Trends and Emerging Issues in Public Health from the 2014 State Legislative Sessions

In 2014, 46 state legislatures will convene for regular sessions. State legislatures have been described as laboratories of democracy due to their ability to take experimental and innovative approaches. Prior to state legislatures convening each year, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials develops a state legislative prospectus document highlighting emerging areas and trending issues impacting state health agencies and public health. Issues are identified by surveying the state health agency legislative liaisons and reviewing pre-filed bills.  Some of the emerging and trending issues identified for 2014 include: social impact bonds, labeling genetically modified foods, promoting health equity, legalizing the medical and recreational use of marijuana, addressing prescription drug abuse, data privacy, and promoting healthy behaviors.

By November, all but four state legislatures will have adjourned for the year, making this an opportune time to provide an overview of public health legislative trends from the 2014 state sessions.  This presentation will also provide an opportunity to highlight promising public health laws that were enacted as well as discuss bills that posed potential threat to public health. Issues discussed may include, but will not be limited to those identified in ASTHO’s 2014 state legislative prospectus. Note to session planner, this session is suitable for both lay and legal audiences.