Judiciary panel advances 'Halo' bill to create 25‑foot buffer for first responders; debate centers on definitions and free‑speech risks Committee reported H4763 favorably. The bill would make it a misdemeanor to remain within or approach a 25‑foot zone around a first responder after a verbal warning if done 'knowingly and willfully' to interfere, threaten or harass; members debated scope, mental‑health exceptions, measurement and potential First Amendment and press implications.

A new 'Halo' bill aims to protect first responders by establishing a 25-foot buffer zone, but concerns about free speech and vague definitions are sparking intense debate.

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#SC #LegislativeReform #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #SouthCarolinaFirstResponders #FirstAmendmentIssues

Senate Judiciary Reviews S.222, a Proposal to Bar Businesses from Election Spending in Vermont Legislative Council told the Senate Judiciary Committee that S.222 would strip statutory authority for business entities to spend on election or ballot-question activity, but counsel and legislative attorneys warned of substantial First Amendment, Contracts Clause and due-process issues and recommended further hearings.

A bold new bill in Vermont could strip businesses of their power to influence elections, raising serious constitutional questions that have never been tested before.

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House adopts law tightening rules for 3‑D‑printed and CNC‑manufactured firearms The House approved a substitute for House Bill 23‑20 aiming to close the 'ghost‑gun' loophole by regulating code and files used to produce firearms on 3‑D printers and CNC machines; debate centered on definitions and free‑speech implications. Final vote was 57–39.

Lawmakers have passed a controversial bill aiming to regulate untraceable firearms made with 3-D printers, sparking intense debate over public safety and First Amendment rights.

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Hate speech, threats, or freedom of expression? #firstamendmentissues