Minnesota Bill Takes on Federal Militarization of Police

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Feb. 28, 2018) – A bill introduced in the Minnesota Senate would bar state and local law enforcement agencies from acquiring “military grade weapons” through federal military surplus programs. Sen. Jerry Newton (D-Coon Rapids) introduced Senate Bill 2615 (SF2615) on Feb. 22. The legislation would prohibit a Minnesota state or local unit…

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New Hampshire House Passes Bill that Would Allow People Expunge Some Marijuana Charges

CONCORD, N.H. – Last week, the New Hampshire House overwhelmingly passed a bill that would allow individuals arrested for possession of small amounts of marijuana, or convicted of such charges, to have their record expunged. Passage into law would take another step toward nullifying federal marijuana prohibition in effect in New Hampshire. A bipartisan coalition of…

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Wyoming House Passes Bill to Encourage the Use of Gold and Silver as Money

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Feb. 27, 2018) – Today, the Wyoming House overwhelmingly passed a bill that would define gold and silver specie as legal tender and eliminate all taxes levied on it. The new law would pave the way for the use of gold and silver in everyday transactions and could help undermine the Federal Reserve’s monopoly on…

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Missouri Measure Would Put Marijuana Legalization on the Ballot; Foundation to Nullify Federal Prohibition

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Feb. 27, 2018) – Legislation filed in the Missouri House would create a ballot initiative to legalize marijuana, setting the foundation to nullify federal cannabis prohibition in effect in the Show-Me State. Rep. Courtney Curtis (D-Berkeley) introduced House Joint Resolution 86 (HJR86) on Feb. 15. The legislation would initiate a referendum and…

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Florida Committee Approves Bill to Ban Warrantless Stingray Spying, Help Hinder Federal Surveillance

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Feb. 27, 2018) – Last Thursday, a third Florida Senate committee approved a measure that would ban warrantless location tracking and the use of stingray devices to sweep up electronic communications in most situations. The new law will not only protect privacy in Florida, but will also hinder one aspect of the federal surveillance state. Sen. Jeff…

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Massachusetts Committee Passes Two Bills to Limit Drone Spying, Help Thwart Federal Surveillance Program

BOSTON, Mass. (Feb. 27, 2018) – A Massachusetts joint committee has passed two bills that would limit the warrantless use of surveillance drones. The legislation would not only establish important privacy protections at the state level, it would also help thwart the federal surveillance state. Sen. Michael Moore (D-Shrewsbury), along with a bipartisan pair of…

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Utah Senate Passes Bill to Expand Raw Milk Sales; Important Step to Nullify Federal Prohibition Scheme

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Feb. 26, 2018) – On Friday, the Utah Senate passed a bill would expand raw milk sales in the state. Final passage into law would take an important step toward rejecting a federal prohibition scheme in effect. Sen. David Hinkins (R-27) and Rep. Marc Roberts (R-67) introduced Senate Bill 108 (SB108) January 23. The…

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Iowa House Passes Bill to Expand Healthcare Freedom

DES MOINES, Iowa (Feb. 26, 2018) – Last Thursday, the Iowa House overwhelmingly passed a bill that would help facilitate healthcare freedom outside of government insurance regulatory schemes. The House of Delegates Human Resources Committee introduced House Bill 2356 (HF2356) on Feb. 14. It replaced HF2275 sponsored by Rep. David Heaton (R-Mt. Pleasant). The legislation specifies that direct…

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