Illinois is implementing over 400 new laws in 2026, covering areas such as victims' rights, education, property, gun safety, and employment, with resources available to help residents understand and navigate these changes.
Recent education laws and regulations in Florida, including the Parental Rights in Education Act, have led to an increase in bureaucracy for schools, requiring permission slips for routine activities such as vision tests, using nicknames, and accessing health services. The laws, intended to prioritize parental rights, have resulted in confusion and difficulty for schools in providing necessary services to students, with some districts interpreting the rules broadly and others requiring extensive consent forms. The impact includes delays in accessing health screenings, limitations on library book access, and increased paperwork for mental health services, ultimately affecting the well-being and academic performance of students.
Florida school district leaders are expressing frustration and confusion over the constantly changing education laws and directives from state officials. Vaguely written rules and confusing guidance have made it difficult for districts to comply, leading to uncertainty for educators and a lack of trust in the education commissioner. The state's focus on cultural issues and the potential penalties for non-compliance have added to the strain. Districts are calling for clearer guidance and more regular interactions with the Department of Education to improve the implementation of laws and rules.
Katie Rinderle, a gifted specialist at Due West Elementary School in Georgia, was fired for reading a book called "My Shadow is Purple" to her fifth-grade students, which was deemed "divisive" by a parent. Rinderle is believed to be the first teacher in Georgia to be terminated under the state's new laws banning "divisive concepts" in classrooms. Similar laws have been passed in 18 other states, leading to book bans, teacher resignations, and a shortage of educators. The National Education Association (NEA) and local unions are fighting back against these laws, filing lawsuits and organizing read-aloud events to promote diverse books and protect teachers' rights to provide a well-rounded education.
Governor Ron DeSantis visited a church in Broward County to sign four bills aimed at combating human trafficking, including allowing victims to seek restitution against their traffickers and adult entertainment establishments, establishing an anti-human trafficking education program, and setting minimum sentences for convicted armed human traffickers. The previous day, DeSantis signed legislation banning the use of state funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion education programs and appointed conservative activist Christopher Rufo to the New College board.