Arizona House Unanimously Passes Bill Taking on State, Federal Asset Forfeiture

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 23, 2017) – Today, the Arizona House voted 60-0 to pass a bill reforming the state’s asset forfeiture laws. The bill also takes on federal forfeiture programs by banning prosecutors from circumventing state laws by passing cases off to the feds in most situations. Rep. Eddie Farnsworth (R-Gilbert) introduced House Bill 2477…

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Tenth Amendment Center Responds to White House Press Secretary’s Comments About Federal Marijuana Enforcement

Shortly after claiming that Pres. Trump is a “firm believer in states’ rights,” White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer today said it’s likely the Justice Department will try to ramp up federal enforcement efforts against recreational marijuana states. In response, Tenth Amendment Center executive director Michael Boldin said: “Here’s a tip, under the Constitution, there’s…

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New Mexico Senate Unanimously Passes Electronic Communications Privacy Act

SANTA FE, N.M. (Feb. 23, 2017) – Yesterday, the New Mexico Senate unanimously passed a bill known as the Electronic Data Privacy Act. Final passage of the bill would not only protect privacy in New Mexico, but would also hinder at least two aspects of the federal surveillance state. Sen. Peter Wirth (D) and Sen.…

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Arizona Senate Passes Bill to Legalize Industrial Hemp; Foundation to End Federal Prohibition in Practice

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 23, 2017) – Today, the Arizona Senate passed a bill to legalize the production and processing of industrial hemp for commercial purposes, rejecting the unconstitutional federal prohibition on the same. Sen. Sonny Borrelli (R-Lake Havasu City) introduced Senate Bill1337 (SB1337) on Jan. 31. Under the proposed law, industrial hemp would be treated as an…

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New Hampshire Senate Passes Bill Setting Stage to End Common Core

CONCORD, N.H. (Feb. 23, 2017) – A New Hampshire bill that would prohibit the state department of education and the state board of education from requiring any school or school district to implement the common core standards passed the Senate today. Adoption of the legislation would represent an opportunity for local communities to nullify the program…

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Rhode Island Bill Would Legalize Recreational Marijuana, Nullify Federal Prohibition

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Feb. 23, 2016) – A Rhode Island Bill would legalize marijuana for recreational use, taking a big step toward nullifying federal cannabis prohibition in practice in the state. House Bill 5555 (H5555) was introduced by Rep. Scott Slater (D-Providence) and four co-sponsors to legalize marijuana under a tax-and-regulate system enforced at the state…

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Montana Bill Would Allow Customers to Opt Out of Smart Meters, Undermine Federal Program

HELENA, Mont. (Feb. 23, 2017) – A bill introduced in the Montana legislature would allow customers to opt out of installing “smart meter” technology on their homes and businesses. Passage of this bill would allow Montanans to protect their own privacy, and it would take a step toward blocking a federal program in effect. Adam…

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Florida Committee Passes Bill to Expand Health Freedom

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Feb. 23, 2017) – A Florida bill that would help facilitate healthcare freedom outside of government regulatory schemes unanimously passed its first House committee last week. A coalition of Republican representatives sponsor House Bill 161 (H161). The legislation specifies that direct primary care agreements (sometimes called medical retainer agreements) do not constitute insurance,…

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West Virginia House Votes 100-0 to Expand Health Freedom

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Feb. 23, 2017) – Yesterday, the West Virginia House unanimously passed a bill that would help facilitate healthcare freedom, without government regulation. Del. Joel Ellington (R-Princeton) and Del. Amy Summers (R-Flemington) introduced House Bill 2301 (HB2301) on Feb. 9. The legislation specifies that direct primary care agreements (sometimes called medical retainer agreements) do…

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