13 States with Trigger Laws
What are Trigger Laws?
Trigger laws are policies that are written into state law but are not immediately enforced. Instead, they are "triggered" by certain events or conditions. For example, a state might pass a trigger law that would only go into effect if the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Trigger laws can be used to either expand or restrict certain rights and policies, and they can have a significant impact on people's lives.
13 States with Trigger Laws
1. Alabama
Alabama has a trigger law that would ban abortion in the state if Roe v. Wade is overturned. This law would make it a felony for doctors to perform abortions except in cases where the mother's life is at risk.
2. Arizona
Arizona has a trigger law that would allow concealed carry of firearms without a permit if the federal government bans such permits.
3. Arkansas
Arkansas has a trigger law that would ban abortion in the state if Roe v. Wade is overturned. This law would make it a felony for doctors to perform abortions except in cases where the mother's life is at risk.
4. Florida
Florida has a trigger law that would ban abortion in the state if Roe v. Wade is overturned. This law would make it a felony for doctors to perform abortions except in cases where the mother's life is at risk.
5. Idaho
Idaho has a trigger law that would ban abortion in the state if Roe v. Wade is overturned. This law would make it a felony for doctors to perform abortions except in cases where the mother's life is at risk.
6. Kentucky
Kentucky has a trigger law that would ban abortion in the state if Roe v. Wade is overturned. This law would make it a felony for doctors to perform abortions except in cases where the mother's life is at risk.
7. Louisiana
Louisiana has a trigger law that would ban abortion in the state if Roe v. Wade is overturned. This law would make it a felony for doctors to perform abortions except in cases where the mother's life is at risk.
8. Mississippi
Mississippi has a trigger law that would ban abortion in the state if Roe v. Wade is overturned. This law would make it a felony for doctors to perform abortions except in cases where the mother's life is at risk.
9. Missouri
Missouri has a trigger law that would ban abortion in the state if Roe v. Wade is overturned. This law would make it a felony for doctors to perform abortions except in cases where the mother's life is at risk.
10. North Dakota
North Dakota has a trigger law that would ban abortion in the state if Roe v. Wade is overturned. This law would make it a felony for doctors to perform abortions except in cases where the mother's life is at risk.
11. Oklahoma
Oklahoma has a trigger law that would ban abortion in the state if Roe v. Wade is overturned. This law would make it a felony for doctors to perform abortions except in cases where the mother's life is at risk.
12. South Dakota
South Dakota has a trigger law that would ban abortion in the state if Roe v. Wade is overturned. This law would make it a felony for doctors to perform abortions except in cases where the mother's life is at risk.
13. Wyoming
Wyoming has a trigger law that would allow concealed carry of firearms without a permit if the federal government bans such permits.
Pros and Cons of Trigger Laws
Pros
- Can be used to protect certain rights or policies in the event of changes at the federal level
- Provide a sense of security for those who support the policies or rights protected by trigger laws
Cons
- Can be used to restrict or eliminate certain rights or policies
- Can create confusion and uncertainty among citizens and law enforcement
FAQs
Q: What is a trigger law?
A: A trigger law is a policy that is written into state law but is not immediately enforced. Instead, it is "triggered" by certain events or conditions.
Q: What events can trigger a trigger law?
A: Trigger laws can be triggered by a variety of events, including court rulings, changes in federal law, or actions by other states.
Q: How do trigger laws impact citizens?
A: Trigger laws can have a significant impact on issues such as gun control, abortion, and LGBT rights. They can either expand or restrict certain rights and policies, depending on how they are written and triggered.
Q: How many states have trigger laws?
A: As of 2021, 13 states have trigger laws.