Tennessee Legislature Unanimously Approves Resolution in Support of Creating Bullion Depository

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 20, 2016) – Today, the Tennessee Senate unanimously gave final approval to a resolution setting the stage for creation of state bullion depository, an important first step toward establishing gold and silver as money in the state. Rep. Bud Hulsey (R-Kingsport) introduced House Joint Resolution 516 (HJR516) in January. The resolution declares support for creation of a…

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Rhode Island Bill Would Place Limits on Drones; Hinder Federal Surveillance Program

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (April 20, 2016) – A bill introduced in the Rhode Island House would restrict the use of drones by state and local law enforcement. The legislation would not only establish important privacy protections at the state level, it would also help thwart the federal surveillance state. Rep. Blake Filippi introduced House Bill 8066…

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Signed By the Governor: New Nebraska Law Takes on “Policing for Profit” Via Asset Forfeiture

LINCOLN, Neb. (April 20, 2016) – With the stroke of a pen, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts ended civil asset forfeiture by the state, signing a bill that reforms asset forfeiture laws to prohibit the state from taking property without a criminal conviction. The legislation also takes on federal forfeiture programs by banning prosecutors from circumventing state…

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Signed by the Governor: New Tennessee Law Sets Stage to Reject Gun Control by International Law or Treaty

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Apr. 20, 2016) – Yesterday, Gov. Bill Haslam signed a bill into law setting the foundation to stop enforcement of gun control imposed by international law or treaty. House Bill 2389 (HB2389) was introduced by Rep. John Windle (D-Livingston) in January.  It prohibits law enforcement officers from enforcing provisions of international law and treaties…

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Illinois Senate Votes 57-0 to Prohibit Warrantless Stingray Spying; Hinder Federal Surveillance Program

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (April 19, 2016) – The Illinois Senate unanimously passed a bill that would ban the use of “stingrays” to track the location of phones and sweep up electronic communications without a warrant in most situations. The proposed legislation would not only protect privacy in the Illinois, but would also hinder one aspect of…

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Ohio Bill Would Legalize Medical Marijuana, Foundation to Nullify Federal Prohibition in Practice

COLUMBUS, Ohio (April 19, 2016) – A bill introduced in the Ohio House would legalize medical marijuana in the state. If signed into law, it would take another step toward nullifying the unconstitutional federal prohibition on cannabis in practice. Rep. Stephen Huffman (R) introduced House Bill 523 (HB523) on April 14. The legislation would set…

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Local Law Enforcement to Receive Hacking Help from FBI for iPhones

The FBI can get into your iPhone and they plan on helping local cops do the same. “Going dark” is the code word government agencies use for encryption. The words are meant to stir up emotions of fear and apprehension regarding the lines of code that hide our secrets within electronic devices, websites, and even…

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From the Mailbox: Idiotic Comments of the Week

I’d like to be as kind as possible to these folks, but it’s difficult. Here are a few of the worst of the worst we’ve seen recently. Or at least, the most entertaining. 1. In response to an email newsletter that included reports on 7 different issues: I AM DISGUSTED WITH YOUR PLIGHT WITH GUN CONTROL…

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Louisiana Senate Passes Bill to Legalize Some Raw Milk Sales; Foundation To Nullify Federal Prohibition

BATON ROUGE, La. (April 18, 2016) – Today, the Louisiana Senate passed a bill that would legalize limited raw milk sales in the state, taking an important step toward effectively nullifying a federal prohibition scheme in effect. Sen. Eric LaFleur (D-Ville Platte) introduced Senate Bill 29 (SB29) on Feb. 25. The legislation would allow farmers…

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Delaware Bill Takes on “Policing for Profit” via Asset Forfeiture, Closes Federal Loophole

DOVER, Del. (April 18, 2016) – A bill introduced in the Delaware Senate would reform the state’s asset forfeiture laws to prohibit the state from taking property without a criminal conviction. The legislation also takes on federal forfeiture programs by banning prosecutors from circumventing state laws by passing cases off to the feds in most…

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