Oregon becomes third state in U.S. to legalize human composting
The bill will legalize what’s known as natural organic reduction, or what some refer to as human composting. The law goes into effect July 1, 2022.
States & provinces
Connecticut is first U.S. state to make all prison phone calls free
Connecticut became the first state this week to make all prison phone calls free, addressing one of the biggest emotional and financial burdens faced by incarcerated men and women and their families as they try to stay in touch.
Maine becomes the first U.S. state to divest from fossil fuels
The new law directs the $17 billion Maine Public Employee Retirement System to divest $1.3 billion from fossil fuels within five years and directs the Treasury to do the same with other state funds.
Nevada will start teaching LGBTQ history in K-12 school curriculum
Nevada will become the sixth state in the nation to require lessons on LGBTQ people and historic events.
California Assembly passes groundbreaking deforestation bill
AB 416 requires that state’s forest product suppliers have policies that prevent deforestation and guarantee Indigenous Peoples the right to free, prior and informed consent for any operations on their territories.
West Papua revokes quarter of a million hectares of land from palm oil
The local government Indonesia’s West Papua province has revoked permits for 12 oil palm concessions that cover an area twice the size of Los Angeles.
Alabama governor signs medical marijuana legalization bill
Late last month, the governor signed another bill that expands expungement eligibility for certain convictions, including misdemeanor marijuana possession.
Alabama removes anti-LGBTQ language from sexual education curriculums
Previous legislation in Alabama was discriminatory towards LGBTQ individuals and required that curriculums emphasize “that homosexuality is not a lifestyle acceptable to the general public.”
The state of New York prohibits single-use mini toiletry bottles in hotels
The new law means that hotels will be required to switch to larger, refillable dispensers. This will lead to a reduction in plastic bottles and unused liquids that are discarded.
Vermont bans lawyers from using “panic” excuse for killing LGBTQ people
Vermont is the 14th state to ban the gay and trans “panic defense” that allowed defendants to justify murder by saying they were surprised to find out someone is an LGBTQ person.