Health & Science - October 7 2019

The Missouri Department Of Social Services Makes Announcement 

The MISSOURI Department of Social Services announces that people participating in the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program who hold a doctor-issued medical cannabis card allowing them to legally purchase pot would not lose their benefits if they test positive for marijuana (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH).

Pennsylvania Judge Upholds 'Safe Consumption Site' 

A federal judge rules that a planned PENNSYLVANIA “safe consumption site” that allows people to use pre-acquired drugs under medical watch without facing arrest does not violate federal drug laws. The U.S. Department of Justice said it would appeal the ruling (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER).

Utah Health Officials Impose New Rules

UTAH health officials impose new rules that allow only tobacco specialty shops to sell flavored e-cigarettes. Those shops will be required to post notices on the dangers of vaping unregulated THC products (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE).  

Social Policy - October 7 2019

Georgia Judge Blocks Abortion Ban 

A district judge in GEORGIA issues a temporary order blocking a Peach State law that would ban most abortions once a doctor can detect fetal cardiac activity. The ruling by District Judge Steve C. Jones’ blocks HB 481 from taking effect in January pending resolution of a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the law (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION).

California Governor Signs AB 378

CALIFORNIA Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signs AB 378, a bill that gives child care workers in the Golden State the power to join a union and collectively bargain with the state (LEXISNEXIS STATE NET).

California Governor Vetoes SB 64

Also in CALIFORNIA, Gov. Newsom vetoes SB 64, which would have barred a public animal control agency, shelter or rescue group from releasing a dog or cat to an owner seeking to reclaim it, or adopting the animal out to a new owner, unless the animal is microchipped with current information on the owner or new owner (LEXISNEXIS STATE NET).

Local Front - October 7 2019

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Unanimously Approves Legislation

The LOS ANGELES County Board of Supervisors unanimously approves legislation to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products – including flavored e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes – in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. The ordinance takes effect 30 days from last Tuesday’s vote (LOS ANGELES TIMES).

 

-- Compiled by RICH EHISEN

Where Are We Again?

Former California Congressman Darrell Issa announced last week he would seek to return to Congress by challenging embattled fellow Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter – who is facing a lonnnng list of ethics and legal challenges – to represent the state’s 50^th Congressional District. Being an old hand at such things, Issa did everything one might expect in this situation: he leaked his intentions in time to scare off other challengers and made the official announcement via a big splashy press conference. Alas, as Voice of San Diego reports, he held said splashy presser at a spot located solidly...in the 53^rd District. Not to be outdone, fellow candidate Car DeMaio held his own presser just a few feet away...also not in the 50^th District. In fact, neither Issa nor DeMaio even live in the district they want to rep, prompting yet another Reep candidate to offer to take them on a tour.

 

All Topped Off

A federal court may have struck down a Colorado city’s ordinance banning women from going topless, but ladies ought not to think they can get all half-nekkid in Oklahoma. As the Oklahoman reports, Attorney General Mike Hunter announced last week that while the 10^th Circuit’s rulings generally cover the Sooner State, the ruling on toplessness was specific to the town of Fort Collins so ladies in Oklahoma had better keep things covered up or face public indecency charges. That sound you heard was thousands of teenage boys crying out in anguish. Alas, as the Tulsa World reports, the ruling also sparked a shirtless protest in that town that saw dozens of men and women rollerskating through town sans tops. Law enforcement was on hand, but no arrests were made. We won’t ask why.