Sep 7th, 2005 · Now that the California state legislature has voted to legalize same sex marriage, the issue goes to the desk of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Robert Siegel talks with Phil Matier, political columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, about the measure's prospects.
Sep 7th, 2005 · The California Assembly approved legislation on Tuesday that would legalize same-sex marriage. The bill now awaits action from Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Madeleine Brand discusses the issue with Lynda Gledhill, Sacramento reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle.
Jun 29th, 2005 · Mexico's legislature approves a measure to allow millions of Mexicans living in the United States and abroad to vote by mail. NPR's Carrie Kahn reports from Southern California on the impact of the decision on both sides of the border.
Apr 15th, 2005 · A bill passed by Maryland's state legislature would force Wal-Mart to provide better health care to its employees or risk major tax hikes. Backers claim that big companies like Wal-Mart skimp on health care coverage, creating a burden for taxpayers. Opponents say the law unfairly targets Wal-Mart.
Apr 6th, 2005 · The Connecticut legislature considers easing the penalties for assisting in suicides. The legislation was prompted by the case of Hunt Williams, who is charged with manslaughter after he advised a friend with terminal cancer on how to shoot himself and helped load the gun. John Dankosky of member station WNPR reports.
Apr 6th, 2005 · The Maryland state legislature has passed a law requiring companies with more than 10,000 employees in the state to spend 8 percent of their payroll on health benefits -- or contribute the difference to Maryland's health care program for the poor. The law only affects one employer in the state: Wal-Mart.
Apr 5th, 2005 · A bill in Texas state legislature would protect pharmacists who refuse to fill prescriptions based on their opposition to abortion. Most of the prescriptions are for emergency contraceptives and birth control. Ten states are looking to expand "conscience clauses" for pharmacists.
Apr 5th, 2005 · Environmental activists are pushing state legislatures to adopt California's auto emissions standards to decrease carbon gases blamed for global warming. They believe states are their best hope for restricting greenhouse gases that the federal government refuses to regulate.