Court Ruling Expands Access to Prenatal Care for New CA Residents

The San Francisco Superior Court today struck down a state law requiring that low-income working women must have resided in California for at least six months before they can be eligible to receive prenatal and other medical care services through California’s Access for Infants and Mothers insurance program. Read More »
ACLU Seeks to Stop School District's Invasive Drug Testing Policy
The ACLU-NC, in cooperation with national law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, has filed a lawsuit on behalf of students in the Shasta Union High School District, challenging the District’s newly adopted random and suspicionless drug testing policy. In August 2008 the District adopted a policy requiring that all students who participate in non-athletic competitive and representational activities submit to drug testing, including testing for nicotine, alcohol, prescription drugs, and illegal drug use. The ACLU suit charges that the District's new policy infringes on students' rights to privacy and to participate in classes and school-related activities, a core part of public education and curriculum. Read More »

Berkeley City Council Passes Resolution to End Death Sentences in Alameda County
The Berkeley City Council has adopted a resolution calling on the District Attorney of Alameda County to stop pursuing the death penalty and to focus instead on investing public resources in solving homicides, preventing violence, and expanding public safety programs. Read More »

CA Supreme Court Grants Review in Prop 8 Legal Challenges
On Nov. 19 the California Supreme Court granted review in the legal challenges to Proposition 8, which passed by a narrow margin of 52 percent on Nov. 4.  In an order issued today, the Court agreed to hear the case and set an expedited briefing schedule.  The Court also denied an immediate stay. Read More »