Last month we reported that the Feds restarted a program that helps local police get around state restrictions on asset forfeiture. Today, some states have taken steps to close this massive federal loophole.
BATON ROUGE, La. (April 22, 2016) – This week, a Louisiana House committee unanimously passed a bill that would require a court order for the use of “stingrays” to track the location of phones and sweep up electronic communications. Passage of the bill would not only protect privacy in the state, but would also hinder…
PHOENIX, Ariz. (April 22, 2016) – The Arizona Senate killed a bill that would have set the stage for the state to refuse cooperation with federal acts after a bizarre series of parliamentary moves this month. Rep. Bob Thorpe and a coalition of 12 sponsors and cosponsors introduced House Bill 2201 (HB2201) earlier this year.…
CONCORD, N.H. (April 22, 2016) – on Wednesday, a New Hampshire Senate committee passed a bill that would restrict the warrantless or weaponized use of drones by state and local law enforcement. The legislation would not only establish important privacy protections at the state level, they would also help thwart the federal surveillance state. Rep.…
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Apr. 21, 2016) – On Wednesday, an important House committee passed a bill that would abolish marriage licenses in Alabama and effectively nullify both sides of the contentious debate on same-sex marriage. If passed into law, the bill would essentially remove the state from the business of marriage. Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Bay Minette) introduced…
RICHMOND, Va. (April 21, 2016) – The Virginia legislature rejected the Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s proposed amendment to a bill that would help facilitate healthcare freedom and set the foundation to nullify Obamacare, sending it back to his desk for his final consideration. Rep. R. Steven Landes introduced House Bill 685 (HB685). The legislation specifies that direct primary care…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 20, 2016) – Today, the Tennessee Senate unanimously gave final approval to a resolution setting the stage for creation of state bullion depository, an important first step toward establishing gold and silver as money in the state. Rep. Bud Hulsey (R-Kingsport) introduced House Joint Resolution 516 (HJR516) in January. The resolution declares support for creation of a…
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (April 20, 2016) – A bill introduced in the Rhode Island House would restrict the use of drones by state and local law enforcement. The legislation would not only establish important privacy protections at the state level, it would also help thwart the federal surveillance state. Rep. Blake Filippi introduced House Bill 8066…
LINCOLN, Neb. (April 20, 2016) – With the stroke of a pen, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts ended civil asset forfeiture by the state, signing a bill that reforms asset forfeiture laws to prohibit the state from taking property without a criminal conviction. The legislation also takes on federal forfeiture programs by banning prosecutors from circumventing state…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Apr. 20, 2016) – Yesterday, Gov. Bill Haslam signed a bill into law setting the foundation to stop enforcement of gun control imposed by international law or treaty. House Bill 2389 (HB2389) was introduced by Rep. John Windle (D-Livingston) in January. It prohibits law enforcement officers from enforcing provisions of international law and treaties…