South Carolina Heritage Act
The Heritage Act makes it extremely difficult to remove, rename, or alter historical monuments, statues, and street names located on public property in South Carolina.
Civic & Government
Laws filed under this category in plain English.
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Maine Ranked-Choice Voting Law
Maine uses a 'ranked-choice' voting system for most state and federal elections, meaning voters rank candidates by preference rather than picking just one.
Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)
Alaska pays its residents an annual cash dividend simply for living in the state, funded by the state's oil and mineral revenues.
The Bank of North Dakota (State-Owned Bank)
North Dakota is the only state in the U.S. that owns and operates its own bank. By law, all state funds must be deposited in the Bank of North Dakota (BND).
Georgia Election Integrity Act (SB 202)
The Election Integrity Act of 2021 made sweeping changes to Georgia's voting laws, including new ID requirements for absentee ballots and strict rules around drop boxes.
Arizona SB 1070 (Immigration Enforcement)
SB 1070 was a highly controversial 2010 law that required Arizona police to determine the immigration status of anyone they stop or arrest if there is 'reasonable suspicion' they are in the U.S. illegally. Much of the law was later struck down by the US Supreme Court.
Pennsylvania Voter ID Laws
Unlike strict Voter ID states, Pennsylvania generally does NOT require you to show photo identification to vote, with one major exception for first-time voters.
Maine Right to Food Amendment
In 2021, Maine became the first state in the US to enshrine the 'Right to Food' directly into its state constitution, protecting individuals' rights to grow, raise, and harvest their own food.
Montana Right to a Clean Environment
Montana is one of only a few states that explicitly guarantees its citizens a fundamental constitutional right to a 'clean and healthful environment.' This was recently used by youth plaintiffs to successfully sue the state over climate change policies.
Texas SB 4 (Immigration Enforcement)
SB 4 makes it a state crime to illegally cross the border into Texas from Mexico, granting local and state police the unprecedented power to arrest and deport undocumented immigrants. *Note: This law is currently facing severe legal challenges in federal court.*
Florida Sunshine Law (Open Government)
Florida's 'Sunshine Law' is one of the most transparent open-government laws in the country, guaranteeing the public's right to attend government meetings and access public records.
Texas Vehicle Safety Inspection Repeal (HB 3297)
Starting January 1, 2025, Texas completely eliminated the mandatory annual vehicle safety inspection for non-commercial vehicles, replacing it with an annual fee.
New York Excelsior Scholarship (Free College)
New York was the first state to offer a tuition-free, four-year public college education to middle-class and low-income residents, but it comes with strict postgraduate residency strings attached.
Washington Keep Washington Working Act
This law essentially makes Washington a 'Sanctuary State.' It strictly prohibits local and state police from asking about immigration status or using local tax dollars to help federal ICE agents deport people.
Georgia 'No Excuse' Absentee Voting
Despite tightening ID requirements in 2021, Georgia remains a 'No Excuse' state for absentee voting, meaning any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot without needing a specific reason.
Alaska Ranked Choice Voting
Alaska uses a unique election system combining a nonpartisan 'Top Four' open primary with Ranked Choice Voting in the general election for state and federal offices.