Explore

Hawaii and Montana Consider Measures to Limit Corporate Political Spending

Hawaii and Montana Consider Measures to Limit Corporate Political Spending

Hawaii lawmakers have passed a bill aimed at limiting corporate political spending, which now awaits the governor's decision. This legislative move seeks to redefine corporations in a way that prevents them from spending on elections, a response to the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United ruling that allowed unlimited corporate and union election spending. Meanwhile, in Montana, a volunteer group is gathering signatures to put a similar measure on the ballot for voters in November. The initiative, known as The Montana Plan, aims to redefine corporate powers to curb political spending. While supporters argue that these measures address public discontent with corporate influence in politics, detractors claim that states cannot bypass Supreme Court decisions.

Hawaii Legislature Moves to Restrict Corporate Political Spending, Challenging Citizens United

Hawaii Legislature Moves to Restrict Corporate Political Spending, Challenging Citizens United

Hawaii's state legislature has passed a bill aimed at restricting corporate political spending, challenging the precedent set by the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court decision. The legislation, which awaits the signature of Governor Josh Green, seeks to alter the powers of corporations by preventing them from spending on most political causes. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce the influence of 'dark money' in politics by redefining corporate personhood under state law. The bill, if signed, would apply to for-profit companies, nonprofits, unions, and chambers of commerce, potentially cutting off a significant revenue stream for super PACs. The initiative, led by State Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, argues that corporations, as creations of the state, should not possess inalienable rights akin to natural persons.

Emails show FBI Director Kash Patel's Hawaii trip included 'VIP snorkel' at a Pearl Harbor memorial

Emails show FBI Director Kash Patel's Hawaii trip included 'VIP snorkel' at a Pearl Harbor memorial

Government emails obtained by The Associated Press show that FBI Director Kash Patel went on a “VIP snorkel” session last summer at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor

Explainer-US Supreme Court ruling preserves abortion pill access for now as other challenges loom

Explainer-US Supreme Court ruling preserves abortion pill access for now as other challenges loom

By Daniel Wiessner May 14 (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court has for now refused to block a U.S.

Tourist Arrested for Throwing Rock at Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal

Tourist Arrested for Throwing Rock at Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal

A tourist, Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, was arrested by federal agents after being recorded throwing a coconut-sized rock at 'Lani,' an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, on a Maui beach. The U.S. attorney's office in Honolulu charged Lytvynchuk with harassing a protected animal. The incident, which drew widespread condemnation, was captured on video by a witness. Lytvynchuk, from Covington, Washington, was apprehended near Seattle and is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle. The charges highlight the legal protections for Hawaiian monk seals, a critically endangered species with only 1,600 individuals remaining in the wild.

US Agents Arrest Tourist for Harassing Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal

US Agents Arrest Tourist for Harassing Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal

Federal agents have arrested Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, a 38-year-old tourist from Covington, Washington, after he was recorded throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal named 'Lani' on a Maui beach. The incident, which drew widespread condemnation, was captured on video by a witness and showed Lytvynchuk hurling a coconut-sized rock at the seal, narrowly missing its head. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Honolulu charged him with harassing a protected animal, and he was apprehended by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration special agents near Seattle. Lytvynchuk is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle. The Hawaiian monk seal is a critically endangered species, with only about 1,600 individuals remaining in the wild.

Muskets like those from 1776 are mostly exempt from today’s gun laws

Muskets like those from 1776 are mostly exempt from today’s gun laws

Guns that are antiques or replicas of antiques are not considered firearms under federal law

What to know about states' efforts to limit corporate donations in politics

What to know about states' efforts to limit corporate donations in politics

Two states could try to squeeze companies' money out of politics by redefining the powers of corporations

Hawaii and Montana Advance Political Dark Money Legislation

Hawaii and Montana Advance Political Dark Money Legislation

Efforts to limit political dark money are gaining traction in Hawaii and Montana, with both states advancing legislation aimed at curbing corporate influence in elections. Hawaii's bill has passed the state legislature and awaits the governor's approval, while Montana's initiatives have survived court challenges and are set for the midterm ballot. These measures seek to counter the effects of the Citizens United decision by restricting corporate election spending. The movement is part of a broader push across multiple states to address the influence of dark money in politics.

Hawaii Legislature Passes Bill to Ban Disposable E-Cigarettes, Awaiting Governor's Approval

Hawaii Legislature Passes Bill to Ban Disposable E-Cigarettes, Awaiting Governor's Approval

Hawaii's state legislature has passed a bill that would make it illegal to sell disposable e-cigarettes, marking a significant step in public health policy. The bill, SB2175, targets electronic smoking devices that do not have refillable cartridges or rechargeable batteries. This legislative move positions Hawaii as the first state in the U.S. to implement such a ban, following a similar measure enacted in the United Kingdom. The ban is set to take effect at the start of 2027. The decision comes in response to a dramatic 500% increase in disposable e-cigarette sales between 2019 and 2023, with these devices being particularly popular among young people. The bill also includes provisions to prevent online retailers from shipping these products to Hawaii, with violators facing fines of $1,000 per day.

U.S. States Expand Role in National Security, Creating Compliance Challenges for Businesses

U.S. States Expand Role in National Security, Creating Compliance Challenges for Businesses

Several U.S. states, including Florida, Texas, Utah, and Montana, are increasingly taking on roles traditionally reserved for the federal government in national security regulation. This shift involves enacting legislation and pursuing enforcement actions against perceived foreign threats. For instance, Utah blocked a land purchase by a Chinese company near Provo Airport, citing national security concerns. Texas has initiated lawsuits against companies for alleged ties to China, claiming these connections pose security risks. These state actions add a new layer of regulation that may not align with federal policies, potentially complicating compliance for multinational businesses.

Right-Wing Group Challenges Illinois Voting Rights Act Following Supreme Court Ruling

Right-Wing Group Challenges Illinois Voting Rights Act Following Supreme Court Ruling

A conservative legal organization, the Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF), has filed a federal lawsuit aiming to invalidate the Illinois Voting Rights Act. This legal action marks the first significant challenge to state-level voting protections after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of former Illinois state Rep. Jeanne Ives, argues that the Illinois law violates both the federal Voting Rights Act and the 15th Amendment by mandating the creation of racial districts. The Supreme Court's recent ruling in the Callais case struck down Louisiana's congressional map for relying too heavily on race, which PILF is now using as a basis to challenge Illinois' state law.