Now in Effect: North Carolina Law Takes First Step to Legalize Raw Milk

RALEIGH, N.C. (July 5, 2018) – Last week, the North Carolina legislature overrode Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of a farm bill that includes provisions legalizing limited raw milk for human consumption in the state. This takes a first step towards nullifying a federal prohibition scheme in practice. I bipartisan coalition of three sponsors and three cosponsors introduced…

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The Struggle for American Independence: The Intolerable Acts

As the British seek vengeance upon Boston, they hope that their policies would do much to isolate patriot sentiments in Boston from the other colonies, preventing interference from other places. However, this episode expresses why such a plan backfired in a monumental way.

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California Committee Passes Bill to Create Banking Alternative for Cannabis Industry, Bypass Federal Reserve

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 6, 2018) – Last week, a California Assembly committee passed a bill that would establish limited state-chartered banks to serve the cannabis industry. Final passage of this legislation would remove a major federal roadblock in front of the developing marijuana industry in the state and further nullify federal prohibition of cannabis. Sen.…

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To the Governor: Delaware Bill Would Allow People to Expunge Some Marijuana Charges

DOVER, Del. (July 5, 2018) – Last week, the Delaware House unanimously gave final approval to a bill that would create a process to expunge the sentences of people charged under the state’s marijuana laws prior to decriminalization. Passage into law would take another step toward nullifying federal marijuana prohibition in effect in Delaware. Sen.…

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New Jersey Senate Passes Bill to Require Asset Forfeiture Reporting; Federal Equitable Sharing Included

TRENTON, N.J. (July 5, 2018) – Last week, the New Jersey Senate unanimously passed a bill that would impose strict reporting requirements for all asset forfeitures in the state. This legislation would take a first step that could lead to substantive reforms, including closing a federal loophole that allows police to bypass strict state asset forfeiture laws.  Sen.…

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Today in History: Passage of the Lee Resolution for Ties with Great Britain to be “Totally Dissolved”

Today in 1776, the Second Continental Congress passed the Richard Henry Lee resolution, which called for ties between Great Britain and the American states to be “totally dissolved.” The vote was unanimous amongst the colonies, all of which had one vote regardless of size, with New York abstaining. Initially reluctant to support this measure, South…

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Now In Effect: Iowa and Florida Laws Expand Healthcare Freedom

(July 2, 2018) – Yesterday, laws went into effect in Florida and Iowa that will help facilitate healthcare freedom outside of government regulatory schemes. Florida state Rep. Daniel Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) sponsored House Bill 37 (H37) and the Iowa House of Delegates Human Resources Committee sponsored House Bill 2356 (HF2356). These new laws specify that direct primary care agreements (sometimes…

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