Montana Bill Would Limit ALPR Use, Help Block National License Plate Tracking Program

HELENA, Mont. (Jan. 2, 2017) – A introduced in the Montana House would strictly limit the use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) in the state, and place significant roadblocks in the way of a federal program using states to help track the location of millions of everyday people through pictures of their license plates.…

Continue ReadingMontana Bill Would Limit ALPR Use, Help Block National License Plate Tracking Program

Marijuana Possession and Cultivation Now Officially Legal in Massachusetts; Another Step To Nullify Federal Prohibition

BOSTON, Mass (Jan. 2, 2017) –  On Dec. 15, Massachusetts become the first state on the East Coast to legalize marijuana production and possession for adults. The act is a big step toward nullifying federal cannabis prohibition. In November, Massachusetts voters passed Question 4 by a 53 percent majority. The vote sets up a state…

Continue ReadingMarijuana Possession and Cultivation Now Officially Legal in Massachusetts; Another Step To Nullify Federal Prohibition

California Right to Try Act Rejects Some FDA Restrictions on Terminally-Ill Patients

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan 2, 2017) – Yesterday, a California law went into effect that sets the foundation to nullify in practice some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules denying access to experimental treatments by terminally-ill patients. A massive bipartisan coalition of 29 Assembly members introduced Assembly Bill 1668 (AB1668). The legislation gives terminally-ill patients access to medicines…

Continue ReadingCalifornia Right to Try Act Rejects Some FDA Restrictions on Terminally-Ill Patients

Now In Effect: Rhode Island Legalizes Hemp, Sets Foundation to Nullify Federal Prohibition in Practice

PROVIDENCE R.I. (Jan 1, 2017) – Today, a law went into effect legalizing the production and processing of industrial hemp for commercial purposes in Rhode Island, setting the foundation to nullify federal prohibition in practice. A coalition of five Democrats introduced House Bill 8232 (H8232) on May 19. As introduced, the legislation would have only allowed…

Continue ReadingNow In Effect: Rhode Island Legalizes Hemp, Sets Foundation to Nullify Federal Prohibition in Practice

New Illinois Law Prohibits Warrantless Stingray Spying, Hinders Federal Surveillance Program

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Jan. 1, 2017) – Today, an Illinois law went into effect banning the use of “stingrays” to track the location of phones and sweep up electronic communications without a warrant in most situations. The new law will not only protect privacy in Illinois, but will also hinder one aspect of the federal surveillance…

Continue ReadingNew Illinois Law Prohibits Warrantless Stingray Spying, Hinders Federal Surveillance Program

Now In Effect: California Law Reins in Asset Forfeiture, Takes on Federal Equitable Sharing Program

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2017) – Today, a California law went into effect that not only bolsters restrictions on state officials from seizing property without due process, but also throws a wrench into federal efforts to do the same. Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) introduced Senate Bill 443 (SB443) in 2015. The new law sets additional…

Continue ReadingNow In Effect: California Law Reins in Asset Forfeiture, Takes on Federal Equitable Sharing Program

Now In Effect: California Law Reins in Asset Forfeiture, Takes on Federal Equitable Sharing Program

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2017) – Today, a California law went into effect that not only bolsters restrictions on state officials from seizing property without due process, but also throws a wrench into federal efforts to do the same. Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) introduced Senate Bill 443 (SB443) in 2015. The new law sets additional…

Continue ReadingNow In Effect: California Law Reins in Asset Forfeiture, Takes on Federal Equitable Sharing Program

Happiest New Year in Eight Years!

2017 is looking bright and I am encouraged! As Americans, we were granted a “stay of execution” by the grace of almighty God. Michigan is now a RED state for the 1st time since 1988! Something that many thought would never happen. Just like many thought Michigan would never become a Right to Work state. …

Continue reading »

Continue ReadingHappiest New Year in Eight Years!

Virginia Bill Would Take a Step Towards Supporting Sound Money

RICHMOND, Va. (Dec. 30, 2016) – A Virginia bill prefiled for the 2017 session would remove sales taxes from some purchases of gold and silver, a first step towards encouraging its regular use as currency and breaking the Federal Reserve’s monopoly on money. Sen. Frank Wagner (R-Virginia Beach) prefiled Senate Bill 934 (SB934) this week. The…

Continue ReadingVirginia Bill Would Take a Step Towards Supporting Sound Money

Constitution 101: Using a Founding-Era Dictionary

Like any legal document, the words of the Constitution mean the same thing today as they were understood to mean the moment it was ratified and given legal force. For some of the text, definitions have changed significantly over time, and using a dictionary from that era is essential. A commenter on our Facebook page…

Continue ReadingConstitution 101: Using a Founding-Era Dictionary