Articles tagged with State Law
A study found that child access prevention (CAP) laws, but not right-to-carry (RTC) or stand your ground (SYG) laws, are associated with reduced firearm-related deaths. States with more restrictive policies had 11% fewer firearm deaths, corresponding to an estimated 4,475 fewer deaths per year.
A RAND Corporation study found that states with the most-restrictive combination of common policies associated with a 11% reduction in firearm deaths. Child access prevention laws were found to demonstrate the strongest association with subsequent changes in firearms death rates.
State legislatures use various tactics to pass laws limiting local control, such as passing bills quickly, concealing preemption, and repealing existing laws. These strategies concentrate power at state capitals, reducing local governments' ability to protect residents from public health harms.
New study finds Paid Sick Leave mandates increase worker absences by 4.5 percentage points, particularly among women and low-wage industries
A new BU School of Public Health study scores states on alcohol policy, finding even Utah has room for improvement. The research found that laws to reduce excessive drinking also have an independent effect on reducing impaired driving.
A study examining state laws on abortion conscience rights found that these laws may compromise patient safety. The laws grant individuals and institutions immunity from liability for refusing abortion services based on their beliefs.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that many high schools struggle to implement and enforce state concussion laws due to inadequate education materials, lack of buy-in from parents and coaches, and ineffective communication systems. The barriers can lead to athletes not reporting symptoms or being removed from play too late.
A cross-sectional study published in Pediatrics found that states with stricter firearms laws had a 35% lower firearm-related death rate among children. The study also showed that universal background checks for firearm purchases were associated with lower mortality rates.
A new Boston University study reveals that states with universal background check laws for all gun sales had 15% lower homicide rates compared to those without such laws. The study also found that laws limiting the sale of guns to people convicted of violent misdemeanors were associated with a more dramatic reduction in homicide rates.
Research found that adopting stricter state gun laws is associated with reduced rates of weapon carrying and perceived threats among students. This study highlights the need for stronger gun control policies to improve school safety.
A new study found that states with more permissive gun laws and greater gun ownership have higher rates of mass shootings. On average, more permissive states and states with higher gun ownership rates appeared to have more mass shootings.
The USPSTF finds limited or inconsistent evidence on the benefits of primary care interventions to prevent child maltreatment. Children with signs or symptoms suggesting maltreatment should be assessed or reported according to applicable state laws.
A new study reveals wide variations in voting ease among US states, impacting democracy and potentially affecting voter turnout. States like Oregon and Colorado rank high for ease of voting, while others like Mississippi face significant inconveniences.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that US state laws permitting the denial of services to same-sex couples due to religious or moral beliefs harm the mental health of sexual minority adults. The research, which analyzed BRFSS data from 2014-2016, showed a significant increase in mental distress among gay, l...
A study of 109,089 adults in nine states and three that passed laws permitting service denial found an increase in mental distress among sexual minority adults. Mental health was defined as poor mental health on 14 or more days past 30.
A new study found that stronger firearm laws are associated with fewer crime guns originating from neighboring states. The researchers analyzed data from 2006-2016 and found that states with more lax gun laws had a higher percentage of traced in-state crime guns.
Two studies investigate the correlation between state-legal cannabis use and opioid prescription rates among Medicaid enrollees and Medicare Part D recipients. The findings suggest that implementing medical cannabis laws may lead to a decrease in opioid prescribing rates and spending.
This observational study found that strong state firearm laws are associated with lower rates of firearm homicide, suicide, and overall suicide rates. States with strict gun regulations had significantly lower firearm homicide rates when neighboring states also had strict laws.
A new study found that medical marijuana dispensaries are associated with lower rates of opioid overdose deaths, but only in states with loosely regulated dispensary systems. The association declined sharply after 2010 as state laws became more tightly regulated and the opioid crisis shifted to heroin and fentanyl.
Booster seats reduce minor injuries specifically among children aged 8 to 12, while car seats and seat belts appear equally effective at saving lives. However, booster seats may not be the best option for younger children due to concerns over premature graduation to adult seat belts.
Daily marijuana use and past month rates rose for men and women aged 26 and older in states with medical marijuana laws. Daily use was generally higher among individuals aged 18-25 compared to those ages 12-17 and 26 or older, regardless of state laws.
A study found that 43% of online cannabidiol products had more and 26% had less than the indicated amount on their labels. The findings highlight the need for stricter regulations and testing standards to ensure these products are used for medicinal purposes.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that gun-related deaths and injuries in neighboring California spiked by nearly 70 percent after gun shows were held in Nevada. The findings suggest that lack of federal gun legislation reduces the impact of state laws intended to protect citizens from firearm injury and death.
Researchers found that 80% of handgun owners who carried their guns had a concealed-carry permit and 66% always carried them concealed. State laws on handgun carrying have become less restrictive over the last 30 years, leading to an increase in concealed-carry permit holders
A new review of child-related auto fatalities found that the South had the highest number of fatalities and the Northeast the lowest, with a national mortality rate of 16%. Improper restraints and crashes on rural roads were common causes of deaths.
A comprehensive national database of state firearms laws has been developed to gauge the impact of laws intended to reduce firearm-related violence. The study found a significant increase in enacted state firearm provisions nationwide, but also identified disparities and inconsistencies between states.
A new analysis system developed by Carnegie Mellon University found that nearly half of popular free apps lack a privacy policy, despite processing personally identifiable information. The system also identified inconsistencies in the policies of those that do exist.
A new study found that state laws restricting prescription opioids had no measurable effect on opioid use among disabled Medicare beneficiaries. The analysis revealed no significant association between state laws and hazardous prescribing patterns.
Despite a significant increase in telemedicine visits, only 0.7% of rural Medicare beneficiaries received a telemedicine visit in 2013, according to a study published in JAMA. The majority of visits were for mental health conditions, and rural beneficiaries who received telemedicine were more likely to be younger or have disabilities.
Research reveals that nine expanded underage drinking laws have significantly reduced fatal crashes involving underage drivers, saving over 1,100 lives each year. The most effective laws include those related to possession, purchase, and zero-tolerance policies.
A new study by University of Washington and Dartmouth College found that restrictive laws in US states deterred internal Latino migration. During the 2008-2010 period, when hostile state policies were in effect, the migration redistribution for both U.S.-born and naturalized Latinos fell dramatically.
A Penn study finds that states with mandatory ignition interlock laws for DUI offenders reduce alcohol-related crash deaths by 15%, comparable to airbag laws. These devices prevent intoxicated drivers from starting their vehicles, directly preventing drunk driving and saving lives.
A new study by Boston University researchers found that three state laws - requiring firearm identification, ammunition background checks, and universal background checks - can substantially reduce gun deaths. Implementing these laws nationwide could project a national mortality rate of 0.16 per 100,000 people.
A new University of Michigan study finds that voting restrictions are actually increasing voter turnout among Democrats, who become angrier about the laws' impact on minority voters. The study reveals that media frames about voter ID laws trigger powerful emotions in Democrats, leading to increased participation.
A new study by MIT researchers found that constituency statutes in 34 US states increase patenting rates by at least 6.4% and citation counts per patent by 6.3%. This allows firms to take a longer view on innovation, prioritizing stakeholders' interests over short-term profits.
A study suggests that two Florida laws, enacted to combat prescription drug abuse, led to a small but significant decrease in opioid prescriptions. The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and 'pill mill' law measures reduced the volume of opioids prescribed by 2.5% and the dosage strength by 5.6%, equivalent to 750,000 pills per month.
A new study found that states adopting their first drunk driving laws were more likely to have large populations of young people and neighboring states with similar laws, contradicting expectations that political makeup or traffic fatality rates would be predictors.
A recent Connecticut study found a marked increase in the number of teenagers receiving medical treatment for sports-related concussions after laws were passed in 2010. The study suggests that extending concussion laws to include summer camps, travel teams, and all-star teams could improve safety and education for all young athletes.
A study by the University of North Carolina found that 93.7% of online e-cigarette vendors failed to properly verify customers' ages, allowing minors to easily purchase electronic cigarettes online. This lack of age verification is concerning, especially given the increasing use of e-cigarettes among teenagers.
A North Carolina-based study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center researchers found that local enforcement of federal immigration laws can have an adverse impact on the use of health care services among immigrant Hispanics. Rates of late and inadequate prenatal care increased significantly among Hispanic mothers compared to non-Hispan...
A new study by the University of British Columbia found that changes to B.C.'s impaired driving laws reduced fatal crashes by 21%, hospital admissions by 8% and ambulance calls by 7.2%. The study attributes these reductions to stricter penalties for impaired driving.
According to a 2010 CDC survey, an estimated 1.4 million women in Texas experience stalking during their lifetimes, with nearly half reporting weekly unwanted contacts. The report emphasizes the need for increased data collection and reporting on stalking to improve laws and support services.
Researchers found that states adopting more alcohol and traffic laws had a 14.5% decrease in traffic fatality rates compared to those adopting fewer laws. The study suggests policymakers should focus on bringing weaker protection states up to speed, as lagging behind leads to more deaths.
A NYU study found child restraint laws across many states have gaps, leaving passengers vulnerable to vehicle-crash injuries. The laws often lag behind medical guidelines and fail to distinguish between child seats.
Researchers found that sweets were 11.2% less available when both district and state limited sugar content, while regular-fat baked goods were less available with state law limiting fat content. The study concluded that governmental policies can be an effective tool in reducing empty calories in children's diets.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that states with booster seat laws have a 20% lower rate of death/incapacitating injuries for children ages 4-6, and a 33% lower rate for 7- to 8-year-olds. Booster seats are crucial in preventing accidents, especially among young children.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that state laws limiting teen driving privileges and imposing penalties for driving under the influence reduce risky drinking and driving behaviors. Teens living in states with strictest laws were least likely to drink and drive or ride with a driver who had been drinking.
49 states and the District of Columbia have taken action supporting the Affordable Care Act's implementation, including passing legislation, issuing regulations, or reviewing insurer filings. States have adopted a range of pragmatic approaches to ensure residents receive consumer protections promised under the law.
New research identifies the 'dilemma zone' before a stoplight intersection where drivers are unsure whether to stop or go ahead. The study proposes using advanced technology and fuzzy logic to improve yellow-light timing and reduce driver confusion.
A U-M study reveals that many parents fail to enforce booster seat use when carpooling, despite most reporting requiring it in family car rides. Experts stress the importance of using booster seats for every child not fitting properly in an adult seat belt on every trip.
A University of Maryland study finds that smart growth tools in Maryland are too weak, frustrating developers and land-use advocates who want to build within existing urban areas. The researchers identified storm water regulations, citizen opposition, and inadequate public facility ordinances as major barriers to development.
The federal and state laws governing the tip credit, tip pooling, and service charges are complex, with varying requirements for employers. Employers must carefully review their policies to ensure compliance and avoid costly class action lawsuits.
A new Temple University study analyzes distracted driving laws passed between 1992 and 2010, revealing significant variation in laws across states. The research highlights the need for systematic evaluation of distracted driving laws to inform effective policy-making.
A recent study by the Crime Victims' Institute examines state laws addressing adolescent sexual activity and suggests decriminalizing consensual relationships between close-in-age teens. The report also proposes using education classes instead of punishment, with options for parents to control their child's behavior through restraining...
Research from North Carolina State University reveals that international laws can create uncertainty and confusion in addressing piracy, leading to inconsistent responses from countries. The existing framework of international laws leaves room for pirates to exploit loopholes and escape justice.
The American Diabetes Association supports the national restaurant menu labeling legislation to provide healthier options for consumers. Registered dietitians and dietetic technicians will play a crucial role in helping clients make informed choices.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that local ordinances in Appalachian states with weak statewide smoking regulations do not provide adequate protection against second-hand smoke. Stronger statewide clean indoor air laws are recommended to effectively regulate smoking in public places.
A new mathematical model developed by Indiana University and Arizona State University geographers can help policymakers focus on spatial management of sex offenders, rather than punitive measures. The model allows communities to quantify risk and special concerns, enabling informed decision-making about sex offender policies.
A nationwide study found that many indoor tanning facilities allow young people to tan more than the recommended amount, with some states having strict laws in place. The study, published in Archives of Dermatology, suggests that stronger regulations are needed to reduce the risk of skin cancer among youth.
Researchers found that zero tolerance laws had no effect on the number of nighttime accidents involving drivers under 21. Instead, other factors such as heavy drinking and mild drinking were consistent across all accident types.