Arizona House Bill 2477 (HB2477) would require prosecutors to establish a higher evidentiary standard for asset forfeiture. 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. It passed the House by a unanimous 60-0 vote, and then passed the…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (April 6, 2017) – Yesterday, the West Virginia Senate unanimously passed a bill to shut down the state-run Obamacare health insurance exchange. If signed by Gov. Jim Justice, the legislation would take an important first step toward withdrawing the state from implementing the national healthcare program. Rep. Joe Ellington (R-Princeton) sponsored House Bill…
LANSING, Mich. (Apr. 6, 2017) – A bill introduced in the Michigan House would reform asset forfeiture laws to prohibit the state from taking property without a criminal conviction in most cases. Rep. Pete Lucido (R-Shelby Township) introduced House Bill 4158 (HB4158) on Feb. 2 to reform Michigan law by requiring a criminal conviction before…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 5, 2017) – On Monday, the Tennessee Senate passed a bill that would decriminalize the manufacture and possession of firearm silencers in the state. Final passage of the bill would help foster an environment hostile to federal gun control. Sen. Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) introduced Senate Bill 921 (SB921) earlier this year. Titled the “Tennessee…
HELENA, Mont. (April 5, 2017) – Today, the Montana House passed a bill that would take big steps towards making the state a sanctuary for gun rights by prohibiting state enforcement of most federal acts restricting firearms, magazines or ammunition. If signed into law, it would effectively stop any such federal acts in practice within the state. Sen.…
CHARLESTON, W. Va. (April 5, 2017) – Today, the West Virginia Senate gave final approval to a bill that would significantly expand the state’s hemp licensing program, opening the door for anybody in the state to produce or process industrial hemp for commercial purposes. If signed by Gov. Jim Justice, the law would set the foundation to…
AUSTIN, Texas (April 4, 2017) – A bill introduced in the Texas Senate would establish gold and silver as legal tender in Texas. Passage of the bill would create currency competition in the state and serve to undermine the Federal Reserve’s monopoly on money. Sen. Bob Hall introduced Senate Bill 2097 (SB2097) on March 10.…
AUSTIN, Texas. (Apr. 4, 2017) – A a Texas House committee has approved a bill to decriminalize marijuana possession. Final passage into law would take a big step toward nullifying federal cannabis prohibition in practice in the state. Rep. Joseph Moody (D-El Paso), along with 38 bipartisan co-sponsors, introduced House Bill 81 (HB81). The legislation…
It’s the 75th day that the Republicans have failed to repeal Obamacare. Outside a small number in the Freedom Caucus, do they really even want to? Mike Maharrey and Michael Boldin talk about this, plus some reports from the nullification movement in the state
JACKSON, Miss. (Apr. 4, 2017) – Last week, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant signed a bill that many have claimed will “outlaw sanctuary cities” in the state. However, a closer reading of the bill shows it does not. Sen. Sean Tindell (R-Gulfport) sponsored Senate Bill 2719 (SB2710). As originally introduced, it would have banned so-called sanctuary policies on a…