Legislation & Lobbying

Top Rhode Island court upholds abortion-rights law; other legal fights expected if Roe is overturned

The Rhode Island Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld dismissal of a lawsuit challenging the state law guaranteeing a right to abortion before viability. The court ruled the plaintiffs who challenged the law didn’t have standing because they couldn’t show an actual and personal stake in the outcome of the case,…

May 6, 2022 9:30 AM CDT

Is Alito right about the ‘unbroken tradition of prohibiting abortion’? Scholars disagree on the history

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s draft abortion opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade says the 1973 decision “either ignored or misstated” the history of abortion laws.

May 5, 2022 2:04 PM CDT

Bill toughening financial disclosure for federal judges heads to Biden’s desk

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill Thursday that would toughen financial disclosure requirements for federal judges and make the reports available in a searchable database available to the public.

Apr 28, 2022 9:48 AM CDT

As states consider regulation targeting transgender youths, some minds have been changed

A lawyer at the National Center for Lesbian Rights says despite several legislative obstacles, many LGBTQ clients are finding support from churches, neighbors and schools.

Apr 25, 2022 8:39 AM CDT

GOP targets state courts with campaign cash, laws that change judicial elections

Seeking a more favorable climate in fights over election maps, Republicans are planning to spend record amounts on state supreme court races and introducing legislation to make judicial elections more political.

Apr 15, 2022 10:04 AM CDT

GOP opposition blocks bill to name federal courthouse after Black judge, a ‘legal legend’

A measure to name a federal courthouse after the first Black judge on the Florida Supreme Court was recently blocked in the U.S. House of Representatives after one lawmaker found a news clip on a prayer ruling.

Apr 13, 2022 10:50 AM CDT

US House should support bill establishing independent immigration courts, ABA president says

ABA President Reginald Turner is calling on leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives to support the creation of an Article I immigration court system that would be independent of the Department of Justice.

Apr 6, 2022 11:13 AM CDT

Lawyers could carry guns in court if Kentucky governor signs bill

Kentucky lawmakers have approved a bill that allows lawyers to carry guns in court.

Apr 5, 2022 3:46 PM CDT

ABA policy summit yields recommendations for racial equity and social justice

“Since the 2020 presidential election, the Biden-Harris administration has offered policy correctives on a spectrum of civil rights and social justice issues. Still, we have more to accomplish,” writes ABA Journal columnist Engy Abdelkader.

Apr 4, 2022 9:50 AM CDT

Join ABA Day 2022: Celebrating 25 years of advocacy on the Hill

This year, we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of this event during the week of April 4. The ongoing pandemic has restricted our ability to meet face-to-face in Washington, but we have adjusted our advocacy strategy and techniques. As in 2020 and 2021, ABA Day 2022 will be held virtually.

Apr 1, 2022 12:20 AM CDT