Archive: Science

  • The Common Sense Scientific and Technical Evidence Act March 15, 2013

    ALEC’s model Common Sense Scientific and Technical Evidence Act is designed to ensure that state courts follow the same guidelines in admitting expert opinions about scientific and technical matters as judges in the federal courts. These guidelines help assure that the evidence admitted is reliable and trustworthy. Specifically, the Act would ensure, by way of example, that a proffered scientific opinion was in fact developed in accordance with the scientific method. By ensuring that the federal and state standards are similar, the Act will prevent forum shopping and overburdening state courts with cases that involve so-called “junk science” that would not pass muster in the federal system. […]

  • State Science Advisory Board Act March 15, 2013

    Preamble Increasingly state legislators are confronted with scientific reports—particularly in the human health and environmental policy areas—which purport to offer evidence in support of, or in opposition to, pending legislation.  For many legislators, it is relatively easy to impact the legislative process with such reports, and it is difficult to analyze scientific evidence critically. Legislators need the tools to interpret scientific reports effectively and responsibly. Section 1. Purpose: The purpose of the Board is to render scientific assessment, risk-based analysis, and consensus advice upon questions of science posed by the Governor or a Legislative Committee having jurisdiction over science matters. […]

  • Verifiable Science Act March 15, 2013

    Summary: In order to protect citizens from arbitrary and capricious regulations promulgated without any impetus that is justified by pertinent, ascertainable, and peer-reviewed science, this act guarantees citizens the right to access scientific data that is used to develop public policies.  Model Legislation: SECTION 1.{Title} This act shall be known as the Verifiable Science Act. SECTION 2.{State rights.}Citizens have a right to access data from state funded studies in whole or in part, that are used for development of state law or regulation or enforcement action. Any regulations promulgated by the results of such studies shall be justified by pertinent, […]

  • Environmental Literacy Improvement Act March 15, 2013

    Section 1. {Title} This act shall be known as the Environmental Literacy Improvement Act Section 2. {Purpose} The purpose of this act is to enhance and improve the environmental literacy of students and citizens in the state by requiring that all environmental education programs and activities conducted by schools, universities, and agencies shall: (A) be specifically designed to enhance acquisition of knowledge. (B) be based on current scientific and economic principles, concepts, and facts. (C) provide a range of perspectives presented in a balanced manner. (D) provide instruction in critical thinking so that students will be able to fairly and […]