Dome:
Law, Legislation & Policy

Housed at Boston University School of Law, Dome is a valuable resource for news, analysis, and opinion on legislation and public policy. Dome is staffed by students of BU Law’s various legislation clinics. Dome features work contributed by staff members, scholars, practitioners, and law students interested in legislation and public policy.

Protecting Vulnerable Road Users: A Vicious Cycle

By Alexandra Trobe
May 14th, 2020 in Analysis, Local Legislation, State Legislation.

Ten-year-old, Julian Moore was riding his bicycle in a suburb in Rochester, NY on Sept. 7, 2018, when 66-year-old Doug Lamb hit him with his Range Rover. Lamb stopped the car after his collision with Moore, but did not give his information to Julian, the paramedics, or Julian’s mother. By the... More

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The Fight for LGBTQ+ Justice and the Equality Act

By Samuel Shepard
May 14th, 2020 in Analysis, Federal Legislation, State Legislation.

Throughout American history, the LGBTQ+ community has continually faced unconscionable levels of harassment, discrimination, and vitriol; Congress cannot waste another session without passing the Equality Act into law. Discrimination against the community is pervasive; LGBTQ+ Americans have reported harm to their mental health (69%), physical well-being and safety (45%), school environment... More

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Time to Hang up the Boxing Gloves? The Fight Over the Johnson Amendment

By Kate Lipman
May 14th, 2020 in Analysis, Federal Legislation, Lobbying.

Most Americans have never heard of the Johnson Amendment, never mind the nearly 70 year legal and political battle over its meaning and reach.  What is the Johnson Amendment, and why is it so important to so many organizations that they have been either trying to protect or destroy it... More

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The Comprehensive CREDIT Act: Taking Down Credit Barriers

By Kathryn Buckley
May 14th, 2020 in Analysis, Federal Legislation.

A pivotal financial moment, like finding a new job, buying a home, or taking out a student loan, a person's credit history can become an obstacle to achieving what they want to do. Though credit reports and scores can be effective in determining whether to lend money to a borrower, More

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Electric Scooters and Data Reporting: A Roadmap to Smart Development

By Graham Louis
May 13th, 2020 in Analysis, Local Legislation, State Legislation.

In many cities electric scooters appeared virtually overnight. These new forms of transportation have many benefits including: decreasing carbon emissions, making public transit more accessible, and solving first/last mile issues. Scooters also exacerbate many issues facing urban planners: taking up space on sidewalks, scaring pedestrians, increasing congestion, and may decrease... More

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