Kagan Warns the Supreme Court’s New COVID Decision May Kill People – Slate, Feb. 6

The Supreme Court blocked California’s ban on indoor religious services, allowing residents to resume indoor worship, which has been associated with “countless superspreader events since the start of the pandemic.” The order shot down the total ban on indoor religious services, but upheld the 25% capacity limit and the singing ban.

Lawmakers to Reintroduce Sweeping Maternal Health Bill – US News, Feb. 5

Congressional Lawmakers are poised to reintroduce a sweeping package aimed at improving maternal health outcomes in the U.S., particularly among Black mothers. The law’s backers say the pandemic has been devastating for pregnant people and has exacerbated existing disparities. The bill includes proposals to invest in community-based care for Black mothers; improve maternal health data collection; improve maternal health outcomes for incarcerated mothers; support programs to improve mental health for postpartum mothers; and examine policies on continuing health insurance coverage, including Medicaid, up to one year postpartum.

Biden Harnesses Defense Production Act to Speed Vaccinations and Production of Protective Equipment – Washington Post, Feb. 5

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has approved a request from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to deploy 1,100 troops to support vaccination sites – a move made possible after the Biden administration’s utilization of the Defense Production Act.

The law provides “a range of emergency powers to control distribution of products and compel companies to prioritize certain orders over others,” and is expected to boost vaccination supplies and other critical equipment.

Ayanna Pressley, Elizabeth Warren Renew Efforts to Pass Anti-Racism in Public Health Bill – Boston.com, Feb. 2

The Anti-Racism in Public Health Act, first introduced last fall and now reintroduced, would require the federal government to begin developing race-conscious public health approaches through two programs within the CDC. Lawmakers say they’re pushing the bill again as the pandemic continues to lay bare centuries of structural racism, including early warning signs of racial disparities in vaccine-access.

D.C.’s New Vision Zero Law Could Be a Boon for Bike Lanes – Bloomberg, Feb. 2

In an effort to reduce pedestrian and cyclist deaths, a new Washington D.C. law will require the construction of protected bike lanes for roads undergoing construction that have been pre-identified as candidates for a protected bike lane or private-vehicle-free zone. The law is modeled on a novel Cambridge, Massachusetts ordinance enacted in 2019.

Oregon Measure Decriminalizing Possession of Drugs Takes Effect, in a First in U.S. – NBC News, Feb. 1

In what backers call “a revolutionary move for the United States,” Oregon has become the first state in the nation to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs, including heroin and LSD. Instead of criminal charges, those found in possession will face a fine or a health assessment that could lead to addiction counseling. The measure also includes additional funding for addiction recovery centers.

State Legislatures Expect to See Racial Justice Fight – Governing, Feb. 1

In the first full legislative session since the murder of George Floyd, state legislatures around the country are introducing bills designed to address racial equity in housing, health care access and policing. Lawmakers in at least 16 states have introduced more than 330 bills for this session on policing alone, including measures banning no-knock warrants, mandating de-escalation training and the creation of community advisory boards.

CDC Orders Sweeping U.S. Transportation Mask Mandate as Covid Rages – CNBC, Jan. 30

Starting tomorrow, a new CDC order will require travelers to wear a face mask on nearly all forms of public transportation. While masks are already required for many forms of transportation, like flying, the order “will make not wearing a mask a violation of federal law that could make it easier for flight attendants and others to enforce.”

Attacked in Public, Threatened at Work, Picketed at Home: Public Health Leaders Have Seen it all in the Pandemic – CPR, Jan. 25

Public health workers across the country have been threatened, harassed, and picketed during the pandemic. As a result, many are resigning, raising concerns about the loss of public health expertise when the nation needs it the most. In some states, like Colorado, officials are considering legislation that would provide protections for state and county public health professionals.

Dallas County Axes Plan to Prioritize Vaccinating Communities of Color After State Threatens to Slash Allocation – The Texas Tribune, Jan. 20

Dallas city officials reversed course on a plan that would have prioritized vaccine allocation to the county’s most vulnerable ZIP codes, primarily in communities of color. The reversal came after the state threatened to slash its vaccine allocation.

The Network for Public Health Law provides information and technical assistance on issues related to public health. The legal information and assistance provided in this document do not constitute legal advice or legal representation. For legal advice, readers should consult a lawyer in their state.

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