Going to court is hard enough without having the deck stacked against you from the start. In a major victory for individual liberty, Kansas residents who face off against government agencies in court will no longer be automatic underdogs now that Gov. Laura Kelly has signed Goldwater Institute-inspired legislation that ensures judges aren’t biased in favor of government interpretations of the law.
Government agencies across the country often attempt to expand their power by applying generous interpretations of statutes and their own regulations. When those interpretations are then upheld by overly deferential courts, it creates an unfair legal system where unelected government bureaucrats have an upper hand over average Americans. Kansas House Bill 2183, inspired by the Judicial Deference Reform Act—model policy developed by Goldwater and the Pacific Legal Foundation—officially ends the practice of judicial deference to government interpretations of the law.
Judges are supposed to be neutral arbiters who apply and interpret the law without favoritism. With the passage of HB 2183, Kansans can now be assured they’ll have a level playing in the courtroom.
Read more here.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, it’s as important as ever that future generations understand the nation’s founding principles. To ensure they do, the Goldwater Institute’s Van Sittert Center for Constitutional Advocacy has launched a $300,000 landmark American Civics Initiative to support instruction in U.S. history and government.
The initiative has two parts. The Excellence in Civics Education School District Grant Program will award up to $300,000 in direct and in-kind contributions—including teacher stipends, professional development, and new hardback textbooks—to a selected public school district, charter school network and/or private school. In addition, the Arizona Civics Scholars Program will award renewable scholarships of up to $1,500 to 50 graduating high school seniors and college students who enroll in partnering higher education programs focused on civics, public policy or constitutionalism.
For nearly 40 years, the Goldwater Institute has fought for freedom and American principles nationwide. Now, the American Civics Initiative will help pass on the knowledge necessary to ensure that self-government thrives for generations to come.
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There’s no doubt about it, home-sharing is a win for property owners, travelers, and local economies alike. But politicians often throw up roadblocks, falsely blaming short-term rentals for rising housing costs. Now, the Goldwater Institute is supporting property owners in Fayetteville, Ark., who are challenging an unconstitutional ordinance that makes it virtually impossible for out-of-state owners to rent their homes short term.
Fayetteville’s ordinance is made to look evenhanded, but it’s not—it requires property owners to live in a home for nine months to rent it for three months on the short-term market. That may be doable for a local owner, but it’s a nearly impossible hurdle for out-of-state owners who must find a tenant willing to live in a home for only nine months and then leave for three. It’s also unconstitutional—the U.S. Constitution forbids local governments from imposing regulations on out-of-staters that don’t apply equally to locals.
Of course, the real reason for high housing costs isn’t home-sharing—it’s the failure of local leaders to allow the construction of new homes. The Goldwater Institute will always champion property rights and stand up for owners who want to share their homes.
Read more here.
