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Reason Foundation

Reason Foundation

@reason.org

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Reason Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing free minds and free markets. @reason.org produces respected public policy research and publishes @reason.com. reason.org

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Reason Foundation @reason.org · 2d

This reform has saved taxpayers $5 billion and is expected to save an additional $25 billion.

But Assembly Bill 1383 directly threatens the state’s progress.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 2d

In 2012, California faced a $200 billion shortfall in pension promises to the state’s public workers.

Lawmakers passed the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), which set limits on pension benefit increases.

Assembly Bill 1383 brings back major pension costs for California

The bill rolls back crucial elements of the landmark PEPRA reform, which would result in billions in extra costs imposed upon California taxpayers.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 2d

Since 1999, opioids have claimed over 800,000 lives. Governments secured $50 billion in settlements from drug companies but many states still lack transparency in how the money is spent.

Layal Bou Harfouch and Mariana Trujillo offer 8 evidence-based ways to ensure those funds make a real impact.

Best practices to prevent misuse of opioid settlement funds

States should adopt clear guidelines to ensure settlement funds support evidence-based treatment and recovery.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 3d

Why are nicotine pouches fast-tracked but not vapes—the safer switch many smokers actually use?

If the FDA’s goal is harm reduction, the accelerated pathway should include e-cigs, too.

The FDA’s plan to fast-track nicotine pouches is long overdue. But why aren’t vapes included?

The FDA should expand its accelerated pathway to include e-cigarettes, giving adult smokers a full range of safer alternatives.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 3d

Our latest Aviation Policy Newsletter examines how the government shutdown is disrupting travelers, air traffic control, and airport security. Plus, the FAA’s NextGen failures, space launches, and more.

Aviation Policy News: Government shutdown causes air traffic control problems - Reason Foundation

Plus: Air traffic control and airport security delays, FAA's NextGen, space launches, and more.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 4d

Sen. Mark Kelly’s new AI policy roadmap stands out from other Democratic AI proposals by emphasizing redistribution over regulation.

Democrats pivot on AI: Less regulation, more redistribution

The focus of Sen. Mark Kelly’s “AI for America” plan departs from other federal artificial intelligence policy proposals introduced by Democrats.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 4d

Banning institutional investors won’t fix the housing crisis and would hurt renters. Removing local barriers to building more homes is the key to affordable housing, and states as politically diverse as California, Texas, Vermont, and Montana have passed laws in the past few years to do so.

Investor-owned housing helps renters

It is not the infusion of capital from investors that disrupts housing markets; it is local government policies that do not let supply keep up with demand.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 5d

With TSA screeners not being paid during the government shutdown, screeners are more likely to call in sick, and airport security lines and delays often increase. The shutdown highlights the need to reform the way airport security is funded and managed.

Reforming the TSA so airport security isn't impacted by government shutdowns - Reason Foundation

Congress should remove TSA's conflict of interest as both the provider and regulator of airport security shift and shift the funding of security to a dedicated local airport user fee.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 6d

Air traffic control shortages due to the government shutdown are causing travel delays nationwide. It’s time for the U.S. to join the rest of the world in recognizing that government should regulate aviation safety but not run air traffic control.

Only in America: Burbank’s air traffic control shutdown

It’s time for the U.S. to join the rest of the world in recognizing that governments should regulate safety but not run air traffic control.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 8d

Florida has a housing shortage of over 120,000 units, and the median single-family home in Florida is too expensive for too many families. This tool shows where housing is most needed and how cities and the state can start to solve the housing crisis.

New data model addresses Florida's statewide housing supply shortages

The new Florida Housing Data Project is an interactive webpage providing housing data and analysis for the state and each of its counties.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 9d

As many California school districts lose students and face budget shortfalls, open enrollment is a practical solution that would help make public schools more attractive to families.

California needs to let students transfer to public schools that have openings

California’s current public school transfer laws are overly restrictive, complicated and in need of reform.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 10d

The SANDBOX Act would let AI pilot projects operate with temporary exemptions from federal rules. The goal is to give innovators more flexibility to develop and test new technologies under short-term regulatory waivers.

Sen. Ted Cruz proposes federal regulatory sandbox to encourage AI innovation, development

The SANDBOX Act would allow innovators to obtain temporary regulatory waivers for artificial intelligence technologies from federal agencies.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 10d

States across the country are considering psychedelics legalization.
Kentucky is moving toward ibogaine trials to treat opioid addiction.
Massachusetts has proposed psilocybin legalization for some patients.

Catch up on the latest psychedelics policy and news.

State psychedelics legalization and policy roundup — October 2025

Kentucky debates clinical ibogaine trials, Mississippi considers ibogaine, Massachusetts bill would decriminalize psilocybin, and more.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 11d

The White House’s AI action plan leans toward rapid innovation with a lighter regulatory touch.

But its success will depend on how federal agencies choose to interpret and use the broad discretion they’ve been given.

A look at the White House’s pro-innovation artificial intelligence ‘action plan’

The White House's AI action plan represents a clear policy direction favoring rapid innovation and reduced regulatory oversight.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 11d

California’s high-speed rail project continues to run into significant financial and political obstacles, and states need to prepare for a future with less federal transportation funding.

Surface Transportation News: Funding state transportation projects when federal money runs out - Reason Foundation

Plus: How personal travel has changed post-pandemic, why U.S. taxpayers should not pay for Maryland's new bridge, and more.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 12d

Outdated federal rules are holding U.S. airports back. The public-private partnership model used in Europe and Asia would help modernize and improve airports. Policy analyst Robert Poole says it’s time for Congress to level the playing field.

How Congress can spur the modernization of U.S. airports - Reason Foundation

Congress should enable airports to improve their performance and compete on a level playing field with airport public-private partnerships in Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 12d

The DEA considers rescheduling psilocybin.
Our testimony on the benefits of ibogaine as a treatment for opioid addiction.
And author Joe Dolce talks about Modern Psychedelics.

Get the latest in Reason Foundation’s Psychedelics Policy Newsletter ⬇️

Psychedelics Policy Newsletter: DEA considers rescheduling psilocybin, FDA releases rejection decision, and more

Plus: Reason Foundation testifies in Mississippi, author Joe Dolce talks about his new psychedelics book, and more.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 15d

If the vans are restricted, more lives will be lost.

There’s a better way to help neighborhoods without cutting off care.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 15d

Philadelphia passed new rules that limit where mobile health vans can go in Kensington.

These vans provide needed overdose reversal meds, wound care, and support for people with nowhere else to turn.

Restricting mobile health vans in Philadelphia will lead to more overdose deaths

Philadelphia's city government can address legitimate quality-of-life concerns in Kensington without constraining lifesaving services.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 17d

With public schools struggling to retain and attract students, open enrollment can play a crucial role in boosting student achievement and keeping schools open. Reason Foundation’s new study ranks and grades every state’s public school transfer laws.

Public schools without boundaries 2025: Ranking every state's open enrollment laws

Study finds 16 states have statewide cross-district open enrollment and 17 states have statewide within-district open enrollment.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 17d

In some cases, affluent districts charge students tens of thousands of dollars in annual tuition as a way of effectively blocking transfers.

reason.org/open-enrollm...

Public schools without boundaries 2025: Ranking every state's open enrollment laws

Study finds 16 states have statewide cross-district open enrollment and 17 states have statewide within-district open enrollment.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 17d

Public schools aren’t supposed to charge tuition, but a new study by the Reason Foundation finds that only 27 states ban public schools from charging tuition to transfer students.

Public schools without boundaries 2025: Ranking every state's open enrollment laws

Study finds 16 states have statewide cross-district open enrollment and 17 states have statewide within-district open enrollment.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 17d

Our newly released 2025 Public Schools Without Boundaries report ranks all 50 states on the strength of their K–12 open enrollment laws. Only six states earned an A, while 33 fell short with failing grades.

Read the full report ⬇️

Public schools without boundaries 2025: Ranking every state's open enrollment laws

Study finds 16 states have statewide cross-district open enrollment and 17 states have statewide within-district open enrollment.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 17d

Open enrollment policies are a vital part of improving students' options and outcomes, allowing them to transfer to public schools with open seats rather than be restricted to their residentially assigned schools.

Public schools without boundaries 2025: Ranking every state's open enrollment laws

Study finds 16 states have statewide cross-district open enrollment and 17 states have statewide within-district open enrollment.

Reason Foundation @reason.org · 18d

Zohran Mamdani’s rent freeze pledge has undeniable populist appeal in a city battered by high rents. But academic research, and testimony from small owners and housing advocates warn the freeze could backfire and reduce affordable housing in New York City.

Mamdani’s rent freeze: Politics, policy, and the fate of small property owners

If the goal is truly to help tenants, reforming the 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act may be a more immediate, effective, and sustainable path.