The pros and cons of state laws mandating mental health insurance are discussed in this report. The history of a 1985 Supreme Court case which held that states could mandate mental health benefits introduces the report. In an overview of the issue, the long-standing argument between the insurance industry and the mental health establishment is…

This staff brief discusses the juvenile justice system in five states which have enacted specific statutory provisions directed at the violent and chronic juvenile offender. Approaches adopted by California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Washington are described which include: (1) various ways of automatically waiving or transferring youths…

This is a report on Alaska's "local option law" which allows villages to choose one of the following four options on alcohol availability in their communities: (1) the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited unless sold under a community liquor license; (2) the sale of alcoholic beverages is limited to one of several types of retail…

This directory includes data on more than 800 legislators who are enacting policy in their state capitols from the perspective of an educator. With occupation as the starting point, a summary was developed for each legislator from the education profession. These summaries include his/her chamber and party affiliation, address, telephone number,…

Mental health services for children and adolescents from the states' perspective is the topic of this document. The introduction provides statistics on mental health service needs and utilization in this population, while highlighting underserved needs. The history of mental health services provision and funding is traced from isolated state…

This document contains witness testimonies and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing called to examine the dilemma faced by the terminally ill. Opening statements are included from Congressmen Roybal, Henry, Hughes, Gordon, Wortley, Hammerschmidt, and Snowe. Jacob Javits, former United States Senator, testifies, as a terminally ill…

This document is a reference guide to the laws, rules, and regulations of the State Education Department that govern the profession of psychology in the state of New York. The requirements and procedures for obtaining licensure and first registration as a psychologist are also highlighted. General regulations for the licensed professions as well…

This report presents Wisconsin state legislation dealing with custody arrangements. Part I gives key provisions of 1987 Assembly Bill 205. Part II reviews background activities related to the custody legislation. Part III discusses major issues relating to child custody arrangements, including definition clarification, child custody dispute…

This report presents Wisconsin state legislation on long-term care insurance. Part I summarizes key provisions of six 1987 assembly bills concerned with long-term care insurance. Part II describes activities of the Wisconsin State Legislative Council's Special Committee on Long-Term Health Care Insurance. Part III provides background information…

This fact sheet on state laws governing the independent practice and reimbursement of services for clinical social workers contains information from questionnaires sent to the state agencies responsible for health insurance regulations and Medicaid and licensing activities. Information on Ohio, the only state which did not respond, is not…

Property tax limitation measures passed in 1978 by voters in California and Idaho contain provisions that apparently will reduce the equity of the property tax system in both states. Changes in assessment practices mandated by the new laws will shift the property tax burden away from business and commercial property and toward residential property…

This handbook is designed to help women become effective lobbyists. Although written for women in New Jersey, it can be used by women in other states as well. A lobbyist is defined as a person representing a group who conducts a campaign to influence members of the legislature to vote for the group's special interest. Several factors which…

Included in this compilation are all changes in New York State Education Law enacted through the December 1981 legislative session, and all changes in the New York State Board of Regents Rules and the Education Commissioner's Regulations through December 1981, which pertain to the administration and operation of public and association libraries in…

In an informal interview with NJEA, new State Commissioner of Education Dr. Fred G. Burke, expresses his views on some of the educational issues facing New Jersey today. (Editor)

In 1973, many States had widespread tax reductions as a result of (1) the greater impact of inflation on income rather than on outgo, (2) the stabilizing of educational costs, and (3) federal revenue sharing. State legislation has shifted local fiscal responsibilities to State government, expanded the use of broad-based taxes, and instituted tax…