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…
"Four privacy-minded lawmakers have introduced legislation requiring law enforcement officials to obtain a warrant before searching phones belonging to US citizens, and prohibiting them from barring entry to Americans who decline to share their passwords at the border. 'Americans’ Constitutional rights shouldn’t disappear at the border,' Senator Ron Wyden said in statement to BuzzFeed News." Continue reading →
"Common red flags for passengers are 'traveling to or from a known source city for drug trafficking, purchasing a ticket within 24 hours of travel, purchasing a ticket for a long flight with an immediate return, purchasing a one-way ticket, and traveling without checked luggage.' DEA agents then detain and question travelers with large amounts of cash, and, if they determine the money is linked to drug activity, seize it, even if there is no hard evidence that it is connected to illegal activity. As the Inspector General notes, these agents 'rely on their immediate, on-the-spot judgment.' The passenger is then released, bereft of money but otherwise free to go." Continue reading →
"The full scope of the cash seizures—and the overwhelming amount of cases involving innocent people—have not been revealed until now. The inspector general found money seized and forfeited by the IRS was legally obtained in 91 percent of a sample of 278 structuring investigations it reviewed occurring between fiscal years 2012 and 2014. Altogether, those funds totalled $17.1 million and involved 231 cases." Continue reading →
"While the cancer is in remission, Charf is still struggling with the deadly disease – and is now being pursued by an equally deadly and persistent stalker, the Internal Revenue Service. A few weeks ago, the IRS sent Charf – who is now a mother – a notice claiming that the donations that had paid for her treatment were considered income, and demanding more than $15,000 in back taxes and more than $3,500 in penalties." Continue reading →
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.…