Supreme Court Rules States Can Demand Outside Online Retailers Collect Sales Taxes
A blow against federalism, tax competition, and small businesses trying to expand.
State Governments
Plan to Break Up California Makes Fall Ballot
Voters will get to consider a plan to create three smaller states, but politicians will make the call.
From Washington to Wisconsin, States Are Punishing Dissent
Faced with the possibility of fines or legal battles, many will choose not to speak at all.
Florists Just Killed Louisiana's Effort at Eliminating Florist Licenses
It's the only state to require the nonsensical license, and its state senators just voted to keep it that way.
America's Sinking Public Pension Plans Are Now $1.4 Trillion Underwater
Taxpayer contributions to pension plans have doubled in the past decade, but pension debt continues to increase.
A New Year Means a New California Secession Movement
A rural inland group wants to split from the coastal communities and from Sacramento.
Another Winner From Tax Reform: State Governments
Taxpayers could end up sending hundreds of millions of dollars more to state treasuries as a result of slashing federal deductions and exemptions.
Getting Veterans Back to Work
Occupational licensing laws are keeping returning servicemen and their families out of their chosen fields.
Wisconsin Budget Deal Includes Anti-Homesharing Provision
On the cusp of ending a two-month budget impasse, Wisconsin lawmakers might stick it to Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms.
Local Governments Spend Big On Lobbyists
In many states, local governments spend more on lobbyists than both business and unions.
Lawsuit: Californians Need More Representation, Not More Taxation
Instead of splitting the state into six parts, lawsuit proposes increasing number of state lawmakers to give voice to rural residents of the state.
GOP Pushes Bad, Punitive Anti-Federalist Immigration Bills Through the House
Rep. Justin Amash breaks from party and rejects both bills, citing constitutional violations.
Are Terrible State Alcohol Laws on the Way Out?
A South Carolina Supreme Court decision rejects rules based on economic protectionism.
Cook County, Illinois, Experiences Disastrous Rollout of Its Soda Tax
Budget chaos at the state level isn't helping.
California's Single-Payer Health Care Plan Would Cost More Than the State's Whole Budget
Like in Colorado, New York, and Vermont, California is learning that a single-payer plan would be prohibitively expensive.
St. Louis Fights Reality, Boosts Minimum Wage
Job losses and price increases are on the horizon.
House-Passed Health Care Bill Gives States Escape Hatches From Obamacare Mandates; They Might Never Get to Use Them
For reasons practical and political, the waivers included in the AHCA to earn Freedom Caucus support might be mostly useless.
Texas Lawmakers Vote to Force Local Police Help the Feds Detain and Deport Immigrants
No cities in the state have been targeted by the Justice Department for noncompliance, but never mind.
CalExit Secession Movement Dies the Way It Lived: Stupidly
Organizer decides he wants to continue to live in Russia.
A Baby Dies in Virginia
The lethal consequences of a common, obscure hospital licensing law
Another Compromise to Dump N.C.'s Transgender Bathroom Panic Law Draws Criticism (UPDATE: Governor Signs into Law)
State still wants to keep cities from adding to antidiscrimination protections.
Do Conservatives Still Care About Federalism Now That Republicans Run the Federal Government?
After years of using cries of "federalism!" to challenge the Obama administration, the tone, predictably, has shifted to one of cooperation and opportunity.
Virginia's Hospital Licensing Reform Effort 'Dead For This Year'
Certificate of Public Need laws mean Virginia residents have fewer options and pay more for health care. Hospitals successfully lobbied against reform again.
Trump Order Opens New State-Level Immigration Law Fights
Texas and California represent polar opposites on federal cooperation.
Weaponized Drones and the Second Amendment
Do Americans have a constitutional right to own and use armed drones for self-defense?
N.C. Trans Bathroom Law Survives as Fingers Get Pointed Everywhere
Both sides claim dishonesty from their foes.
How Idaho's Drug Warriors Stole Hope from Epileptic Kids
A Reason investigation uncovers how cops, prosecutors, and lobbyists conspired to restrict a promising cannabis-derived seizure treatment.
Democrats Got Wrecked Again in State Legislative Races, and it Matters More Than You Might Think
The GOP has Donald Trump, a congressional majority, the majority of governorships, and full control of 33 state legislatures.
Do #CalExit Supporters Realize Many Californians Have Been Trying to Escape Them?
A secession movement thinks (incorrectly) the state is just one big progressive playground.
Independent Voters, Keep an Eye on Maine's Coming Election Experiment
Initiative introducing 'ranked-choice' voting passes.
If You Want To Understand Politics in 2024, Watch Statehouse Races Tuesday
They're not sexy, but they're more important than you realize. Republicans can thank state-level races for their congressional majority.
Court Rules FCC Cannot Overrule State Laws Limiting City-Run Broadband
Potential pork projects hardest hit.
Alabama's Chief Justice Faces Possible Ejection over Gay Marriage Resistance
It would be the second time Roy Moore was stripped of his title.
Do You Have a License to Braid That Hair?
Unnecessary state regulations add costly burdens with no real safety benefits.
State Beer Laws Continue Slow Creep in Right Direction
A few new good laws go on the books, but many terrible ones remain.
State and Local Spending On Prisons Has Grown Three Times as Fast as Spending on Schools, Says New Report
Young black males without a high school diploma are more likely to be incarcerated than employed.
Controversial North Carolina Bathroom Law Could Change, but May Make Life More Difficult For Transgender People
Facing pressure from the NBA, the bill would create sex reassignment certificates.
Zero Tolerance Does Little To Improve Student Behavior, Says New Study
These laws also disproportionately impact minority students.
Food Freedom Legislation Slowly Advancing in States
One big step forward; two temporary steps back.
California Passes $15 Minimum Wage; New York to Follow
Legislators hurry to act before the alarm bells can be rung.
Effort to Remove Outdated Adultery Law Fails in Virginia
The legislation of morality continues despite Virginia's outlier status.
How Much Are You Paying in State & Local Taxes?
New York, Connecticut, New Jersey top dismal list; Alaska, South Dakota, Wyoming have lowest burdens.
Even in California's Progressive Paradise, Gov. Brown Understands Dangers of Minimum Wage Hikes
Warns $15-an-hour jump would wreck state budgeting.
Forfeiture Reformers in California Lick Wounds, Plan Next Steps
Bill fails, but the battle's not over.
Illinois Dems, Governor Argue About the Color of the Writing on the Wall
State can't pass budget; Legislature tries to hamper Rauner's power over state employees.
