CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 11, 2016) – A bill filed in the New Hampshire Senate would prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies from obtaining certain types of military hardware, and would require public notice before they acquire authorized equipment. Passage of this legislation would take a big step toward stopping the federal militarization of state and…
ALBANY, N.Y. – (Jan. 11, 2016) – Three bills introduced in the New York general assembly would require a judicial order for the use of “stingrays” to track the location of phones and sweep up electronic communications. Passage of the bill would not only protect privacy in the Empire State, but would also hinder one…
In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head I talk about presidential executive orders and the constitutional limits of executive power. Earlier this week, President Obama issued his promised executive orders relating to firearms. Many Democrats and gun control advocates praised the president for “taking action when Congress won’t.” Meanwhile, Republicans hammered Obama for exceeding…
After menacing states across the country this fall, the Department of Homeland Security has once again caved on threats to enforce REAL ID by denying Americans their right to travel.
Maine LD1492 would stop state-level participation in nationalized educational standards usually referred to as Common Core. It must pass the Joint Education And Cultural Affairs Committee. PLEASE TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS to support this important bill. 1. Call the Joint Education And Cultural Affairs Committee Co-Chairs, Brian Langley and Victoria Kornfield. Strongly, but respectfully urge them to…
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Jan. 8, 2016) – A bill introduced in the Indiana Senate would empower the state legislature to review federal laws and nullify any that are deemed to violate the Constitution. Sen. Mike Delph (R-Dist. 29) introduced Senate Bill 288 (SB288) on Jan. 7. The legislation would empower the Indiana state legislature to review…
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 8, 2016) – A bill introduced in the Kentucky House would make it the express duty of the state legislature to prevent implementation of unconstitutional federal gun laws. Passage of the legislation would represent a small first step toward protecting the right to keep and bear arms in the Commonwealth. A coalition…
A number of states will consider bills to reform state asset forfeiture laws during the upcoming legislative session. One special interest group opposing the reform movement shows why so many people call asset forfeiture “policing for profit.” The Oklahoma bill, along with legislation introduced in other states, would require a criminal conviction before law enforcement…
INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 8, 2016) – A bill has been filed in the Indiana state House that would end mandatory government licensing of marriages in the state, effectively nullifying in practice both major sides of the contentious national debate over government-sanctioned marriage. Introduced by Rep. Jim Lucas, House Bill 1041 (HB1041) would eliminate three requirements currently in place in…
PHOENIX, Ariz. (Jan. 7, 2016) – A bill prefiled in the Arizona House would set the stage for the state to refuse cooperation with any executive orders or Supreme Court opinions “not in pursuance of the Constitution,” nullifying such actions in effect. Rep. Mark Finchem (R-Tucson), along with seven other sponsors and cosponsors, introduced House…