sparking churn and economic instability.
A recent study by Concordia researchers analyzed over 150,000 government websites and 1,150 Android apps, finding that 17% of government websites and 37% of Android apps host Google trackers. The study also identified 304 malicious sites and 40 apps flagged by internet security website VirusTotal.
A new study found that naming legislation after a victim increases support for the law and its associated punishment, with notable benefits for laws named after African American women. The study used distracted driving as an example and surveyed a national sample of 1,000 U.S. adults.
Researchers argue that restrictive policies are outdated and unfair, suggesting new legislation to facilitate direct contact between donor families and organ recipients. The team cites examples of provinces like British Columbia and Nova Scotia, which have mechanisms in place for mediating direct contact.
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
A CU Boulder study found that bipartisanship can help create working climate mitigation strategies in state-level contexts. Bipartisan or Republican-led bills favored financial incentives for renewable energy and expanded consumer choices, while Democrat-led bills restricted choice with mandatory renewable energy standards.
Researchers found that Massachusetts' state mandate driving staff acceptance and creating an atypical flexibility to seek innovative solutions. The program showed that medication diversion was uncommon, and protocols helped ensure correct use of the medication by detainees.
A California study found that adults living with handgun owners had twice the homicide rates compared to those without, with most victims being women. Survivors of nonfatal gunshot injuries also experienced significant healthcare costs and worsening mental health.
A York University expert argues that invertebrates can feel pain, have emotions, and deserve moral consideration. Research suggests that decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs are sentient, challenging traditional views on animal welfare.
In the 1990s, Massachusetts activists drafted model legislation for community choice aggregation, which has been adopted by 1,800 communities in six states. The program allows cities and towns to purchase renewable energy, reducing reliance on utility companies.
A University of Utah-led study examines cooperation networks in the Utah State Legislature, finding that politicians tend to work with colleagues from their own political and gender groups. The researchers discovered a high rate of reciprocation, with members of the same gender increasing the likelihood of future cooperation.
A new study reveals the high human costs of COVID travel restrictions, affecting migrants, families, and international students with prolonged separation across geographical distances. The research highlights intensified experiences of foreignness, non-belonging, and precariousness, as well as threats to livelihoods and wellbeing.
New research from UniSA finds that confusion, lack of knowledge and disinterest are hindering businesses' progress in addressing modern slavery. The study provides a framework to help companies improve their approaches, but warns that without effective measures, global efforts to stop modern slavery will be unlikely to succeed.
A new study published in BMJ Open found that Illinois hospitals with better nurse staffing have lower patient death rates and shorter hospital stays. The proposed Safe Staffing Limits Act could lead to over 1,595 avoided deaths and $117 million in annual savings.
A LSU Health New Orleans study reports a nearly 70% decrease in morphine milligram equivalent (MME) per discharge opioid prescriptions for patients who underwent common lower extremity surgical procedures. The study also found a significant decline in new opioid prescriptions, from 50% in 2013 to 19.3% in 2018.
The report reveals that electronic waste generated in the region rose by 50% between 2010 and 2019, with only 3.2% collected and safely managed. The regional e-waste total jumped from 1.7 Mt to 2.5 Mt, with Russia generating the most e-waste.
Historical state-level analysis finds that increased party competition leads to higher spending on infrastructure, human capital, literacy, earnings, and longevity. States with more party competition tend to have lower infant mortality, higher life expectancy, and greater social well-being.
Sam Lebovic will study the evolution of the Espionage Act from 1917 to its present day impact on democracy. The funding will explore how secrecy regimes affect public discourse and press freedom.
New research by the universities of Kent, Warwick and Notre Dame has found that sex-selective abortion is lower in India districts with a Muslim state legislator. This is due to stronger stated preferences against abortion among Muslims compared to Hindus, making Muslim legislators more effective at reducing abortion rates.
A new study examines why people object to bodily markets, revealing that both liberals and conservatives consider these markets morally wrong due to different reasons. Liberals believe commercialization can be exploitative, while conservatives view it as violating the sanctity of the human body.
US car crash deaths involving cannabis have doubled between 2000 and 2018, with those also involving alcohol increasing by over 100%. Researchers found a significant link between cannabis use and increased risk of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes.
Research by University of Colorado Boulder found that women's representation in national legislatures drives spending on education and healthcare. Spending increases sharply when women occupy 15-35% of seats, but levels off beyond 40%. The study suggests critical mass theory is not dead.
The proposed reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) has the potential to positively impact parents with substance use disorder and infants with substance exposure. The legislation needs improved implementation to achieve a public health approach, providing tailored guidance and support for states.
The UK's new visa for Hong Kongers is framed as a haven for Britain's former colonial subjects, but Professor Michaela Benson warns of 'undoubtedly colonialist overtones'. The visa scheme has been criticized for its selective nature and perceived biases towards certain migrants.
A Cornell University study finds that noncompete agreements disproportionately affect women entrepreneurs, blocking them from starting high-growth companies. The 'fear factor' associated with noncompetes also limits the ability of women to hire experienced employees, making entrepreneurial ventures riskier.
Lord Simon Woolley argues that UK drug laws are designed to be a tool of systemic racism and fail black communities. He calls for a root-and-branch review of the law to consider alternative approaches, including decriminalization and legal regulation of non-medical drug supplies.
Researchers found that validating accuracy of in vitro diagnostic tests carried costs and had higher true limits of detection than reported. The study suggests mechanisms for expanded regulatory oversight by the FDA, including technology certification to assess performance of complex diagnostic tests.
A new study found that Republican control of state legislatures is associated with increased infant mortality rates, especially among Black infants. The research suggests that the party's influence on social determinants of health, such as safety-net programs and minimum wage, contributes to these disparities.
A national study compares three state laws aimed at increasing hospital nurse staffing: mandated staffing ratios, staffing committees, and public reporting. The study found that staffing mandates lead to a significant increase in RN staffing, while alternative approaches have little impact on hospital nursing levels.
The conference, INGSA2021, aims to strengthen global coordination in science advice and promote open science. Key findings include the importance of digital technologies and AI in reshaping the profession and the need for partnerships to drive economic and social development.
A leading criminologist argues that the UK's Misuse of Drugs Act is outdated and unfairly discriminates against certain populations. Research by independent charity Release shows racial disparities in drug-related arrests and possession, highlighting the need for reform.
Researchers found that private prison companies tend to donate to lawmakers who cosponsor punitive immigration legislation. This fuels a cycle of increased deportations and immigrant detention, with the private prison industry profiting from it. The study highlights the financial payoffs for politicians who support such policies.
Prices paid to in and out-of-network anesthesiologists decreased after surprise billing legislation was introduced, with California and Florida seeing significant drops. In-network prices also decreased in these states, suggesting a direct impact on provider-payer negotiating dynamics.
Researchers found that even a one-vote margin of control changed the policy agenda and outcomes, contrary to conventional wisdom. A 50/50 party balance in today's Senate could have significant implications for policy due to high polarization.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that gay and bisexual men earn less than heterosexual men due to workplace discrimination. Gay men earned 6.8% less, while bisexual men earned 10.3% less on average across Europe, North America, and Australia.
Researchers found clear evidence of shingleback lizard poaching and smuggling for the exotic pet trade. The study highlights a major loophole in Australian legislation that is being exploited to export native live species internationally.
A recent study by Dr. Yael Bar-Zeev at Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that tobacco companies are exploiting loopholes to market IQOS products near toys, candy, and schools, targeting young consumers. The audit revealed that 70% of stores selling IQOS were within 300 meters of high schools.
A new study found that youth consumption accounted for $17.5 billion worth of alcohol sales in 2016, with three major companies responsible for nearly half of these sales. The research highlights a disconnect between the industry's advocacy for prevention and its own profits from underage drinking.
In Catalonia, a new law includes protection for supporters of victims of violence against women. The law aims to prevent second-order sexual harassment, which involves physical or psychological violence against those who support victims. Victims can now receive accompaniment, psychological assistance, and other resources.
A new study found that improving nurse staffing in New York hospitals would significantly reduce deaths and costs. Hospitals with better nurse staffing have lower mortality rates and fewer readmissions, resulting in substantial savings for patients and the healthcare system.
A recent survey study examined changes in abortion policies among US states from 2017 to 2020. The findings showed that state laws on abortion services have become increasingly complex, with some states expanding access to abortion and others imposing strict restrictions.
A new study by Penn State researchers demonstrates that facilitating researcher-policymaker interactions can influence legislators' thinking about policy issues and drafting legislation. Participating legislative offices sponsored more bills containing research language, and members showed a modest increase in believing research eviden...
Current H-1B visa usage by foreign Ph.D.'s as a first step to permanent residency has revealed inefficiencies and delays in alternatives. The authors suggest reforms tailored to foreign-born Ph.D.'s to streamline the doctorate-to-residency path.
A recent study found strong associations between financial holdings of legislators and their votes on key financial legislation, suggesting that many lawmakers voted in ways that benefited their personal finances. Researchers analyzed data from five key pieces of economic legislation between 1999 and 2008, finding that legislators larg...
A recent study from the University of Bath found that cigarette sales declined sharply in the UK after standardized packaging was introduced, with a 12-20 million monthly decrease. The researchers suggest this decline is a result of both the reduced appeal of premium brands and the increased tax on cheaper cigarettes.
A new study from the University of East Anglia reveals that EU safety regulations have reassured UK vapers but also led to concerns about restricted e-liquid products and black market sales. The research highlights the need for awareness about vaping product safety and regulation.
Clinic staff prioritize future child welfare and responsible use of public resources when assessing potential parents, limiting access to fertility treatment. The study highlights the need for a discussion on prioritizing assisted reproduction over individual rights.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that labour reforms aimed at reducing unemployment had no effect on total employment. Instead, temporary employment increased significantly while permanent employment decreased.
New research found that tobacco companies continued to sell and promote menthol products despite a four-year phasing-in period for the UK's menthol cigarette ban. The study reveals that industry experts developed new products to circumvent the ban, including menthol filters and flavour cards.
A new study found that a 'soft opt-out' system for organ donation increased consent rates by 2.1 times compared to England, with the impact taking several years to be fully realized. The Welsh system allowed organs to be donated without explicit consent from patients or their families.
A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that 72% of patients with private insurance could face surprise bills for out-of-network air ambulance services, with average total costs up to $20,000. Ground ambulances also pose a significant risk, with 79% of patients facing surprise bills for non-emergency rides.
The new dataset, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed 15,506 instances of social scientists' testimony and found that economists testified more than four times as often as political scientists and over 10 times as often as sociologists. Economists also represented think tanks, while anthropologists had the lowest rate of testimony.
Over 100 medical and scientific organisations pledge to end weight stigma, citing evidence that stigma causes physical and psychological harm. The group calls for policies to prevent weight-based discrimination in healthcare, education, and the workplace.
A study by University of Leeds researchers found high levels of non-disclosure due to refusal, partial refusal, or non-response to FOI requests. The current FOI Act is deemed unfit for purpose, with only 24% of requests resulting in full disclosure, and many authorities failing to respond within the statutory 20-day period.
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology has found substantial variations in the legal and funding framework of 43 European countries regarding assisted reproduction. Access to treatment, third-party donation, fertility preservation, and public funding vary significantly among countries.
A new study suggests that users should have more control over what happens to their emails after they die, with the law failing to recognize this right. The current contractual provisions allow email providers like Google and Microsoft to regulate post-mortem transmissions without user consent.