Texas Gold Depository Shifts Economic Power to State; Ends Fed Monopoly on Money

A bill recently signed into law in Texas that will set up a state gold depository represents a power shift away from the federal government to the state, and it provides a blueprint that could ultimately end the Fed. Gov. Greg Abbot signed the law creating the state gold bullion and precious metal depository last…

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Restrictions on Government Drone Use Now Law in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine (July 21, 2015) – A Maine bill that drastically restricts the use of drones by state and local law enforcement, and serves to thwart one aspect of the federal surveillance state, became law earlier this month. Introduced by Rep. Diane Russell (D-Portland) and co-sponsored by Sen. Eric Brakey (R-Androscoggin), Legislative Document 25 (LD25)…

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Clarifying Connecticut’s New Hemp Law and Nullification in Practice

A recent article at the Daily Chronic indicates some confusion still exists. about the legal and practical effects of a Connecticut hemp bill that went into effect July 1. HB5780 removed any mention of industrial hemp from the Connecticut criminal code that classifies marijuana as a banned controlled substance. From the official summary of the legislation:…

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California Bill Taking on Federal Militarization of Police Clears Senate Committees

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 20, 2015) – A California bill that would create a mechanism to stop transfers of military equipment to state or local law enforcement agencies cleared its final committee hurdle last and will now move on to the Senate floor when it returns from a summer recess in August. Introduced by Asm. Nora Campos…

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Delaware Governor Vetoes Common Core Opt-Out Bill

DOVER, Del. (July 20, 2015) – Last week, a Delaware “Common Core opt-out bill” was vetoed by Gov. Jack Markell. Since the bill passed by veto-proof majorities in both houses, insiders suggest that an override is possible when the legislature reconvenes in January. Introduced by Rep. John Kowalko (D-Newark) in March along with eight bipartisan cosponsors,…

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Two California Bills Taking on Spying by “Stingrays” Pass out of Committee

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 17, 2015) – Two California bills that would work together to help end the warrantless use of “stingrays” passed unanimously out of important Assembly committees this week. Passage into law would not only help protect privacy in California, but would also hinder part of the federal surveillance state. Sen. Mark Leno (D)…

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US Senate Rejects Parental Choice in Education, but States and Individuals Choosing Anyway

LOS ANGELES (July 15, 2015) This week, the Federal Senate rejected a measure that would have protected school choice, but individuals and states are already taking actions without federal approval, and it will likely continue and grow in 2016. In a rare instance where a measure was put forward in the National Congress that would have…

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