Future Legislation Research Articles

Penalizing underage alcohol use is associated with lower mortality for young drivers: Use/lose laws and their association with motor vehicle collision mortality.

Motor vehicle collisions (MVC) continue to be a leading cause of mortality for youth in the United States. Since 2010, seven states have revoked mandatory laws that suspended licenses for underage alcohol use, also known as use/lose laws. This study analyzed whether each state's policy change was associated with increased youth MVC mortality. State mortality data for youth ages 15 years to 20 years in MVCs involving a young driver (i.e., ages 15-20 years) were obtained from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Population data was retrieved from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research. Motor vehicle collisions mortality rates were calculated for each state with a law change per 1,000,000 persons. For difference-in-difference analysis, each state's youth MVC mortality rates from 3 years prior to the law change were compared with rates from 3 years post-law changes, relative to a national average compiled of states with no law changes. From 2010 to 2020, seven states revoked one or more of their mandatory use/lose laws. For all states, young driver MVC mortality rates significantly increased after removal of use/lose legislation (South Dakota: 5.4 excess deaths per million (EDPM), Indiana: 5.6 EDPM, Georgia 28.0 EDPM, Oregon: +41.9 EDPM, Pennsylvania: +10.4 EDPM, Delaware: +45.4 EDPM, Illinois +29.2 EDPM, all p < 0.001). Examining mortality rates at the state reveals a significant negative association between penalizing underage alcohol use and young driver MVC deaths. Future legislation and health outcomes analysis should consider state-level differences to retain and develop effective policies that reduce injury-related mortality. Epidemiological; Level IV.

Barriers to effective higher and degree-level apprenticeships: a systematic literature review and future research agenda

PurposeThe literature concerning higher- and degree-level apprenticeships (HDAs) in the post-levy era (2017–) is sparse and fragmented. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to contribute to the international landscape of higher education work-based learning by identifying barriers to effective HDA programmes and outlining a future research agenda to address these.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a systematic literature review methodology to explore barriers in HDAs. Adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, the review follows a three-stage process to develop the sample. A meticulously designed search strategy uses targeted queries on the SCOPUS database, focusing on terms related to HDAs and their challenges. Inclusion criteria is set to papers from 2017 to 2024, covering book chapters and peer-reviewed journals in the English language. Articles were cross-checked with the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) database, which refines the total to 68 papers. Data from these sources is then extracted and tabulated for qualitative content analysis.FindingsThe systematic literature review of 68 manuscripts finds challenges are faced by apprentices, employers and training providers alike. This includes, but is not limited to, ethnically correlated performance, stigma, careers advice, job design, mentoring practices and the incorporation of technology. Two additional themes of pedagogy/andragogy and policy emerge.Originality/valueBased on the analysis, the paper suggests an extensive portfolio of future research focused on collaborative practices. If addressed, this yields the power to influence future legislation and subsequent implementation.

The «right to hope» of persons sentenced to life imprisonment in Ukraine: is constitutionality achieved?

The article focuses on the issues related to the implementation of the right to hope for persons serving a life sentence under the national criminal legislation of Ukraine. According to the legal position initially formulated by the European Court of Human Rights and later supported by the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, this type of punishment is recognized as not violating the human right to dignity or subjecting individuals to cruel and inhuman punishment, provided that the national legislation offers predetermined and realistic prospects for its reduction based on penological grounds. To align the Criminal Code of Ukraine with this legal position, the Law of Ukraine dated 18.10.2022 introduced the necessary amendments. Critical assessments of the amendments, as formulated in certain scientific studies, as well as subsequent appeals by those sentenced to life imprisonment through constitutional complaints regarding the updated version of Article 81 of the Criminal Code, have called into question whether the reformed provisions of the Criminal Code fully comply with the requirements of the Constitution of Ukraine. As a result of the study, four arguments are presented to support the view that the current legislative regulation of the right to hope for persons serving life imprisonment in Ukraine is within the standard set by the ECHR and meets the requirements of the Constitution of Ukraine. On this basis, it is argued that there is currently no need to align Part 3 of Article 81 of the Criminal Code with the Constitution, and that all constitutional complaints regarding its content may be dismissed by the Constitutional Court of Ukraine not only on procedural but also on substantive grounds. At the same time, the authors do not rule out the possibility of formulating, based on the practice of applying the current two-stage mechanism of release from life imprisonment, the grounds for direct release from life imprisonment in future criminal legislation.

The Limitation of Freedom of Contract by the Right to Equality: A Case Study Approach

In an era of increasing social awareness and digital connectivity, businesses face growing scrutiny over their contractual decisions, particularly when refusing service based on individuals' public statements or political affiliations. Through analysis of recent high-profile cases, this article investigates the legal and ethical implications of such refusals. Then this paper examines the tension sometimes exists between freedom of contract and the right to equality, exploring how the latter limits the former in modern legal and business contexts. This paper aims to contribute to the ongoing debate on balancing contractual freedom with anti-discrimination principles, providing insights for future legislation and business practices. This paper finds that while freedom of contract remains a fundamental principle, it is increasingly constrained by equality considerations, reflecting broader societal shifts towards inclusivity. The paper concludes that a more nuanced, context-sensitive approach to balancing these competing rights is necessary, suggesting potential directions for legal and business practice evolution.

Equality Rights and Unequal Property Rights in Multi-owned Buildings

Abstract This research builds on and contributes to legal doctrinal and theoretical research on negative external societal effects of the democratic governance model of multi-owned properties in general, and, in particular, of decisions and restrictions regarding permission to install ramps or keep assistance dogs. The main argument is that if property law is used as a tool to steer and adjust societal normative expectations from a right to control to a duty to respect, this normative change would reduce the need for using external legislative solutions, such as applying discrimination laws, to achieve important societal objectives. Moreover, this approach could also reduce the need for future legislation addressing other societal challenges, such as the right to install electric vehicle chargers in common parking areas. These right-to-charge issues, which are currently being tackled through new EU-directives, reflect similar tensions between individual needs and collective governance. A property law-based solution that fosters fairness and flexibility in decision-making could pre-emptively address these types of issues, making it easier for associations to accommodate both current and future societal demands without the need for additional layers of regulation.

Determination of Seasonal Microplastic pollutıon Variation in Aquatic Environments: Case Study from İskenderun Technical University Pond.

Although microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic ecosystems has been a critical issue, a significant portion of previous studies has been limited to marine environments. Few studies have evaluated MP abundance in inland waters, and those that exist often ignore seasonal variations. This study aimed to assess the seasonal variations in microplastic (MP) abundance in the İskenderun Technical University (İSTE) Pond. MP abundance ranged from 0.5 MPs/L to 10.8 MPs/L, with a mean of 3.7 MPs/L. Fiber-shaped, black-colored, small-sized (< 1000μm) MPs were commonly found on the surface water. Statistical analysis confirmed significant variations in MP abundance across seasons. The abundance of MPs in the surface water correlated with the mean annual precipitation. Atmospheric deposition and storm water runoff were major contributors to microplastic pollution in the pond. PP and PET particles were identified. The findings of this study contains preliminary results that can be used in the development of future legislations and regulations.

Revisiting the alcohol-aggression link: The impact of alcohol consumption patterns

Laboratory studies have repeatedly reported a link between alcohol and aggression, yet many rely on single-dose administration methods and overlook variations in alcohol consumption patterns. The present study investigates the effects of alcohol on aggressive behavior using a double-blind, placebo-controlled cumulative drinking administration approach that mirrors the natural drinking behaviors often observed in pubs within a laboratory setting. This study also pioneers the examination of how alcohol consumption patterns (light or heavy) moderate the relationship between precise Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) levels and extreme aggressive behavior. Seventy-five individuals who drink alcohol lightly (N=38) and heavily (N=37) were randomly assigned to alcohol (N=33) or placebo (N=42) conditions. Participants drank four drinks successively. Taylor's aggression paradigm was completed twenty minutes after each drink. Multilevel modeling was applied to analyze the effects of precise BrAC and account for within-person variability. Alcohol showed a dose-dependent effect on aggression; as alcohol levels rose, so did aggression (p<.001). Alcohol consumption pattern moderated the effect of cumulative BrAC on aggression, such that the effect was more substantial for as compared with individuals who drink lightly (p=.03). The current study highlights the moderating role of alcohol consumption pattern in the association between precise BrAC levels and extreme aggression, offering insights into individual differences in susceptibility to alcohol-induced aggression, and supporting the I3 meta-theory (Finkel, 2014). The Findings underscore the importance of investigating the interplay between acute and chronic alcohol use on behavior, challenging conventional thresholds for hazardous drinking classification. Implications for future studies, legislators, and policymakers are discussed.

High rates of violence and low police reporting amongst sex workers in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, sex work in the Netherlands was forbidden for many months, yet most sex workers were not eligible for governmental financial support. Therefore, many were forced to continue working illegally, likely leading to unsafe work conditions. We determined sex workers’ experienced violence and police reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsData were collected through an online, anonymous survey (N = 173) covering background characteristics, the financial impact of the COVID-19 control measures, experienced sexual and/or physical violence, and police reporting in relation to experienced violence in 2021. We analyzed the data through descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis. Contextualization was achieved through online focus group discussions (FGDs; N = 3 covering a total of 14 sex workers and 4 social/health workers).ResultsIn total, 41% (n/N = 71/173) of sex workers reported at least one form of violence, and those facing severe financial problems due to the COVID-19 containment measures were significantly more likely to report violence (adjusted OR: 2.7, CI 1.0–7.2, p = 0.049) compared to those without financial problems. Only 9% of those having reason to file charges officially did so. FGDs explained that violence was high due to the unsafe working conditions, and police reporting was low because police were more concerned with enforcing COVID-19 sex work restrictions rather than with prioritizing the safety and well-being of sex workers.DiscussionWe found high rates of reported violence and low police reporting among sex workers in The Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic, and COVID-19 control measures and enforcement likely contributed to these unsafe conditions. Safeguarding the safety of sex workers during future crises demands legislation grounded in human rights principles. This includes measures such as mitigating income loss during prohibition of sex work, and shifting police focus towards protecting rather than prosecuting sex workers engaged in illegal sex work.

Trends in Medicare Utilization and Reimbursement of Tracheostomy From 2000 to 2022.

To analyze the utilization and reimbursement for tracheostomy. Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data (2013 and 2021) and Part B Medicare Fee-For-Service National Summary Data (2000-2022). Utilization, payment, and specialty breakdown were analyzed for planned tracheostomy (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] codes 31600, 31601, 31610) and emergency tracheostomy (CPT codes 31603, 31605). From 2000 to 2022, there was a 48.9% decrease (40,754-20,812) in number of planned tracheostomies and a 75.3% decrease (3277-811) in number of emergency tracheostomies, leading to an overall decrease of 51%. Similarly, there was a 59.3% inflation-adjusted decrease ($13.4-$5.5 million) in total reimbursement for planned tracheostomies and an 82.1% inflation-adjusted decrease ($1.1 million-$205 thousand) in total reimbursement for emergency tracheostomies. There was a 20.3% inflation-adjusted decrease ($329-$262) in reimbursement per planned tracheostomy and a 27.7% inflation-adjusted decrease ($349-$252) in reimbursement per emergency tracheostomy. In our sample of 280 high-volume tracheostomy providers in 2021 (28.2% otolaryngology, 28.2% general surgery, 14.6% thoracic surgery, 14.3% pulmonary disease, 6.4% critical care), the average provider performed 15.8 tracheostomies and was reimbursed $5362. Despite significant declines in tracheostomy utilization and reimbursement, understanding trends for these lifesaving procedures are critical for otolaryngologists and other providers in delivering high-quality care, and can be used by surgeons, hospital systems, and policymakers to guide future health care legislation.

Validation of the Thai translation of the attitudes toward euthanasia scale

In Thailand, euthanasia has been a controversial topic for several decades. The assessment of attitudes toward euthanasia among medical students who will become future medical practitioners is essential for the progression of future legislation and practice. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Attitude Towards Euthanasia scale in the Thai context and measure its validity and reliability. First, the scale was translated into Thai by certified translation centers using the forward-backward technique. This cross-sectional study involved 112 Thai students. Self-reported online questionnaires and the Attitude Towards Euthanasia scale were used for data collection. The psychometric properties of the scale were analyzed using internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's Omega coefficient), reproducibility, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha for the Thai Attitude Towards Euthanasia scale was 0.83, and the reproducibility was acceptable, with no statistically significant difference between the first and subsequent responses for each item. The two-factor model was extracted using exploratory factor analysis, and the values of the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin criterion and Bartlett's test of sphericity all fell within a satisfactory range. Two- and four-factor models were analyzed for the confirmatory factor analysis, and the latter provided more acceptable model fit indices. In conclusion, the Thai Attitude Towards Euthanasia scale is valid for assessing attitudes toward euthanasia among Thai medical students.

EU public values governing the twin transition

AbstractThe European Union (EU) has voiced its support for a twin (digital and green) transition. However, in this transition, public values are (re)conceptualised and (re)shaped. Public values entail principles and norms determining rights and responsibilities for actors within a society and the governing bodies and are the foundation for future legislation. To understand the reshaping of public values in the EU twin transition, and whether the EU's current policy trend is sufficient to safeguard public values against the pressures of the twin transition, this research analyses what public values are at the core of the EU's twin transition in EU policy. The analysis of academic research in this article concerning the twin transition has identified 11 public values lying at the core of the twin transition. The examination of EU policy documents concerning twin transition developments reveals six public values embedded in legislation. Additional care should be taken to avoid the mixing of public values, as this risks pressures on public values going unnoticed.

Sizing Up the Farm Bill Safety Net

Lower commodity prices and higher production costs over the past couple of years have crop producers concerned about tighter margins and cash flow for their operations. The federal farm income safety net provides substantial support to producers through commodity programs, crop insurance programs, and disaster assistance. Crop insurance has been the primary safety net tool for producers in recent years as commodity prices generally fluctuated at levels above commodity program support levels. Even declining markets in the past couple years left prices that remained above Price Loss Coverage (PLC) support levels and revenue calculations above Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) guarantees unless there were significant yield losses at the county level for ARC-CO or the individual farm level for ARC-IC. The outlook is changing however as declining prices run into support levels that are increasing based on the past few years of higher prices. The ARC program provides a revenue guarantee tied to 86% of a benchmark revenue calculated from a five-year moving average price and a five-year moving average trend-adjusted yield. The PLC program provides support if prices fall below the higher of a legislated reference price or 85% of a five-year moving average price. With the higher prices experienced during the past few years, the five-year moving average price has increased and both ARC and PLC support levels have gotten stronger. A look at ARC and PLC protection and payment levels provides a picture of what current support and cash flow may look like and what future support could be under current or future farm legislation.

Analyzing the Evolving ESG Regulations in India: A Guide to Implementing ESG Strategies

ESG is an acronym that stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance considerations. ESG takes the holistic perspective that sustainability involves a broader range of issues beyond merely environmental considerations. ESG may be defined as a framework that helps stakeholders understand how enterprises and governments handle risks and opportunities associated with environmental, social, and governance norms. Policymakers worldwide recognize the necessity of strengthening structures to support and accomplish goals related to sustainable development. ESG outcomes and measures are gaining increased attention due to the rising momentum of policies. ESG Disclosure acts as a representative measure of an organization's dedication to sustainability and exceptional management. Despite the increasing importance of ESG in the business and commercial sector, there is currently no formal regulation in India that defines ESG compliance. The compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards in India is based on many legal sources. The paper examines the development of regulatory rules for firms in India regarding ESG throughout time and predicts the future legislation in this field.

Microplastics in Cosmetics: Open Questions and Sustainable Opportunities.

The cosmetic industry is now changing or rather having an ecological transition in which formulations such as creams, lotions, and powders for make-up, skin and hair care must not contain microplastics, now a taboo word in this field. Nowadays, many companies are intensifying their research and development (R&D) work to align with recent and future legislation that provides for their elimination to safeguard the ecosystem. The production of new eco-sustainable materials is currently a hot topic which finds its place in a market worth above 350 billion dollars which will reach more than 700 billion dollars in a very short time. This review offers an overview of the main advantages and adverse issues relating to the use of microplastics in cosmetics and of their impact, providing an insight into the properties of the polymeric materials that are currently exploited to improve the sensorial characteristics of cosmetic products. In addition, the various regulatory restrictions in the different geographical areas of the world are also described, which is matter for reflection on future direction. Finally, a prospective vision of possible solutions to replace microplastics with sustainable alternatives complete the picture of the next generation personal care products to support decision-making in the cosmetic marketplace.

Understanding Consumer Needs in Relation to Food Hygiene Ratings in an Online Food Ordering Environment

To help ensure there is a robust evidence base for any future proposed legislation requiring the online display of food hygiene ratings, the FSA commissioned Ipsos UK to undertake research among consumers to: 1. Explore specifically where FHRS should be placed online to maximise consumer awareness and use, as well as the best way to present the ratings so that consumers can access meaningful information to make informed choices. 2. Explore where consumers would like to see FHRS ratings displayed online. 3. Explore what consumers think about the current positioning and display of FHRS ratings online, including any misperceptions.

Digital Data Protection Laws : A Review

Over the past couple of years, India has noted the significance of digital data and its protection. This article talks about the arising and present regime of India’s laws on digital data protection, specifically diving into the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. This act has tried to balance the scales between individual privacy rights and the economic growth that needs to be brought about by data-driven economic progress. A comparative study regarding data protection laws in the UK and US have been established, and this has been compared with DPDP 2023 in order to provide suggestions for improvements for the act. This paper examines various provisions, objects, and shortcomings of the DPDP Act, bringing into sharper focus areas of concern, notably government exemptions, data localization, and inadequacies in regard to a strong data protection authority. The article concludes with comparative analysis to shed light on strengthening the data protection regime in India and also makes some recommendations for future legislation in the light of emerging technologies like AI.

School absence legislation governing in Norway, Sweden and Denmark for children with chronic illness in compulsory education-A comparative study.

Health and education are interrelated and influence social, economic and lifestyle perspectives. Children with chronic illnesses experience barriers in the educational system regarding school attendance and social isolation. Gaining knowledge of compulsory education and how children with chronic illnesses are supported is crucial for the implications of future education policy and legislation in Scandinavia. This study compares Scandinavian legislation frameworks on compulsory education, chronic illness and school absence to form the basis of future research on education for children with chronic illness. The study uses a comparative approach to explore the support of children with chronic illnesses in compulsory education across Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The documents included are 3 education acts and 15 secondary documents, which are notes and guidelines for the education acts. The data were analysed using a manifest content analysis. We found four categories and six subcategories: (1) school obligation and rights; (2) chronic illness; (3) school absence: (a) categorisation of absence; (b) registration of absence; and (c) sanction; and (4) education support: (a) Hospital school support; (b) Home instruction support; and (c) technological support. This study's findings demonstrate the similarities and differences in the Scandinavian compulsory education legislation and guidelines regarding chronic illness and school absence. We found similarities across the countries regarding chronic illness and school absence. Still, the findings showed differences in the systematic registration of school absence and requirements for attendance with compulsory education in Norway and Denmark compared with compulsory schooling in Sweden. This knowledge will inform and enlighten future discussions and decisions in education and public health. The results can contribute to awareness of the opportunities for educational support and perspectives about education for children with chronic illnesses. Future research focusing on the experience of children with chronic illness and educational support is needed.

Legal mobilization dilemmas in the Nordics - an autoethnographic reflection on the role of scholars in the asylum commission.

The present article investigates key dilemmas in collective legal mobilization initiatives in the field of asylum and migrants' rights. Focusing on my own experiences from working in the Asylum Commission - a trans-sectional mobilization initiative that ran in Sweden from 2019 to 2022, involving researchers, civil society representatives, and professionals - I analyze two central dilemmas that characterized our work. First, I consider how we collectively struggled for the legal right to asylum and through this struggle also reproduced injustices and potential border control harms which are embedded in asylum regulations. Second, I analyze how the Commission strived to provide a knowledge-based account of the consequences of legislative changes post the long summer of migration in 2015 that would have an impact on future legislation, while simultaneously taking an open stand in solidarity with people who were excluded from the legislative process; i.e., asylum seekers. The article underlines the need for sociolegal research that highlights ways to address dilemmas in legal mobilization work and offers empirical insights from collective mobilization for migrants' rights in a Northern European country.

Corporate Tax Disclosure

ABSTRACT Policies that require, or recommend, disclosure of corporate tax information are becoming more common throughout the world, as are examples of tax-related information increasingly influencing public policy and perceptions. In addition, companies are increasing the voluntary provision of tax-related information. We describe those trends and place them within a taxonomy of public and private tax disclosure. We then review the academic literature on corporate tax disclosures and discuss what is known about their effects. One key takeaway is the paucity of evidence that many tax disclosures mandated with the aim of increasing tax revenue have produced additional revenue. We highlight many crucial unanswered questions, answers to which would inform future tax legislation and financial accounting rule making.

Electric scooter-related oral and maxillofacial injuries in Oxfordshire

Electric scooters (e-scooters) are becoming increasingly popular amongst the public. Oxfordshire is included as part of the government led e-scooter trial. This study was designed to evaluate maxillofacial injuries occurring following e-scooter accidents. A single-centre retrospective study was conducted from October 2022 to September 2023 reviewing all e-scooter-related maxillofacial injuries which presented to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. During the study period, forty-nine patients (mean [range] age 28 [13-48] years; 32 [65.3%] male) suffered maxillofacial injuries from riding an e-scooter. Twenty patients (40.8%) were under the influence of alcohol and no individual was recorded to have worn a helmet at the time the injury occurred. Ten patients (20.4%) suffered a facial fracture (two mandibular fractures, three zygomatic-orbital fractures, one nasal fracture, and four patients with multiple fractures involving the sphenoid, zygomatic-orbital, and maxillary sinus). Four (40%) of these facial fractures required surgical management. This included one patient with an orbital floor fracture and an associated inferior rectus entrapment, which is a surgical emergency. Thirty-three patients (67.3%) sustained facial lacerations and nine patients (18.4%) sustained dental trauma. Maxillofacial injuries occurring from e-scooter injuries are significant and pose a notable risk to safety. Our study highlights poor compliance and emphasises the need to improve safety through public education, focussing on sobriety. Considerations should be given to speed limitations, safety clothing, e-scooter training, and whether helmets should be mandatory. The Oxfordshire trial is due to end in May 2026 and our results can inform and influence future legislation.