The hottest Legislation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Trudeau Demands Life In Prison For Speech Crimes

Public • 568 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Legislation Totalitarianism Censorship Human Rights
  1. Trudeau's proposed Online Harms Act aims to impose strict penalties, including life imprisonment, for speech-related offenses.
  2. Critics argue that the legislation is an extreme example of governmental overreach, setting a concerning precedent for free speech in Western societies.
  3. The bill would lead to individuals facing harsher maximum penalties for speech offenses like advocating genocide than for serious physical crimes.

What's a prez to do? Grant and the Klan

A User's Guide to History • 314 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Civil Rights Law enforcement Legislation
  1. Ulysses Grant recognized the limitations of using the army to change people's minds.
  2. Grant faced challenges enforcing the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments in the South after the Civil War.
  3. Grant took decisive action against the Ku Klux Klan, using the army to enforce federal law and successfully reduce Klan activities in South Carolina.

Sunday Strip: The Democracy That Never Was.

Who is Robert Malone • 48 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Legislation Government History Current Events
  1. The term 'democracy' is not mentioned in important U.S. founding documents. The Founding Fathers preferred a representative democracy to avoid the problem of majority rule.
  2. A new AI tool called Grok will help summarize complex laws to make them easier for people to understand. This could help more people engage with what their government is doing.
  3. Historical tensions around gun control were significant leading up to the American Revolution. Restrictions on weaponry fueled a desire for independence from British rule.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (No. 65)

The Redneck Intellectual by C. Bradley Thompson • 353 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economy Social Issues Legislation Government
  1. The Good includes interesting news about Argentina's libertarian president and heartwarming stories like a heroic dog and a Florida couple adopting a baby.
  2. The Bad showcases negative aspects of current affairs like economic struggles, bureaucratic proposals, and societal challenges.
  3. The Ugly delves into disturbing societal trends such as children on puberty blockers, court battles over trans surgeries, and unsettling political scandals.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

January 3, 2025

Letters from an American • 18 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Elections Political parties Government Legislation
  1. A new Congress has started with Republicans in control of both the House and Senate, but they are facing challenges in electing a speaker and uniting their party.
  2. Speaker Mike Johnson is caught between the demands of far-right members and the Democrats, making it unclear how he will navigate upcoming budget decisions.
  3. President Biden awarded several honors today to recognize bravery and exceptional service, focusing on the contributions of military personnel and public safety officers.

America's Peacetime Conundrum

Max Meyer Blog • 569 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Memorials Legislation Statistics
  1. In 2022, there were no US soldier combat deaths but over 300 soldier suicides.
  2. The number of veteran suicides has been consistently higher than the civilian rate, with rates increasing over time.
  3. Efforts have been made to address veteran suicide, including anti-suicide legislation and national strategies, but the impact is still being observed.

Whatever the Spook State Wants...

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 115 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Surveillance Legislation Civil Liberties National Security Political Reforms
  1. There's a concern about how the government can collect data from everyday Americans without a warrant. This is done through something called 'incidental collection,' which means they can gather information without specifically targeting someone.
  2. Politicians like Speaker Mike Johnson seem to change their views on surveillance after receiving private briefings. It raises questions about accountability and whether they truly represent the people's concerns after such meetings.
  3. Tulsi Gabbard, once an opponent of domestic surveillance, has shifted her stance. There are hints that lobbying from the GOP influenced her change, calling into question how much power lobbyists have over our leaders' decisions.

Eyes on the Bleeding States

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 398 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics State Politics Legislation Policy Social Issues Government
  1. Red states have uncontested seats leading to extreme Republican representation caused by years of disinvestment by Democrats.
  2. Laws passed in red states can have far-reaching effects beyond their borders, affecting everyone regardless of the state they live in.
  3. The impact of oppressive legislation in bleeding states showcases the potential for similar actions to occur in any state, posing a threat to rights and safety.

OSD 299: What a president can do

Open Source Defense • 56 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Rights Executive Power Political culture Legislation
  1. Historically, pro-gun presidents haven't made major changes once in office. This shows that having the right president isn't always enough for gun rights.
  2. The president can still take meaningful actions to support gun rights, but many of these require working with Congress. Some changes can be done alone, but they're often not pursued.
  3. Eventually, culture and technology around gun rights will matter more than politics. Even if presidents don't act, gun rights may keep growing thanks to shifts in public opinion and advances in tech.

January 7, 2025

Letters from an American • 15 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Elections Environmental justice
  1. President Biden has created new national monuments in California, protecting nearly 848,000 acres of land. This helps safeguard important natural and cultural sites.
  2. Biden also protected millions of acres of ocean from oil drilling to ensure the health of coastal economies and ecosystems. Even though oil companies aren't showing much interest now, this law prevents future drilling.
  3. There's a push among some Republican lawmakers to transfer federal lands to state control, which could lead to privatization and might hurt public access to these lands. Keeping public lands protected is vital for jobs and local economies.

Meta's just not that into you

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
💼 Business Media Publishing Social media Monetization Legislation
  1. Facebook is shifting away from news content, with recent actions including shutting down its news tab and restricting news links on its platforms like Instagram and Threads.
  2. Publishers have seen a decline in Facebook traffic over the years, as the platform has deprioritized news pages since the aftermath of the 2016 election.
  3. Many publishers blame Meta for not compensating them adequately, leading to lobbying efforts by publishers globally to force Meta to the bargaining table.

Arkansas Congressman’s Proposal To “Make Community Banking Great Again”

Fintech Business Weekly • 44 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
💰 Finance Banking Regulation Payments Fintech Legislation
  1. A Congressman from Arkansas has a plan to help community banks. He wants to improve regulations to make banking easier and more fair for smaller banks.
  2. The CFPB has decided which digital payment apps will be closely monitored. Apps that process a lot of transactions, like Venmo and Cash App, will need to follow new rules to protect consumers.
  3. During a recent hearing, top banking officials talked about the health of the banking system. They mentioned the need for stronger risk management and staying updated with new financial technologies.

Senate Did NOT Just Unanimously Pass a Bill Requiring Declassification of "All of the Information" Regarding the Origins of Covid

husseini • 550 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Transparency
  1. The Senate bill only requires the release of information related to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, not all Covid origins information.
  2. Claims by sponsors like Sen. Hawley that the bill mandates declassification of all relevant Covid origins information are inaccurate.
  3. The bill focuses on declassifying information about the Wuhan Institute of Virology, leaving out other institutions and possible pandemic origins.

Election Countdown: 305 Days to Go.

Breaking the News • 666 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Media Narrative Campaigning Legislation
  1. Presidential elections are often influenced by economic and other indicators like job creation, inflation trends, crime rates, and deficit levels.
  2. Media narratives about political figures can shift over time, impacting public perception and election outcomes.
  3. It's important for the media to avoid legitimizing hate speech and to critically analyze the rhetoric and actions of political figures.

December 30, 2024

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Immigration Legislation Elections Government Affairs
  1. There's a big clash happening within the MAGA movement. Some want strict immigration policies, while others, like Elon Musk, support more skilled worker visas.
  2. Trump seems to be aligning more with tech-focused interests now, despite previously opposing such policies. This shows a shift in his strategy as he faces challenges from within his own party.
  3. The fight isn't just about MAGA versus DOGE; it's also about control in Congress. With new lawmakers coming in, there could be more chaos as they struggle to agree on important issues like the debt ceiling.

The LOOP NOW Coalition sent a letter to Congressional leaders asking them to introduce bipartisan legislation to begin reducing Americans’ exposure to absurdly high out-of-pocket requirements.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 719 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medical Debt Legislation Insurance Economic Impact
  1. Many Americans, even those with health insurance, are struggling with high medical debt. This situation affects around 100 million people.
  2. The LOOP NOW Coalition is urging Congress to pass laws that lower out-of-pocket costs for healthcare. They want to limit annual expenses for medications and treatments.
  3. Currently, out-of-pocket health costs can reach over $9,000 for individuals, which makes it tough for families to afford necessary care. The coalition is working with lawmakers from both parties to tackle this issue.

Culture Wars Are not For Sissies

Disaffected Newsletter • 1159 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Culture Wars Media influence Legislation Identity politics Public Discourse
  1. There is a belief that we are in a serious cultural conflict, not just a disagreement, and the left seems to control most of the media, spreading misinformation.
  2. Laws are being proposed that some believe would allow harmful medical treatments for children, sparking heated debate about child safety and rights.
  3. Some people think that a softer approach to these issues isn't working anymore, and there is a call for more direct and strong action to address the perceived dangers.

Lawmaker who think it's OK to pass on AIDS wants to crack down on speeding

Tilting At Windmills • 275 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Public Safety Health Civil Liberties
  1. Some lawmakers prioritize cracking down on speeding while being lenient on passing on AIDS
  2. The inconsistency in a lawmaker's priorities can be concerning and raise questions about their values
  3. Proposed laws restricting speeding may have unintended consequences, like increased costs and potential privacy concerns

Meatball Ron

Going Awol • 259 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political Commentary
  1. Ron DeSantis supports banning lab-grown meat in Florida based on the idea that consumers need real meat and not fake alternatives.
  2. The ban on lab-grown meat in Florida is not solely about meat consumption but also about protection and upholding traditional practices.
  3. Prohibiting lab-grown meat may not be effective in meeting the demand for alternative products, and it could be wiser to let market forces influence consumer choices.

Americans can't afford their out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy counter. Legislators on both sides of the aisle are taking action.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 479 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Healthcare Bipartisanship Pharmaceuticals Advocacy
  1. Many Americans are struggling to afford their medication costs at the pharmacy, which is forcing them to leave without the medicines they need.
  2. Big insurance companies have gained too much control over drug prices, causing many patients to pay more at the counter while receiving less help from their insurance.
  3. Bipartisan action is happening in Congress to reform pharmacy benefit managers, with bills aiming to lower out-of-pocket costs for patients and increase price transparency.

They’re Coming for Your Porn

American Dreaming • 61 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Civil Rights Social Issues Political Movements
  1. There's a growing movement in some states to criminalize pornography, and this could affect many people, including teachers and libraries. The laws are being pushed mainly by conservative groups who believe it harms society.
  2. Many states now require people to prove their age to access adult content, which raises concerns about online privacy and data security. This could lead to personal information being exposed or abused.
  3. Instead of banning porn, better sex education is needed to help young people understand relationships and sexual health. Open conversations about sex can help prepare kids for the realities of adulthood.

IPP sentences: the fight continues

A Lawyer Writes • 275 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Legislation Reform Government Injustice
  1. Fresh attempts are being made to reform the IPP sentences during the committee stage of the Victims and Prisoners Bill in the House of Lords.
  2. An amendment proposed by Lord Moylan, supported by the Bar Council, aims to shift the burden of proof from the prisoner to the state in proving risk to the public.
  3. The proposed amendment by Lord Moylan is considered elegant, legally sound, and a risk-based solution for injustices caused by IPP sentences, according to barristers.

The Looming Danger to Rural Schools

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 378 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Funding
  1. Rural schools in Missouri are facing a funding crisis, ranking poorly in starting teacher pay and educational funding.
  2. 30% of Missouri schools operate on a 4-day week due to lack of funding, impacting students' academic hours and creating challenges for parents with daycare needs.
  3. Missouri legislators are considering further defunding public education, potentially implementing voucher programs that could divert public tax money to private and religious schools, jeopardizing the future of rural schools.

Legislators and advocacy groups in Washington still have their sights set on PBM reform

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 179 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Advocacy Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Reform
  1. Legislators in Washington want to change how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) operate because many think their practices are hurting patients and pharmacies.
  2. There is support from both political parties to reform PBMs, but lobbyists are trying to stop these changes to protect profit margins.
  3. Pharmacists and businesses need to be aware of PBM practices and take action now, as reforms could save them a lot of money and make medications more affordable.

Kiwis increasingly don't buy into gender ideology, say five poll results in the last year.

A B’Old Woman • 419 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Opinion Political parties Legislation Social Issues
  1. Many New Zealanders are expressing concerns about gender ideology, especially regarding its impact on women's sports and spaces.
  2. Five polls over the past year show a clear trend that people do not support the forced inclusion of gender ideology in schools and public policies.
  3. Politicians may not be hearing about these concerns because people feel uncomfortable speaking up, but it doesn't mean those issues aren't important.

Where Should I Incorporate?

Points And Figures • 532 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
💼 Business Startup Legislation Location Investment
  1. Institutional investors prefer C-Corps for specific tax benefits and legal protections.
  2. Nevada is emerging as a compelling option for business incorporation due to favorable legal environment and objectivity of judges.
  3. Nevada's business-friendly culture, favorable weather, and infrastructure make it an attractive choice for startups over traditional options like Delaware.

What’s happening inside the brain on LSD? Colorado psychedelics legislation flies through state Senate, and Oregon gets its first licensed testing lab

The Microdose • 471 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Legislation Therapy Research Mental health
  1. Scientists study brain activity on LSD and find altered connectivity and self-inhibition.
  2. Colorado Senate passes SB 290 to implement Proposition 122 for psilocybin services in the state.
  3. Oregon licenses its first psilocybin testing lab, but high costs may drive some practitioners underground.

Sex self-ID in New Zealand has a 'get out of jail' card for service providers.

A B’Old Woman • 619 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Legislation Public Policy Social justice Community Engagement
  1. In New Zealand, the new sex self-ID law allows people to change their recorded sex easily online. However, service providers can still choose to restrict access to single-sex spaces.
  2. Service providers are not legally required to let men who identify as women into women's areas. Their decision to do so is voluntary and could come with potential risks.
  3. Allowing men into women's spaces can make some women feel unsafe or uncomfortable, even if no incidents happen. Women's rights to single-sex spaces should be respected.

Health insurers find new way to drain the bank accounts of Americans with chronic conditions

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 459 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Legislation Chronic Conditions Healthcare Costs Patient Advocacy
  1. Health insurers are changing rules that make it harder for people with chronic illnesses to pay for their medications. This is causing patients to spend much more money out-of-pocket.
  2. Copay accumulators are a new tactic where insurance companies do not count discounts from drug manufacturers towards patients' out-of-pocket limits, making medications even more expensive.
  3. Legislation is being introduced to help protect patients. Bills are being considered at both state and federal levels to ensure that all payments count towards out-of-pocket expenses.

Reproductive Biology for Politicians and Voters, Part 1

De Novo • 176 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Reproductive Rights Legislation IVF
  1. Many human embryos do not survive to become babies. More than half of them die naturally, especially depending on the age of the mother's egg.
  2. Embryos can split and create identical twins before a certain stage in development. This means that a single embryo isn't guaranteed to become one unique human.
  3. Understanding stages of pregnancy is important for discussions about IVF and abortion. For example, many abortions happen early, often before many realize they are pregnant.

Thanks to reporters at ProPublica and Scripps News, we are learning more about how health insurers cheat patients out of life-saving care

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 339 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Healthcare Patient rights Regulations Legislation
  1. Health insurers often ignore laws meant to help patients get crucial medical care. This can result in patients not receiving life-saving treatments they need.
  2. Many patients don’t complain about insurance denials because they are overwhelmed during difficult times. This makes it hard for regulators to catch insurers doing wrong.
  3. State insurance departments are usually underfunded and struggle to enforce laws, which allows insurers to keep profiting while patients suffer.