AALS Hot Topic Program

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Session Type: AALS Hot Topic Programs

Session Capacity: N/A

Location: Hilton New Orleans Riverside

Room: Grand Salon Section 9

Floor: First Floor

American cities are under attack. States have used “punitive” and “hyper” preemption for decades to undermine local authority in matters of historically local concern. In recent months, the attack has been joined by the federal government, with mass defunding, deployment of the National Guard and other federal agency officers, and threats of military takeover. How did we get here? Panelists will outline ways the federal government is carrying out this unprecedented assault and how earlier developments softened the defenses of municipalities. We will examine state laws and policies that have made local governments more vulnerable to government takeover in areas including immigration, policing and public safety. We will also consider ways states are assisting the federal government, and potential responses by local governments and advocacy groups.