Texas Bill Would Expand Right to Try Act, Further Rejecting Some FDA Restrictions on Personal Choice

AUSTIN, Texas (Jan. 3, 2016) – A bill filed for the 2017 legislative session would expand the Texas “Right to Try” law, setting the foundation to nullify in practice some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules that deny access to experimental treatments by patients with severe chronic diseases. Rep. Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) filed House…

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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.…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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. …

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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…

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