Illinois governor clears thousands of marijuana convictions
Illinois’ governor granted more than 11,000 pardons for low-level marijuana convictions, describing the step as a first wave of thousands of such expungements.
States & provinces
This archive collects milestones and progress stories involving U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and subnational governments around the world. From landmark legislation to public health wins and environmental gains, these stories highlight the real-world impact of regional policy and governance.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy restores voting rights for 80,000 on probation or parole
“I am proud to sign one of the most progressive expungement laws in the nation, which will allow more New Jerseyans the opportunity to fully engage in our society,” Murphy said.
The state of New York sees first drop in opioid deaths since 2009
After years of rising opioid-related overdoses deaths among state residents, 2018 finally saw a drop, from 2,170 deaths in 2017, to 1,824 deaths – a 15.9 percent decrease.
Kerala, India to provide free high-speed internet to over 2 million poor families
The project aims to provide free high-speed internet to over 22 million below poverty line households by 2020.
New Jersey becomes first state in the U.S. to provide universal access to arts education
Universal access means all public schools provide some form of arts education and every student has the opportunity to participate in arts education programs as part of the regular school day.
California plans to end ‘lunch shaming’ with a new bill that guarantees meals for all students
SB 265 will require that all public school students have a “state reimbursable” meal provided by the school “even if their parent or guardian has unpaid meal fees.”
Washington state launches statewide standing order for Naloxone
Naloxone (or Narcan) is a medication that can save lives by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. Now anyone in Washington state who needs naloxone can get it at a pharmacy.
California passes a law that allows college athletes to get paid
Gov. Gavin Newsom passed SB 206, also known as the Fair Pay to Play Act, that allows college athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness.
California bans private prisons
The legislation is being hailed as a major victory for criminal justice reform because it removes the profit motive from incarceration.
Maine to be first in the United States to use ranked choice voting in presidential elections
“My experience with ranked-choice voting is that it gives voters a greater voice and it encourages civility among campaigns and candidates at a time when such civility is sorely needed,” said Gov. Mills.