Legislation & Lobbying

Cyber Crime Does, Increasingly, Pay

Cyber crime has become more sophisticated, more stealthy, and more successful than ever before, as ill-intentioned Internet “malware” experts refine their methods to take advantage of the popularity of new technology and applications. In addition to sneaking their malicious software onto trusted high-traffic sites such as MySpace.com and YouTube.com, cyber…

Dec 21, 2007 2:39 AM CST

Already Rich, Bride Seeks More From Soon-To-Be Ex-Husband #4

In a case that may change the way antenuptial agreements are handled in the U.K., a wealthy British bride who had essentially separated from her fourth husband within six months of their marriage is seeking to invalidate a premarital pact that each keeps his or her own assets in a…

Dec 20, 2007 4:33 PM CST

Last-Minute AMT Fix Passes House

At almost the last possible minute this year, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a temporary alternative minimum tax relief measure that is expected to save some 23 million middle- and upper-middle-class taxpayers up to $2,000 on their 2007 tax bills. The temporary fix, which adjusts the 1969 alternative…

Dec 19, 2007 11:54 PM CST

Landmark Energy Bill Bans Some Light Bulbs, Ups MPG Ante

A landmark energy bill signed into law today by President Bush will require greater fuel efficiency from a wide range of products, including cars and light bulbs. In an effort to reduce U.S. dependency on foreign oil, the Energy Independence and Security Act requires a 40 percent increase in fuel…

Dec 19, 2007 8:31 PM CST

Congress Passes Court Security Law that Moves Seat to 9th Circuit

Congress has passed a court security law that moves one federal appellate seat from the D.C. Circuit to the 9th Circuit. The extra 9th Circuit seat will be added on Jan. 21, 2009, the day after President Bush leaves office, the Recorder reports. The bill authorizes appropriation of $200 million…

Dec 19, 2007 4:02 PM CST

FCC OKs Media Cross-Ownership

Overturning a 32-year ban, the Federal Communications Commission voted today to allow broadcasters in the nation’s 20 largest media markets to own newspapers there, too. The issue is highly contentious, reports the Associated Press, and the FCC’s move today could potentially be reversed in the U.S. senate, according to Reuters.…

Dec 18, 2007 8:16 PM CST

Fed Seeks to Restrict Subprime Lending

After a national foreclosure crisis, the Federal Reserve has introduced proposed new regulations that, if adopted, would restrict subprime mortgage lending and essentially require lenders not to give borrowers mortgages that they clearly can’t afford to repay. The proposed regulations require more disclosure from lenders, define specific practices as misleading…

Dec 18, 2007 4:31 PM CST

Airline Group Wants to Block Passenger Bill of Rights

A trade group for the airlines plans to ask a federal judge to block a New York law requiring food, water and other services to passengers sitting in a grounded airplane for more than three hours. The law requires airlines in such situations to give the waiting passengers “fresh air…

Dec 18, 2007 2:52 PM CST

Senate Vote Delayed on Telecom Immunity for Wiretaps

A bill to give telecommunications companies immunity for aiding the government’s secret surveillance program won’t be considered in the Senate until after the holiday break. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said there were too many competing amendments and too little time to consider them before the recess, the…

Dec 18, 2007 2:36 PM CST

N.J. Governor Signs Law Repealing Death Penalty

New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine heralded the end of “state-endorsed killing” as he signed a law today repealing the death penalty in the state. At the same time, the governor commuted the sentence for eight death-row inmates to life in prison without parole, the New York Times reports. Corzine gave…

Dec 17, 2007 6:15 PM CST

Mandatory Minimum Laws Preserve Crack Sentencing Disparity

Sentences for crack cocaine remain much harsher than those for the powder form of the drug, despite action last week that helped crack defendants. The U.S. Sentencing Commission has reduced crack sentences in federal sentencing guidelines, but mandatory minimum sentences enacted by Congress in 1986 still require much heavier penalties…

Dec 17, 2007 2:12 PM CST

Congress, DOJ Clash re CIA Videotapes Probe

Congress and the Department of Justice apparently may be headed for a showdown over the issue of whose investigation takes precedence concerning videotapes of al-Qaida interrogations destroyed by the CIA. Members of the House Intelligence Committee reacted angrily yesterday to a Justice Department request that the committee postpone their investigation…

Dec 15, 2007 9:47 AM CST

N.J. First State to Abolish Death Penalty by Legislative Vote

As expected, the New Jersey General Assembly has passed a bill eliminating the death penalty in the state. Gov. Jon Corzine has agreed to sign the measure into law within the next week, the New York Times reports. When he acts, New Jersey will become the first state to abolish…

Dec 14, 2007 6:55 PM CST

Arizona’s Crackdown on Hiring Illegal Immigrants Faces Court Test

A federal judge on Tuesday will consider whether to block an Arizona law that threatens to pull the business licenses of companies that knowingly hire illegal immigrants. The law, scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, is one of the toughest measures enacted by states to battle illegal immigration, the New…

Dec 14, 2007 3:57 PM CST

House Passes Bill Banning Waterboarding

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that would bar the Central Intelligence Agency from using waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques. The bill passed yesterday would restrict CIA interrogators to techniques permitted in the U.S. Army Field Manual, which also bans sexual humiliation, mock executions and the…

Dec 14, 2007 11:24 AM CST