California

Killer Robot Plan Killed. For Now.

After initially approving a new plan to allow police robots to be armed with lethal force, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors faced such a severe public backlash that they actually reversed course and banned the practice, at least for now. But the plan only came to light due to a 10th Amendment law passed in 2021 addressing the unconstitutional federal militarization of local police.

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Amendments to California Fourth Amendment Protection Act Needed to Give It Effect

It's difficult to come up with a scenario in which the law as chaptered would have any practical effect. That’s not to say there isn’t one, but it would become operative only in a very narrow range of circumstances. The California legislature can make a few simple fixes to the law to give it practical effect.

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San Francisco Board of Supervises Passes Resolution Calling for Decriminalization of Psychedelics

Last week, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution calling for the decriminalization of psychedelics including psilocybin and ayahuasca. While not legally binding, resolutions can serve as an important first step and build a foundation for further action in the future.

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California Bill Would Legalize Psychedelic Drugs Despite Federal Prohibition

Last year, SB519 cleared the Senate by a vote of 21-16. It has also passed the Assembly Public Safety and Health Committees. It's up for a final committee hearing and possible vote in early August.

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Signed by the Governor: California Law to Help Expand Market for Cannabis Beverages

In effect, the new law will allow the market for cannabis beverages to expand.

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Signed as Law: California Provides Some Tax Relief for Marijuana Growers

The state currently levies a flat-rate cultivation tax of $10.08 per dry-weight ounce of cannabis flower and $3 per dry-weight ounce for leaves. There is also a 15 percent excise tax levied at the retail level. The new law eliminates the cultivation tax.

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Activists Successfully Sue California Sheriff for Illegally Sharing ALPR Data

Passing laws to limit government surveillance is an important first step, but activism can't end there. Law enforcement agencies have to be monitored and people must take action to ensure such laws are enforced.

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To the Governor: California Bill Would Allow CBD in Food Despite FDA Prohibition

The legislation would allow cannabinoids and other hemp extracts to be added to dietary supplements, food, beverages, cosmetics and pet food, despite FDA prohibition on the same. The bill declares that a dietary supplement, food, beverage, cosmetic, or pet food is not adulterated by the inclusion of industrial hemp or cannabinoids, extracts, or derivatives from industrial hemp as long as it meets state specifications.

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To the Governor: California Bill Sets Foundation to Block Federal Militarization of Police

Under the proposed law, police departments would be required to develop a detailed military equipment use policy and present it in an open meeting before obtaining military equipment. After the public meeting, the local governing body would either approve or deny the acquisition. Law enforcement agencies would also be required to get local government approval prior to May 1, 2022, in order to continue using military equipment already in the department’s possession.

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California Assembly Committee Passes Bill to Close Qualified Immunity Loopholes in State Law

Last week, a third California Assembly committee passed a bill that would create a process to sue police officers for violations of rights in state court without the possibility of “qualified immunity” as a defense

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