States to enforce molester law on tribal land
By John Gramlich, Stateline.org Staff Writer
A little-noticed provision in a 2006 federal sex-offender law is rankling American Indian tribes in six states — Alaska, California, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon and Wisconsin — because it would give state law enforcers unprecedented authority to monitor child molesters living on tribal land.   Read More  

N.J. enacts paid family leave
By Christine Vestal, Stateline.org Staff Writer
New Jersey this month joined California and Washington in adopting family leave insurance plans that allow workers to take time off with pay to care for sick family members or newborn and newly adopted children. New York and Oregon are expected to consider similar laws next year.   Read More  

States, locals swamp immigration program
By Daniel C. Vock, Stateline.org Staff Writer
Sudden demand by state and local police to join the federal 287(g) initiative, which lets local police start deportation proceedings for suspects and criminals who are illegal immigrants, is overwhelming the federal government. That means long waits and alternative programs offered to police departments that want to join.   Read More  

In school sports, who makes the call?
By Pauline Vu, Stateline.org Staff Writer
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Neutral govs to remain on sidelines
By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer
In the homestretch of an unprecedented presidential primary season, spinning with competing sound-bites and endless rhetoric, voters still heading to the polls in four states can’t look to their governors for any pre-election advice. These governors plan to wait until after their states vote to make their own endorsements.   Read More  

WORTH NOTING: Illinois treasurer shows his knowledge of charges
By Daniel C. Vock, Stateline.org Staff Writer
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) endures a bruising charge from Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D). A new Utah law stirs Salt Lake City bartenders to create a new drink. And Louisiana prison guards get outside help to prevent escapes. In case you missed those stories this week, Worth Noting fills you in.   Read More  

A historical perspective on state leadership and innovation
By Raymond C. Scheppach, Special to Stateline.org
The National Governors Association was born 100 years ago this week. In his latest commentary for Stateline.org, NGA Executive Director Raymond C. Scheppach recounts how governors in the past century have played a key role in shaping national policy.   Read More  

Calif. gay marriage ruling sparks new debate
By Christine Vestal, Stateline.org Staff Writer
The California Supreme Court reignited a political wildfire with its ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in the most populous state in the union, but the issue already has burned out in more than half the states.   Read More  

WORTH NOTING: South Carolina's shampoo specialists
By John Gramlich, Stateline.org Staff Writer
The Palmetto State cleans up a law requiring hairstylists to get more training than cops. Frog legs are frowned upon by Florida health officials. And an aide to Utah's lieutenant governor gets way ahead of his boss. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.   Read More