Preemption is a legal doctrine that allows a higher level of government to limit or even eliminate the power of a lower level of government to regulate a specific issue. Preemption itself is neither bad nor good; it is simply a legal concept that’s been historically used to resolve problems that arise (PDF)
when different levels of government adopt conflicting laws on the same subject. In recent years, however, states have increasingly used preemption to protect the power and financial interests of established political or commercial entities and thwart local jurisdictions’ efforts to enact laws that advance health equity.
Policies for Action has issued a call for proposals to build the evidence base investigating how preemption policies at the state level may affect racial justice and health equity.
Approximately $1.5 million in funding is available for this opportunity.
