State Law | featured news

Rhode Island lawmakers introduced a measure on Thursday that would make the state the 10th in the nation and the last in New England to legalize same-sex marriage. Sponsors of the proposal tried to move through similar legislation in 2011, but met with opposition and were forced to change the bill to allow civil unions only.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott is putting together a 17-member task force to look at the state law that allows someone to defend themselves.

Uh-oh. Oklahoma's attorney general says the hot Black Friday deals could violate state law because many are offered at below cost, The Oklahoman reports. In an opinion published Dec. 13, Attorney General Scott Pruitt said offering items for sale below cost violates the unfair sales act. "Cost" is defined as the invoice or replacement cost to the retailer plus a 6% markup, the newspaper says.

Saying sex offenders are being forced to choose between prison and homelessness, a Los Angeles judge issued an opinion this week blocking enforcement of provisions a state law restricting how close those offenders can live from parks or schools.

A cancer-stricken Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has asked Massachusetts leaders to change state law to allow a speedy replacement if it becomes necessary for him to surrender his seat, fearing a months-long vacancy would deny Democrats a crucial vote on President Obama's health care overhaul.