The legal term preemption may have little resonance outside of courts and legislative chambers. But what it describes — the invalidation of state law by federal law, or local law by state law — has...
State attorneys general (AGs), charged with enforcing the laws of their states, have both the motivation and authority to help promote and enforce public health policy. Not only do they mediate consumer complaints and investigate...
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to regulate products that contain tobacco. Not every provision in the 2009 FDA Law, however, applies to every...
Most people know that Congress creates new federal laws by passing bills, but that’s not the only way that federal requirements and restrictions are created. Federal agencies also can issue new regulations that have the...
Local government attorneys have a critical role in developing law and policy, making them important allies in the movement to prevent childhood obesity. This fact sheet explains how advocates can work with city attorneys and...
Most people know that Congress creates new federal laws by passing bills that are signed into effect. But that’s not the only way federal requirements and restrictions are created. Federal agencies also can issue new...
Climate change may well be one of the greatest threats to human health in this century. But by getting involved in climate change policy initiatives now under way across the country, public health advocates have...
Laws that restrict youth access to tobacco products can effectively reduce tobacco use among youth. Unfortunately, some local jurisdictions lack the legal authority to enact “youth access” laws because of preemption. Preemption is the invalidation...
Comprehensive smokefree air laws can effectively reduce the burden of tobacco by prohibiting smoking in places like worksites, bars, restaurants, and playgrounds. Unfortunately, some local jurisdictions lack the legal authority to enact such laws because...
State laws have a significant impact on public health. Laws include statutes, which legislatures enact, or rules (known as regulations in some states), which state agencies and departments adopt to interpret statutes or fill in...
Our partners often ask us to explain the difference between a contract and a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Although there can be legal distinctions between the two types of documents, there may be no legal...
“Shared use,” along with “joint use” and “community use,” are terms that describe what happens when government entities (or sometimes private, nonprofit organizations) agree to open or broaden access to their property or facilities to...
Every day, business owners and real estate developers make decisions that have tremendous impact on our health – where homes are built, where businesses are located, and what kinds of products and services are available...
Individuals suffering from drifting secondhand smoke or vapor who find themselves unable to settle the dispute through mediation or other means may, as a last resort, want to take the matter to small claims court...
Advocates can work with local government to create healthier environments for children by reporting instances when municipal ordinances (local laws) are not being observed. Some communities, for example, have adopted menu-labeling laws requiring fast food...
ChangeLab Solutions provides a variety of tools to help communities combat childhood obesity, including model laws (“ordinances”) local decision-makers and attorneys can adapt for their communities. Ordinances must contain implementation and enforcement provisions to ensure...
These fact sheets summarize research linking health outcomes to the built environment: one for health practitioners and advocates, in which the research is categorized according to public health issue (e.g., injury prevention, access to healthy...
All local educational agencies and school districts receiving federal funding for food programs are required to have a wellness policy in place. This fact sheet is designed to help parents and community advocates ensure that...
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA), enacted in December 2010, was a momentous step toward improving the school food environment. To make sure the law is implemented effectively, school staff, food service providers, and public...
What does the First Amendment have to do with government action on food marketing to children? We developed this set of Frequently Asked Questions to help promote an understanding of how commercial speech is regulated...