bill: Latest News

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A fiercely-debated, Republican-led education reform bill in Florida that would forbid instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade — among other reforms in public schools — is headed to the governor's desk. Florida’s House Bill 1557, officially called the "Parental Rights in Education" bill, has received a wave of criticism from Democrats and LGBTQ advocates — who have often referred to it as the "Don’t Say Gay" bill. Statewide, the bill has sparked a swell of protests and student walkouts. The measure passed 22-17 in the state Senate on Tuesday with all Democrats and two Republicans voting against it.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Personal Data Protection Bill was passed in Parliament with amendments on Wednesday (9).The Personal Data Protection Bill was presented to Parliament by Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa.When it was produced for the second reading in Parliament, the Chief Opposition Whip MP Lakshman Kiriella said the opposition opposes the bill.Also Read: Namal bats for Personal Data Protection Bill in P’ment, says it is key for the future

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has delivered its determination to the Parliament on the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill.The determination read out by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena is as follows:Clause 2 of the Bill is NOT inconsistent with any provision of the constitution.Clause 3 of the Bill cannot be enacted into law unless the number of votes cast in favor amounts not less than 2/3 of the whole number of members, including those not present, as per the constitution.The Supreme Court is however of the view that if the provisions of Clause 3 of the bill are amended as set out in the determination of the Supreme Court, it would ease to be inconsistent with any provision of the constitution.Clause 4 of the Bill, the Supreme Court states that be that as it may, the learned Additional Solicitor General had informed the court that the Attorney General would be advising the Minister to insert article 141 into the body of the proposed section 10 in Clause 4 of the Bill and the Minister would move that amendment at the Parliament Committee stage to address the concerns of the petitioners.Clause 5 of the Bill, for the reason mentioned in the determination of the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court holds that Clause 5 is NOT inconsistent with any provision of the constitution.Clause 6 of the Bill, the Supreme Court holds that it cannot inquire into pronounce upon or in any manner called into question, the validity of section 11 of the PTA on any grounds whatsoever, in terms of article 83 of the constitution.Clause 10 of the Bill, the Supreme Court holds that if amended as set out in the determination of the Supreme Court would cease to be inconsistent with any provision of the

A Grenfell Tower Inquiry chief has been appointed as the new boss of the NHS in Greater Manchester - as the health service undergoes sweeping changes.

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court said Monday it will not take up the sexual assault case against comedian Bill Cosby, leaving in place a decision by Pennsylvania's highest court to throw out his conviction and set him free from prison.The high court declined prosecutors' request to hear the case and reinstate Cosby's conviction. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court last year threw out Cosby's conviction, saying the prosecutor who brought the case was bound by his predecessor’s agreement not to charge Cosby.As is typical, the Supreme Court did not say anything in rejecting the case.

TRENTON, N.J. - The number of New Jersey residents getting property tax relief would nearly quadruple to almost 2 million people under a plan Democratic Gov.

FILE - A 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) on a demonstration course at AutoMobility LA ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, on Nov. 18, 2021.

PHILADELPHIA - A new law banning traffic stops for minor infractions went into effect in Philadelphia Thursday, despite recent legal challenges from the police union. Thursday’s implementation of their Driving Equality Law made Philadelphia the first city in the country to implement a law designed to reduce cases of what’s often called ‘driving while Black’ – or getting pulled over for superficial and racially motivated reasons. City Council passed the first-of-its kind bill in October, and Mayor Jim Kenney signed it into law in November, before it went into effect March 3. The law bans officers from pulling over vehicles based on traffic violations that are considered "secondary violations" in an effort to prevent racial disparities in traffic incidents handled by police. The following issues are considered secondary violations in the new law:Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 filed a lawsuit against the city and city officials over the law late last month, claiming that the law was dangerous. "This terrible law puts reckless drivers behind the wheel of unsafe vehicles that ultimately puts the general public in danger," said FOP Lodge # President John McNesby. McNesby had expressed concerns about the law before it was passed. In October, he told FOX 29 about the importance of traffic stops. "These stops, they lead to bigger things, they find guns, they find drugs, it leads to bigger things," he said.

FILE IMAGE - Soldiers burn trash from the Jaghatu Combat Outpost in a pit, located just outside the walls of the base in Jaghatu, Afghanistan on Sept. 12, 2012.

TRENTON, N.J. - The old debate about whether drivers in New Jersey should be able to pump their own gas has returned. On Monday, a group of bipartisan legislators introduced a new bill that would allow drivers in the state to have the option for self-service stations. RELATED: Rising gas prices: Ways to maximize your fuel economyThis comes as gas station owners say they are struggling with staff shortages and lack of business fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising gas prices. The Motorist Fueling Choice and Convenience Act, sponsored by Democratic Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy and Republican Assemblymen Edward H.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The proposed Surcharge Tax Bill that was presented to Parliament, will be amended in a manner that will not include 13 funds, including the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF), Sri Lanka’s Attorney General told the Supreme Court on Wednesday (2).Additional Solicitor General Viveka Siriwardena told the Supreme Court that the Finance Secretary had informed the Attorney General in this regard in writing.The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, one of the main opposition factions in Sri Lanka has filed a special petition with the Supreme Court challenging the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill that was presented to Parliament, on the 23rd of February.The Government on 22nd February presented the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill to Parliament.The special application challenging the Bill seeks a Supreme Court ruling to term the Bill as inconsistent with the constitution.The Bill, which imposes a retrospective one-time surcharge tax of 25% on persons and companies with a taxable income over Rs. 2 billion for the year 2020/2021, was presented by Leader of the House Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on 22nd February.The Bill was drafted in keeping with the proposal in the 2022 Budget to impose a one-off 25% surcharge tax on individuals or companies earning taxable income more than Rs.

An Alberta father is calling for more accountability from parents and corporations after getting hit with a huge bill for what was supposed to be a free online video game. Tomasia DaSilva reports.

food prices, a new national survey has found.According to the Angus Reid Institute, 46 per cent of Canadian consumers are switching to cheaper brands at the grocery store, one-third are cutting back on meat, and one in five are buying less fresh fruit and fewer vegetables.Sixty-two per cent of survey respondents also reported eating out less and a quarter said they’re drinking less alcohol. Milk prices soar across Canada as record price increases for farmers kick in The Angus Reid Institute polled a randomized sample of 5,002 Canadian adults across the country between Jan.

PHILADELPHIA - Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 is suing the city of Philadelphia and its officials over the new Driving Equity Law. In October, the City Council passed the first-of-its-kind bill, and Mayor Jim Kenney signed it into law in November. It bans officers from pulling over vehicles based on traffic violations that are considered "secondary violations" in an effort to prevent racial disparities in traffic incidents handled by police.  The following issues are considered secondary violations in the new law:The lawsuit from the Philadelphia Lodge #5 Fraternal Order of Police was filed on Wednesday. FOB Lodge #5 President John McNesby said the law is dangerous. "This terrible law puts reckless drivers behind the wheel of unsafe vehicles that ultimately puts the general public in danger," he said. McNesby had expressed concerns about the law before it was passed.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, one of the main opposition factions in Sri Lanka has filed a special petition with the Supreme Court challenging the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill that was presented to Parliament.The Government on Tuesday (22) presented the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill to Parliament.The special application challenging the Bill was submitted by the General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya and it seeks a Supreme Court ruling to term the Bill as inconsistent with the constitution.The Bill, which imposes a retrospective one-time surcharge tax of 25% on persons and companies with a taxable income over Rs. 2 billion for the year 2020/2021, was presented by Leader of the House Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Tuesday (22).The Bill was drafted in keeping with the proposal in the 2022 Budget to impose a one-off 25% surcharge tax on individuals or companies earning taxable income more than Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has informed the Parliament that the Special Goods and Services Tax Bill should be passed with a 2/3 majority and a referendum.

Police have cleared the main convoy protest zone, as MPs continue to debate invoking the Emergencies Act for the first time. ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair about the police clearing out the main area of the Ottawa convoy protest.

Precious opal, in Ironstone nodule. Queensland Australia 2019.

Bill Gates during at Germany’s annual Munich Security Conference. 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A new bill in California would allow private citizens to go after gun makers in the same way Texas lets them target abortion providers.Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday backed legislation that would let private citizens enforce the state’s ban on assault weapons. It’s modeled after a Texas law that lets private citizens enforce that state’s ban on abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected."If Texas can use a law to ban a woman’s right to choose and to put her health at risk, we will use that same law to save lives and improve the health and safety of the people in the state of California," Newsom said at a news conference Friday.Texas and other conservative-led states have tried for years to ban abortions once a heartbeat is detected, at around six weeks of pregnancy, which is sometimes before the person knows they are pregnant.

Unlike a lot of people, Christian Siriano didn’t take a bit of a step back over the pandemic.

FILE - Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks at a press conference after a luncheon with Senate Democrats at the U.S. Capitol Building on Oct. 19, 2021 in Washington, DC.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Republicans in the Florida House of Representatives early Thursday approved a ban on abortions after 15 weeks, moving to tighten access to the procedure ahead of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that could limit abortion rights in America.The GOP-controlled House passed the 15-week abortion ban after several hours of debate between Democrats who said the measure would impose an unnecessary burden on women and Republicans who said they were protecting the unborn."This is the right to life and to give up life is unconscionable to me," said Republican Rep.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) will issue a directive on Thursday (Feb. 17), requiring consumers who have defaulted on their electricity bills, to settle the outstanding bills within 03-months.As per the directive, the power supply will be suspended to the consumers, who fail to settle the bills, Janaka Ratnayake, the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission told News 1st.The PUCSL informed the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) on Wednesday (Feb.

Bill Omar Carrasquillo, known to his fans and followers as 'Omi in a Hellcat' was named in a 62-count indictment last fall.  SWEDESBORO, N.J. - A New Jersey YouTube Star, known online as ‘Omi in a Hellcat’ says he has pleaded guilty in what federal prosecutors say was one of the largest illegal TV pirating rings they’ve ever seen.Bill Omar Carrasquillo took to his YouTube channel earlier this month to share the news that he had pleaded guilty in the case. "I’m letting you guys know that I’m pleading guilty," Carrasquillo said, adding that the decision came after long talks with his attorney. "It sucks to lose my house, to lose properties, money, all my cars, my jewelry – it’s an embarrassment," he added. "This is to kind of let you know man that you don’t want to take easy routes in life."Carrasquillo says in his video that he also did not pay his taxes and that his plea was about ‘accepting responsibility.’ He had previously claimed past accountants and tax preparers got him into tax trouble.  After a two-year investigation, the 34-year-old was named in a 62-count federal indictment.

FILE - A student at Granada High School, left, explains the history of Camp Amache to Rep. Ken Buck at the campsite in Granada, Colorado, in a file image dated May 6, 2021.

Peter Sloly has resigned, according to multiple sources. The resignation comes amid the so-called ‘“freedom convoy” protests that have taken over much of downtown Ottawa for weeks.The protests have garnered national and international attention, with many focusing on the inaction of police in Ottawa to stop demonstrators from violating bylaws, laws and allegedly harassing Ottawa residents.The Ottawa police response to the trucker convoy’s ongoing demonstrations in the downtown core has been heavily criticized for a perceived lack of enforcement under Sloly’s leadership.Calling the protests “unprecedented,” Sloly has repeatedly said the service requires additional officers to end the demonstration.He said in the first week of the encampment that there “might not be a policing solution” to the protests and called for more support from provincial and federal sources.

VIRGINIA - The Virginia House of Delegates banned school mask mandates Monday, handing a victory to Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin after his effort to impose the ban by executive order stalled in court.Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and WeatherThe measure already passed the Senate.

Justin Trudeau consulted premiers about using the Emergencies Act Monday, while an Ontario judge granted an injunction to enforce noise and idling bylaws related to the ongoing anti-vaccine mandate protests in Ottawa.City solicitor David White requested the injunction Friday, saying the protesters were flagrantly violating bylaws against relentless noise, idling of trucks, setting off fireworks, and open air fires.The injunction, which does not have an end date, was designed to give the police and bylaw officers an extra tool to enforce city bylaws, lawyers acting for the city of Ottawa said Monday. Trudeau expected to invoke Emergencies Act to aid convoy blockade response: sources The Attorney General’s office intervened in the court hearing to make it clear that the injunction would also apply to federal property in Canada’s capital city.The protest by antigovernment demonstrators blockading city streets around Parliament Hill is now in its third week and has spread to several Canada-U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A petition was filed with the Supreme Court on Monday (14) challenging the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Amendment Bill that was produced in Parliament to amend the Prevention of Terrorisms (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979.The special petition seeks a Supreme Court ruling that the bill violates the constitution of Sri Lanka.It was filed by Dr.

After another weekend of protests across the country, Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair tells ‘The West Block’ host Mercedes Stephenson that the blockades are hurting Canadians and need to stop.

In this photo illustration, the social medias applications logos, Twitter, Google, Google+, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat are displayed on the screen of an Apple iPhone. (Photo Illustration by Chesnot/Getty Images) Two U.S.

MONTCLAIR, N.J. - Many New Jersey children may soon have to experience snow days from the inside looking out if some state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle get their way.Legislation before the state would give school districts the option of using snow days during inclement weather. But if the districts choose not to take a snow day, then the day away from the physical school building would be a remote learning day and it would count toward the state's 180-day education requirement.There's no denying that the unfettered joy of waking up to word of a snow day is a rite of passage for many kids.

Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and WeatherAccording to The Post, Monique Miles falsely claimed Donald Trump won the election, praised the Capitol rioters as "patriots" and espoused conspiracy theories about voter fraud on Facebook. The newspaper reported it had obtained screenshots of the posts, authenticated them with people who interacted with Miles, and shared them with the office of Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares.A spokeswoman for Miyares confirmed Miles’ resignation and said that her posts had been unknown to the office before Thursday morning."The Attorney General has been very clear - Joe Biden won the election and he has condemned the January 6th attack," spokeswoman Victoria LaCivita said in a statement to The Associated Press.READ MORE: Virginia's new attorney general removes 2 lawyers at public universitiesThe Post reported that the social media comments from Miles were not publicly visible but that Miles said they had not been deleted.Miles, who could not immediately be reached by the AP for comment, told The Post in an email that the posts were being taken out of context and were shared in a "character assassination to stir up controversy.""The posts were made at a time when the news was still developing re: the facts around the election, the court cases, the Rally on the Ellipse and what happened at the capitol," Miles said in the email, the Post reported.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister (Prof) G. L .

WASHINGTON - The number of small businesses that raised prices in January rose to levels not seen since 1974, a reflection of surging U.S. inflation amid squeezed supply chains, higher labor costs and more.A net 61% of small businesses increased average selling prices in January, which marked a 48-year high, according to a regular survey by the National Federation of Independent Business.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

COLOMBO (News 1st); The EU has urged Sri Lanka to continue reducing the use of the PTA, and to undertake further practical and administrative steps to release on bail those detained under the PTA without charges.The European Union (EU) and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka held their 24th meeting of the Joint Commission on 8th February 2022 in Brussels.During the meeting, Sri Lanka reiterated its objective to achieve measurable, tangible, and verifiable results on the ground in meeting its commitments.In this context, the EU welcomed the submission by the Government of Sri Lanka of amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

unaudited yearly finance report.Also affecting city coffers — the snow-clearing budget, which ran up nearly a $22.7-million bill in November and December of 2021 alone. Winnipeg city budget tax increase to pay for COVID-19, police pension overruns The city said it built $61.2 million into the 2021 budget for COVID-19 financial impacts, but identified an extra $11.8 million in impacts, bringing that number to $73 million.Finance chair Coun.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Sri Lankan Government is preparing to include articles into the Surcharge Tax Bill, which will also include the Employees Provident Fund and the Retirement Gratuity.The relevant bill on the Surcharge Tax was published via gazette on Monday (7).Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa on Tuesday (8) requested the government to withdraw the Gazette Notification pertaining to including the Employees Provident Fund and the Retirement Gratuity Fund in the Surcharge Tax Bill.He claimed that by imposing a 25% surcharge the government is attempting to secure Rs.65 billion from the working class.According to the bill, the Surcharge Tax will be levied from any individual, partnership or company, whose taxable income calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, exceeds rupees two thousand million, for the year of assessment commencing on April 1, 2020, at the rate of twenty-five percent.According to the definition of the Inland Revenue Act, a company is included in the definition of a provident fund, a pension fund, a pension gratuity fund, or a similar fund.The Opposition Leader requested Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa to state the EPF and the Retirement Gratuity Fund will not be included in the Surcharge Tax Bill.

WAIANAC, HI - A Hawaiian couple was charged a whopping $18,000 for their electric bill last month after their electric company claimed they were responsible for paying for their neighborhood streetlights.Desha-Ann and Rashann Kealoha, who live in Waianac, received a letter from the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) on Jan. 27, 2022, saying they were the legal owners of the street and were therefore responsible for an outstanding balance of $17,860.09, which was currently more than $18,000 due to "several years of unpaid invoices," WTEN-TV reported."Hawaiian Electric recently learned that you both own Halemaluhia Place…" the HECO said in the letter, according to the report.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Reports suggest that articles have been included in the Surcharge Tax Bill, which will also include the Employees Provident Fund and the Retirement Gratuity Fund.The relevant bill on the Surcharge Tax was published via gazette on Monday (7).According to the bill, the Surcharge Tax will be levied from any individual, partnership, or company, whose taxable income calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Inland Revenue Act, No.

(Office of Gov. Tom Wolf)  ((Office of Gov. Tom Wolf) )HARRISBURG, Pa. - Gov.

TEMPE, Ariz. - Secret Service agents arrested a Tempe Home Depot employee for passing nearly $400,000 in counterfeit U.S. currency, the federal law enforcement agency said Friday.The suspect, identified as Adrian Jean Pineda, was once a vault associate at the store near I-10 and Baseline.

Gen. Mark Milley (right), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presents the U.S. flag to former Sen.

Critical Infrastructure Defence Act is being applied differently to non-Indigenous protests than it is to Indigenous protests.In a statement, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation chief and council said if the Coutts protest was organized by Indigenous people, authorities would have responded quickly to remove it.“Over the past several days we have watched in dismay as the border blockade at Coutts, Alta., is allowed to continue without intervention from authorities.” Movement at Coutts border on 5th day of blockade, one lane open in each direction Demonstrators began parking their vehicles and blocked the highway between southern Alberta and the United States on Saturday in solidarity with similar events in Ottawa and countrywide — to protest COVID-19 vaccine mandates and broader public health measures.The tie-up stranded travellers and cross-border truckers for days, compromising millions of dollars in trade and impeding access to basic goods and medical services for area residents.Police tried to peacefully break up the demonstration Tuesday, only to see others breach a nearby police barricade and join the blockade.Chad Williamson, a lawyer representing truckers blocking access to the border crossing, said Wednesday afternoon they spoke with Mounties and agreed to open some blocked lanes.However, on Thursday, a second protest on Highway 4 about 20 kilometres north of Coutts choked off traffic, RCMP said. New blockade pops up as Coutts border protest enters 6th day The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said that at about 12 p.m.

TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey Gov.

PHOENIX - A measure aiming to protect workers fired from their jobs for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine cleared its first hurdle in the Arizona House on Feb. 1. This means the bill to protect those who refused to get the vaccine under any exemption, medical, religious, or other qualifying circumstances, will move on to the next round.