Signed as Law: Ohio Takes on Asset Forfeiture, Closes Federal Loophole in Most Situations

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Jan. 5, 2016) – On Wednesday, Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed a bill that reforms asset forfeiture laws to prohibit the state from taking property without criminal charges in many cases. The new law also takes on federal forfeiture programs by banning prosecutors from circumventing state laws by passing cases off to the…

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To the Governor: Ohio Right to Try Act Rejects Some FDA Restrictions on Terminal Patients

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Dec. 19, 2016) – Last week, the Ohio Senate unanimously approved a bill that sets the foundation to nullify in practice some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules that deny access to experimental treatments by terminally ill patients. The legislation now heads to Gov. John Kasich’s desk for his consideration. Rep. Robert Sprague…

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Ohio Governor Signs Bill Banning Abortion After 20 Weeks, Defying Supreme Court Precedent

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Dec. 15, 2016) – On Tuesday, Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed a bill into law banning most abortions after 20 weeks, defying a Supreme Court opinion prohibiting states from regulating abortions before 24 weeks. Sen. Peggy Lehner and Sen. Jay Hottinger sponsored Senate Bill 127 (SB127). The legislation bans abortions after 20 weeks…

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Four Ohio Cities Decriminalize Marijuana Possession, Lead Way for Entire State to Nullify Federal Prohibition

Statewide efforts to legalize marijuana in Ohio failed at the ballot box last year, but several cities pressed ahead, voting to decriminalize cannabis within their city limits. This takes a solid first step toward effectively nullifying prohibition in practice. Voters in the Ohio cities of Bellaire, Logan, Newark and Roseville all approved marijuana decriminalization measures…

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To the Governor: Ohio Legislature Passes Bill to Close Federal Asset Forfeiture Loophole

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Dec. 9, 2016) – Yesterday, the Ohio legislature gave final approval to a bill that would reform asset forfeiture laws to prohibit the state from taking property without criminal charges in many cases. The legislation also takes on federal forfeiture programs by banning prosecutors from circumventing state laws by passing cases off to…

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Ohio City Considering Ordinance to Limit Drones; Would Help Hinder Federal Surveillance Program

BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio (Oct. 24, 2016) – An Ohio town will consider regulations on drones that may include limits on law enforcement surveillance. The legislation would not only establish important privacy protections at the local level, it would also help thwart the federal surveillance state. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, earlier this month, the…

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Ohio Action Alert: Help Stop Asset Forfeiture, Support HB347

Earlier this year, the Ohio House passed HB347 to reform asset forfeiture laws. The bill would prohibit the state from taking property without a criminal conviction in the majority of cases. The legislation also takes on federal forfeiture programs by banning prosecutors from circumventing state laws by passing cases off to the feds. HB347 must…

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Today: Medical Marijuana Becomes Legal in Ohio; Sets Foundation to Nullify Federal Prohibition in Practice

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Sept. 8, 2016) – Medical marijuana officially became legal in Ohio today, marking the step forward toward nullifying the unconstitutional federal prohibition on cannabis in practice. Rep. Stephen Huffman (R) introduced House Bill 523 (HB523) on April 14. The legislation sets in motion the creation of a limited medical marijuana program in Ohio.…

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Ohio Senate Adopts Resolution Affirming Tenth Amendment

COLUMBUS, Ohio (June 10, 2016) – A resolution reasserting the Tenth Amendment’s role in restraining the federal government was approved last month by the Ohio state Senate. Sponsored by Sen. Larry Obhof (R) and Sen. Keith Faber (R), Senate Concurrent Resolution 15 (SCR15) serves as a “notice to the federal government to end federal mandates…

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Signed into Law: Ohio Legalizes Medical Marijuana, Sets Foundation to Nullify Federal Prohibition in Practice

COLUMBUS, Ohio (June 9, 2016) – On Wednesday, Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed a bill legalizing medical marijuana in the state. This takes a big step toward nullifying the unconstitutional federal prohibition on cannabis in practice. Rep. Stephen Huffman (R) introduced House Bill 523 (HB523) on April 14. The legislation sets in motion the creation of a…

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