New report: Supreme Court rulings open doors for state legislators 

Washington, DC; August 29, 2025: Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF) today released What Recent Supreme Court Decisions Mean for State Legislators, a new research in brief outlining how landmark rulings at the nation’s highest court are reshaping property rights, equality before the law, and the balance of power between citizens and government.

Authored by PLF legal fellow Sydney Madigan, the report highlights opportunities for state lawmakers to safeguard liberty and prevent government overreach following recent Supreme Court decisions—including several victories won by PLF attorneys.

“These rulings don’t just protect individual rights in the courtroom,” said Madigan. “They also offer a roadmap for policymakers to strengthen freedom in every state. From ensuring families aren’t hit with unconstitutional permit fees, to protecting home equity, to guaranteeing equal treatment in education, the Court has made clear that the Constitution applies to everyone, everywhere.”

The report surveys key cases, including:

• Sheetz v. El Dorado County (2024), where the Court struck down disproportionate permit fees.*
• Tyler v. Hennepin County (2023), affirming that government cannot pocket windfall profits from tax foreclosures.*
• Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (2023), ending race-based admissions preferences.**
• Sackett v. EPA II (2023), restoring limits on federal power over private land.*
• Loper Bright v. Raimondo (2024), which ended Chevron deference.**

*PLF represented the petitioner in the case.

**PLF submitted an amicus brief in support of the petitioners in the case.

Each ruling carries legislative implications, and PLF provides model policies to guide lawmakers on how to reform laws to comply with the Court.

“State legislators don’t have to wait for Washington to act,” Madigan noted. “They can—and should—ensure that constitutional principles are honored at home.”

Read the full report.