INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Feb. 27, 2017) – An Indiana bill that would reform the state’s asset forfeiture laws to prohibit the state from taking property without a criminal conviction and taking on federal forfeiture programs by banning prosecutors from circumventing state laws by passing cases off to the feds, passed an important Senate committee last week.…
PIERRE, S.D. (Feb. 27, 2017) – A South Dakota bill that would legalize the production and processing of industrial hemp for commercial purposes, and set the foundation to end federal prohibition in practice, passed the House last week. The Committee on State Affairs introduced House Bill 1204 (HB1204) on Feb. 3. Under the proposed law, any…
MONTGOMERY, Ala.(Feb. 27, 2017) – An Alabama bill that would abolish marriage licenses in the state, and effectively nullify in practice both major sides of the contentious national debate over government-sanctioned marriage, unanimously passed an important Senate committee last week. Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Bay Minette) filed Senate Bill 20 (SB20) earlier this month. The legislation…
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 27, 2017) – A Kentucky bill that would require police to get a warrant before engaging in drone surveillance in most situations unanimously passed the House last week. Rep. Diane St. Onge (R-Lakeside Park), Rep. Reginald Meeks (D-Louisville) and Rep. Sal Santoro (R-Florence) introduced House Bill 291 (HB291) on Feb. 10. The legislation…
The Constitution’s Postal Clause grants Congress power to “establish Post Offices and Post Roads.” There is a fascinating history behind that provision, which I explore in a new article linked here. Some of the highlights: * Although the Founders generally favored free enterprise over state-owned business, they made an exception for postal services. * As…
BOISE, Idaho (Feb. 24, 2017) – A bill introduced in the Idaho House would eliminate state capital gains taxes on gold and silver specie, and encourage its use as currency. Final approval of the legislation would help undermine the Federal Reserve’s monopoly on money. House Majority Leader Mike Moyle introduced House Bill 206 (H206) on…
MONTPELIER, Vt. (Feb. 24, 2017) – A bill introduced in the Vermont House would ban material support and resources for warrantless federal spying. Passage of the legislation would not only help protect privacy in Vermont, it would help hinder unconstitutional federal surveillance. Rep. Barbara Rachelson (D-Burlington) introduced House Bill 364 (H.364) on Feb. 22. The legislation…
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…
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…
Encouraging the use of gold and silver as legal tender, and removing regulatory burdens are essential first steps for states against the Federal Reserve. But they can take things even further.