An interesting anti-LEED movement seems to be gaining momentum among states that are opposed to the USGBC LEED rating system.

The final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on Serbia’s 24 April 2016 early parliamentary elections recommends a comprehensive review of legislation to further improve election process.  

The report, while finding the elections were efficiently administered and held in a competitive environment, spells out key areas that would benefit from such a review, including unclear rules on candidate registration, inadequate regulation of campaign finance, deficiencies and loopholes in dispute resolution mechanisms, an absence of sanctions for some violations and the lack of provisions on election observation.

The report, published on 29 July 2016, notes that, while fundamental freedoms were respected and candidates were able to campaign freely, biased media coverage, undue advantage of incumbency and a blurring of the distinction between state and party activities hindered a level playing field for contestants. To this end, the report recommends specific campaign regulations, including the introduction of ceilings on campaign expenditures and preventing the misuse of administrative resources and the abuse of office.  

In noting the absence of an effective mechanism for monitoring media conduct during the campaign, the report recommends clarifying the competences of the media regulatory body in investigating and sanctioning breaches of legislation in a timely manner.

A review of the election appeals system to guarantee an effective and timely remedy for all complaints, and particularly in cases related to electionday irregularities and election results, is also among the report’s recommendations.

Additional recommendations relate to providing unrestricted access of citizen and international observers to the entire electoral process, including voting, counting and tabulation, and enhancing the transparency of the tabulation of results.

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ASHGABAT, 21 April 2016 – A commentary prepared by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat covering Turkmenistan’s Education Law of 2013 as well as regulations on state educational institutions, state pre-school institutions and on state specialized educational institutions, was presented at a roundtable meeting in Ashgabat today.

During the discussion, an international expert who was engaged in drafting the commentary highlighted the main provisions of the relevant legislative acts and reflected on their compliance with international human rights standards.

“Education is playing a significant role in ensuring sustainable security and it is the responsibility of governments to guarantee equal access to education for their citizens,” said Ivo Petrov, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“The analysis of the national legislation on education demonstrated that the Government of Turkmenistan has been undertaking a significant and systematic attempt to legislate the right to high quality and relevant education for all their citizens across the lifespan. We firmly believe that this analysis will provide an efficient input in the efforts of the country’s authorities to further strengthen the educational system.”

The roundtable discussion brought together members of the Mejlis (parliament), officials from the Ministry of Education, the Supreme Court and the National Institute for Democracy and Human Rights under the President of Turkmenistan, as well as instructors from the Institute of International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International University of Humanities and Development and the Magtymguly Turkmen State University.

The commentary and the event were organized as part of the Centre’s extra-budgetary project to facilitate the exchange of legal expertise in strengthening national legislation on education in compliance with international standards. The project is funded by the British Embassy in Turkmenistan.

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• OSCE seminar in Turkmenistan promotes freedom of religion and belief

The final report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on Serbia’s 24 April 2016 early parliamentary elections recommends a comprehensive review of legislation to further improve election process.  

The report, while finding the elections were efficiently administered and held in a competitive environment, spells out key areas that would benefit from such a review, including unclear rules on candidate registration, inadequate regulation of campaign finance, deficiencies and loopholes in dispute resolution mechanisms, an absence of sanctions for some violations and the lack of provisions on election observation.

The report, published on 29 July 2016, notes that, while fundamental freedoms were respected and candidates were able to campaign freely, biased media coverage, undue advantage of incumbency and a blurring of the distinction between state and party activities hindered a level playing field for contestants. To this end, the report recommends specific campaign regulations, including the introduction of ceilings on campaign expenditures and preventing the misuse of administrative resources and the abuse of office.  

In noting the absence of an effective mechanism for monitoring media conduct during the campaign, the report recommends clarifying the competences of the media regulatory body in investigating and sanctioning breaches of legislation in a timely manner.

A review of the election appeals system to guarantee an effective and timely remedy for all complaints, and particularly in cases related to electionday irregularities and election results, is also among the report’s recommendations.

Additional recommendations relate to providing unrestricted access of citizen and international observers to the entire electoral process, including voting, counting and tabulation, and enhancing the transparency of the tabulation of results.

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• OSCE/ODIHR final report on Serbia’s parliamentary elections notes respect for fundamental freedoms, recommends steps to further improve election process
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• International election observers in Serbia to hold press conference on Monday

Reforming political party legislation in Ukraine was the focus of an expert workshop in Kyiv on 6 and 7 July 2016, jointly organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), the Ukrainian civil society organizations Agency for Legislative Initiatives (ALI) and the Civil Network "OPORA". The event was hosted by the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.

More than 80 experts, including representatives of the Ukrainian parliament, government, academia and civil society organizations, discussed trends and challenges in political party regulation, highlighting good practices and lessons learned over the past two decades, and contextualizing the reforms and challenges of the Ukrainian legislative framework in broader regional and international experience.

"Political parties are facing significant challenges in their ability to represent citizens and promote political participation across OSCE participating States," said Marcin Walecki, Head of ODIHR Democratization Department. "Transparency in party procedures and financing sources, their level of inclusiveness towards under-represented groups, and their ability to use new media to promote communication and accountability are all indispensable elements to ensure political pluralism and a vigorous democracy."

Sergii Leshchenko, Member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, said: "Political parties in Ukraine suffer from low levels of trust, affecting the legitimacy of the entire institutional framework. Following last year’s workshop, this meeting represents an opportunity to continue the discussion with international and local experts on the political party legislation implemented in Ukraine and opportunities for reform."

The Workshop also addressed the issue of inclusiveness in political parties, looking into the promotion of women and persons with disabilities in policies and party structures.

In a video message from Judith E. Heumann, Special Advisor for International Disability Rights in the United States’ State Department, said: "Participating States should support political participation of persons with disabilities in political parties across the OSCE region."

Following the workshop, 20 Ukrainian journalists, media and civil society representatives will participate in a one-day training event on Money in Politics, offering a general overview of the issue of political party and campaign financing, and focusing on the findings of the workshop and detailed aspects of the political party legislation adopted in Ukraine.

The workshop and the subsequent training workshop were organized within the framework of ODIHR’s project on "Strengthening dialogue among civil society and with key government stakeholders in Ukraine".

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After the House passed the Social Security Fairness Act in a vote of 327 to 75, the legislation is now facing its next hurdle: passage in the Senate.

The post Legislation to eliminate WEP and GPO clears the House first appeared on Federal News Network.

The Government of Bermuda “extends its congratulations to the Autonomous Region of the Azores, which passed groundbreaking legislation to protect 30% of their waters and designating the largest marine protected area [MPA] network in the North Atlantic.” A Government spokesperson said, “This historic decision safeguards 287,000 square kilometers of Azorean waters, half of which is […]

Mesothelioma Victims Fight Against Proposed LegislationI was trying to find a website on cat food and I came across this beautiful article. Mesothelioma Victims Fight Against Proposed Legislationmore info hereOriginally Posted on 11/06/2005 21:47:16Content source: http://bobrboobd.blogspot.com/2004_04_14_bobrboobd_archive.html#108196373013106592

The Bill was passed in Holyrood with 105 votes to zero with seven Scottish Green MSPs abstaining.

Many dilemmas of style arise when translating legislation into English. This post looks at the most common ones and solutions to them. By legislation I mean any laws or rules set down by a governing body, be that of a country, company or university. So everything from a criminal code to a health and safety […]

Translating the legislation or regulations of a country, company or university into English requires certain skills and know-how. This post lists five things your translator should know when translating legislation into English. 1. How to apply English drafting conventions Conventions on headings, numbering, referencing and capitalisation differ from one legal language to another. For instance, […]

Call it the "Tax Cuts and Wall Act." Republicans, on the verge of a full sweep of government, are plotting immediate legislation that would extend and expand tax cuts, bolster U.S. energy production and perhaps provide money to finish building the southern border wall.

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, also announced an increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions and a huge rise in health spending

Silver Spring, MD — The nation’s largest union and professional association of registered nurses is urging Congress to pass pending legislation that would “end the industry-created nurse staffing crisis” by setting mandated staffing levels in hospitals, as well as take other actions that would improve working conditions for nurses.

Washington – Several members of the House have joined forces to reintroduce bipartisan legislation that would make permanent OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs.

Washington – Cargo pilots would receive the same legal protections against fatigued flying as passenger aircraft pilots under legislation recently introduced in the Senate.

Washington – A group of senators has proposed new legislation that would require commercial airlines to carry epinephrine auto-injectors to help protect passengers with severe allergies.

Washington – A bill introduced by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) would require airlines to provide flight attendants with at least 10 hours off between work shifts.

Washington — Legislation introduced in both chambers of Congress is aimed at enhancing the safety of the air supply on commercial aircraft to protect crew and passengers.

Washington — A bipartisan bill reintroduced in both chambers of Congress is intended to make the air safer to breathe for crews and passengers on commercial aircraft.

Washington – Firefighters who work for federal agencies and contract certain diseases on the job would be ensured federal workers’ compensation coverage under newly introduced bipartisan legislation.

Washington — In her second appropriations hearing in as many days, Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao said she has “encouraged legislation” to clarify hours-of-service requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers.

The technology landscape for smart consumer appliances is undergoing a profound transformation, guided in part by multiple legislative changes set forth by the Biden Administration.

Tallahassee, FL — A bill that would roll back restrictions on the number of hours 16- and 17-year-olds can work, and when, is advancing in the Florida Legislature.

Frankfort, KY — A bill that would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to work longer and later hours, among other child labor law rollbacks, is advancing in the Kentucky Legislature.

Columbus, OH — Legislation recently introduced in the Ohio Statehouse would direct health care employers to develop and implement a workplace violence prevention plan within six months.

Albany, NY — Two separate bills recently introduced in New York state are both aimed at protecting workers and drivers in highway work zones.

Washington — Democratic lawmakers have renewed their push to ease access to health care and other benefits for coal miners who have black lung disease.

Originally broadcast March 23, 2012

Basic Black takes a look at national and local headlines including the outrage ignited by the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin in Florida, the debate over Massachusetts; "three strikes" legislation, and Charles Street AME Church vs. One United Bank.

Our panel this week:
- Callie Crossley, host and executive editor, The Callie Crossley Show
- Phillip Martin, senior reporter, 89.7 WGBH radio
- Charles Yancey, Boston City Councillor
- State Rep. Russell Holmes, (D-MA)
- Alejandra St. Guillen, executive director, Oiste

Historic legislation has been enacted to boost U.S. competitiveness and security, spur innovation, and make real progress on climate change and human health, said the National Academies’ presidents in a statement. “The National Academies stand ready to mobilize the broader science, engineering, and medical and health communities to help inform and implement solutions.”

Despite their benefits, awareness campaigns alone are not enough to encourage widespread adoption of cybersecurity best practices

As plastic caps and closures rise in demand, companies continue to innovate, improving on the performance and sustainability of beverage packaging, driving more adoption of recyclability and reusability.

We are encouraged to see movement on this critical piece of legislation

Spending Bill Contained At Least Two Anti-Second Amendment Provisions

The California Workers’ Compensation Institute published a bulletin listing bills of interest that Gov. Gavin Newsom enacted this year. The bulletin lists bills including AB 1239, which allows carriers to continue…