WASHINGTON — From police use of geofence warrants to redistricting and local government liability, several of the U.S. Supreme Court’s latest decisions could have significant consequences for cities, towns and villages.
In a new episode of the National League of Cities’ (NLC) CitiesSpeak podcast, Amanda Karras, Executive Director and General Counsel of the International Municipal Lawyers Association, breaks down the Court’s latest term and what local officials should be watching now.
Karras, whose organization partners with NLC through the Local Government Legal Center, highlights several decisions with particularly significant implications for local governments:
- Tax foreclosure: Karras calls Pung v. Isabella County a “huge win for local governments.” The Court rejected claims that could have created major financial consequences for governments conducting tax foreclosure sales, while emphasizing the need for a procedurally fair auction process.
- Redistricting: The Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais significantly narrowed the Voting Rights Act and could lead to more partisan gerrymandering. Importantly for local officials, Karras notes that the decision applies beyond congressional maps to other forms of redistricting, including local districts.
- Law enforcement: In Chatrie v. United States, the Court held that obtaining certain cellphone location information through a geofence warrant constitutes a search under the Fourth Amendment. While the Court did not resolve whether the warrant itself was reasonable, Karras says the decision establishes that law enforcement will, at minimum, need a warrant in these circumstances.
The episode also examines qualified immunity, administrative subpoenas, birthright citizenship and the Second Amendment, and previews cases already on the docket for the Court’s next term involving local zoning authority, climate litigation, preemption and an AR-15 ban.
“Anytime there’s a potential preemption case at the Supreme Court, we’re going to be interested in those cases given the importance of local autonomy. And preemption is basically about taking power away from local governments.”— Amanda Karras, Executive Director and General Counsel, International Municipal Lawyers Association
The CitiesSpeak podcast features conversations with leaders and policy experts on the biggest issues facing America’s cities, towns and villages.
Listen to the full conversation, also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.
About CitiesSpeak
Each episode of NLC’s podcast, CitiesSpeak with Clarence Anthony, dives into a critical issue facing local leaders today, featuring conversations with elected leaders and policy experts from across the country. The podcast is a relaxed and entertaining resource for local policymakers looking for ideas and information to bring back to their communities. The podcast is hosted by NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony, who previously served as mayor of South Bay, Florida, for more than two decades.
New episodes of CitiesSpeak are available on all major podcasting platforms and on YouTube. If you have feedback for the show or ideas for future guests, email us. Happy listening!
