The fertility industry in the US state of Washington will be transformed in late July 2011, when a new law to recognise rights of donor-conceived people comes into effect.

FORBES: Balancing the Rights of Donor Offspring With Those of Donors: But What About Parents?

The law will remain in a state of flux for some considerable time yet.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Naomi Campbell wins privacy case

The most state law will permit in the context of specific performance for a breach of a personal services agreement is the equivalent of a non-compete obligation.

FORBES: Oakley v. Rory McIlroy and Nike: Enforcing Rights Of First Refusal In Endorsement Agreements

The role of states and state law in the online poker landscape will likely play an important role in 2011, especially since Senator Harry Reid was unable to push through legislation late in 2010 that would have federally regulated online poker.

FORBES: Feds Quietly Freeze Online Poker Cash in Washington

In November's elections Californians will vote in a referendum on the repeal of the law underpinning the state's planned emissions cuts.

ECONOMIST: Climate-change policy

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley tells us she "will absolutely sue" Justice over its denial of her state's law and that challenge will go directly to federal district court in Washington, D.

WSJ: Review & Outlook: Holder's Racial Politics

"We ask that the league immediately issue a statement that any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sexual orientation by league teams or players against potential recruits or players constitutes a violation of state, local and, in some cases, contractor law and will not be tolerated, " Schneiderman said in a letter dated Thursday and released to news organizations.

WSJ: NY AG: NFL must act on sexual orientation concern

The tobacco tax hikes, which President Obama signed into law in February, will be used to finance an expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP.

CNN: Smokers feeling abused as federal tax hike hits