Issues

Virginia Bill Would Decriminalize Marijuana, Help Nullify Federal Prohibition

RICHMOND, Va. (Dec. 31, 2015) – A bill introduced in the Virginia legislature would decriminalize marijuana for adults, changing criminal penalties into civil infractions. The proposal would not only decriminalize marijuana in the Old Dominion, it would also take a big step toward nullifying federal cannabis prohibition in practice in Virginia. Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria)…

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Yes We Can…Say “No!” to the Feds

Editors Note: The follow is by Oklahoma state Representative Jason Murphy and was originally published on his blog. It is reprinted here with permission. Last week I wrote of the shared feeling of helplessness which many feel regarding their inability to have their voice heard in the large, ever-more intrusive federal government. There is certainly…

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Missouri Bill Takes Preemptive Approach to Federal Control of Health Care System

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Dec. 30, 2015) – A bill prefiled in the Missouri House for the 2016 legislative session would prohibit the state from denying medical licenses based on failure to participate in a health insurance plan or system, preemptively protecting health care professionals in the state from federal regulation related to Obamacare or Medicaid.…

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Maryland “Right to Try” Bill would Nullify in Practice Some FDA Regulations

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Dec. 30, 2015) – Two bills prefiled for the 2016 session in the Maryland legislature would nullify in practice some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules that deny access to experimental treatments by terminally ill patients. Sen. Bryan Simonaire (R – Dist. 31) prefiled Senate Bill 63 (SB63) over the summer. Del. Karen…

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Tennessee and South Carolina Bills Would Open the Door to Armed Police Drones

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Dec. 29, 2015) – Passage of bills introduced in the South Carolina and Tennessee legislatures for the 2016 legislative session would likely lead to law enforcement agencies operating weaponized drones in those states. Tennessee House Bill 1456 (HB1456) sponsored by Rep. David Byrd (R-Waynesboro) and South Carolina House Bill 4425 (H.4425) sponsored by…

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Maine Bill would Withdraw State from Common Core Standards

AUGUSTA, Maine (Dec. 29, 2015) – A bill prefiled in the Maine House for the 2016 legislative session would withdraw the state from Common Core standards, an important step toward nullifying nationalized education in the state. Rep. Will Tuell (R- East Machias) along with a bipartisan group of nine cosponsors prefiled LD1492 on Dec. 23.…

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Vermont Bill Would Legalize Marijuana for Recreational Use, Effectively Nullify Federal Prohibition

MONTPELIER, Vt. (Dec. 29, 2015) – A bill introduced in the Vermont legislature would legalize marijuana for recreational use, taxing and regulating the crop similar to alcohol. The proposal would not only legalize marijuana in the Green Mountain State, it would also take a big step toward nullifying federal cannabis prohibition in practice in Vermont.…

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Indiana Bill Would Curb “Policing for Profit” Via Asset Forfeiture, But Federal Loophole Remains

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Dec. 29, 2015) – A bill prefiled in the Indiana Senate for the 2016 legislative session would reform the state’s asset forfeiture laws, making it more difficult for police to seize property. But a loophole in the legislation would allow law enforcement to work with the feds to skirt the more stringent state law. Sen.…

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