State Legislature

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla., brought an avalanche of criticism directed at Florida's Stand Your Ground law.

Yet the controversial 2005 law was just one of dozens of pro-gun laws that have gotten their start in Florida -- forging the state's "Gunshine" reputation -- before spreading to other parts of the country.

SALT LAKE CITY -- Lt. Lee Perry of the Utah Highway Patrol has reservations about Senate Bill 210 that gives new powers to private investigators.

The bill passed the Legislature but has yet to be signed by Gov. Gary Herbert. SB 210 would allow private agencies such as law firms and real estate

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Friendly arguments aren't hard to find in a barbershop, but try cutting in on a hallowed symbol -- that red, white and blue pole -- and it may be time to hide the scissors.

Steeped in history and symbolism, those iconic cylinders spinning on storefronts across America are an increasing source of friction between barbers and beauticians. Minnesota, Michigan and North Carolina are the latest fronts in a spreading legislative campaign to reserve the swirling poles for barbers. The proposals, which often include fines for offenders, are driving a new wedge in a trade where gender lines have long run deep.

SALT LAKE CITY — The House and the Senate have approved funding for the dual immersion language program in schools.

SALT LAKE CITY — High school students who participate in the concurrent enrollment program will have to fork over money to help pay for the program.

SALT LAKE CITY — Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, jokes that Jean Valjean, the star character of Victor Hugo’s classic “Les Miserables,” would be in trouble in Utah if he stole a loaf of bread more than once under provisions of a controversial bill that passed the first step of a Senate review.