Explaining California’s Proposed “Straw Law” (AB 1884)
Explaining California’s Proposed “Straw Law” (AB 1884)
Lawmakers introduce new bills every year meant to protect citizens. However, one recently proposed law meant to protect the environment has drawn a lot of attention. Being referred to as the “Straw Law,” Assembly Bill 1884 would reportedly punish restaurant employees for providing patrons with a plastic straw for their drinks. Would California lawmakers really punish waiters for giving out straws? Let’s explore the truth about the proposed Straw Law.…
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Pretrial Diversion is Now an Option in California (PC 1000)
Over the past several years, California lawmakers have been overhauling the state’s criminal justice system in an effort to reduce the prison population. The latest law amed to curb jail and prison overcrowding went into effect on January 1, 2018, and changed how courts deal with cases involving simple possession of drugs. Previously, if you were arrested for simple possession (in other words, possession for personal use only), the court…
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Sealing Your Arrest Record in California Just Got Easier (CARE Act)
If you are arrested, there will be a record of your arrest regardless if you are convicted of the crime. Having an arrest record could harm your chances of getting a good job, getting admitted to the college of your choice, or being able to achieve other business successes. Fortunately, a law that recently took effect in California called the Consumer Arrest Record Equity Act (CARE Act) may make it…
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New California Laws Allow Marijuana Convictions to Be Expunged
California will make sales of recreational marijuana legal on Jan. 1, 2018. So, when the law takes effect, what happens to people who have been convicted of marijuana-related crimes in the past? Thanks to a provision in California’s new marijuana laws, those convicted of nearly any marijuana offense may have the opportunity to get their conviction expunged. New Marijuana Laws Allow Offenders to Expunge Criminal Record According to the Drug…
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10 New California Laws for 2018
On Jan. 1, 2018, hundreds of new laws will go into effect in California, and they will impact every citizen in our state. Here’s a look at 10 important new California laws for 2018 that you need to know. 10. AB 1008: Ban-the-Box Criminal History on Applications Companies with five or more employees are now prohibited from asking about a potential employee’s criminal history on job applications. Inquiring about or…
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U.S. Lawmakers Seek to Make “Hack Back” Laws
There’s an expression that “two wrongs don’t make a right.” However, U.S. lawmakers may not be following that old saying when it comes to “revenge hacking.” Congressman Tom Graves (R-GA) and Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) have co-sponsored the Active Cyber Defense Security Act (ACDC), which would essentially allow people or companies who have been hacked for data to “hack back” the hacker. What are “Hack Back Laws?” This proposed law…
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Has California Passed Too Much Criminal Justice Reform?
In recent years, California has passed several laws that essentially give people who are convicted of low-level crimes a second chance. It all started when California voters approved Prop. 47 in 2014, which reclassified several drug, theft, property and other non-violent crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. Other reforms soon followed, including changes to the Three Strikes law, realignment of the prison system, and expansion of parole opportunities under Prop. 57.…
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2 New Laws Could Help You Prove Your Innocence After Being Found Guilty (PC 1473)
Innocent people are convicted of crimes far too often. Ed Easley is one of those people. In 1993, Easley was convicted of molesting a 7-year-old girl. He served eight years in prison, five more on probation, and was required to register as a sex offender for life. Years after his conviction, the alleged victim came forward and confessed to lying about Easley’s actions to protect a family member who actually…
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California Passes Prison Reform to Help Old and Young Inmates
California has been dealing with the issue of prison overcrowding for the past several years. During that time, the state has passed various laws to help reduce the prison population. With prison overcrowding still an issue, California Governor Jerry Brown recently passed two new laws that affect some of the oldest prison inmates and those who committed crimes at a young age. The Elderly Parole Program (AB 1448) One of…
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Coaches Can’t Pray on the Field, Court Rules
Recently, we’ve seen that sports can spark controversy. NFL players have taken knees and locked arms during the national anthem to protest inequality and injustice, but the NFL isn’t the only form of football causing controversy. A high school football coach who prayed at the 50-yard line after a game has sparked a debate over the separation of church and state. Are coaches allowed to pray on the field? High…
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