Any effort to rein in the drug war, stop warrantless surveillance or reform asset forfeiture laws will inevitably bring out fierce opposition from powerful law enforcement lobbyists. But not every cop opposes such reforms. In fact, you will find many police officers, sheriffs and deputies, corrections officers, federal agents, judges and prosecutors who take their…
As the gun control debate continues, gone mostly unacknowledged is how 3D printer technology could one day make the entire discussion moot. The gun-grabber agenda relies heavily on restricting firearm purchases through a licensed gun dealer and tracking the ownership or sales via gun serial numbers. But none of that is applicable when the guns…
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (May 22, 2018) – Missouri police departments do an end-run around strict state asset forfeiture requirements and skim millions of dollars from Missouri schools using a federal loophole to circumvent state law. Missouri has some of the most strict asset forfeiture laws in the country. Prosecutors must get a conviction or a…
In this episode Michael Boldin and Michael Maharrey report on a couple situations where more work is needed, then they shift to some good news, including successful efforts to take on the surveillance state and undermine the Federal Reserve's monopoly on money.
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (May 22, 2018) – The St. Louis City Board of Alderman will consider a local ordinance that would the stage to limit the acquisition and use of spy gear by law enforcement and other city agencies. The proposed law would also help limit the impact of the federal surveillance state. A group…
The Constitution is a legal document with a fixed meaning. It was not intended to change with the shifting sands of public or judicial opinions.
BATON ROUGE, La. (May 21, 2018) – Last week, the Louisiana House gave final approval to three bills that would relax restrictions on medical marijuana for qualifying patients. Enactment of this legislation into law would further nullify marijuana prohibition in effect in the Pelican State. Rep. Rodney Lyons (D-Harvey) introduced House Bill 627 (HB627) with…
CONCORD, N.H. (May 21, 2018) – Last week, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu signed a bill into law requiring the state attorney general to produce an annual report detailing asset forfeitures in the state. The law takes a small step forward, but important provisions requiring reporting of federal asset forfeiture cases were stripped out of…
OAKLAND, Calif. (May 21, 2018) – Last Tuesday, the Oakland City Council gave final approval to a local ordinance that sets the stage to limit the acquisition and use of spy gear by law enforcement and other city agencies. The new ordinance ensures there will be public notice and debate before the city acquires or uses…
PHOENIX, Ariz. (May 21, 2018) – Last week, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill into law legalizing the production of industrial hemp within a research pilot program. Although the law requires federal compliance, it could still be a first step toward developing a full-fledged hemp industry in the state. Sen. Sonny Borrelli introduced Senate…