Maryland Bill Would Defy FDA, Allow Experimental Treatments for Terminally-Ill

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Feb. 6, 2017) – A bill introduced in the Maryland House would the foundation to nullify in practice some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules that deny access to experimental treatments by terminally ill patients. Introduced by Del. Karen Young (D-Frederick) and 18 bipartisan co-sponsors, House Bill 584 (HB584) would give terminally ill…

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Arizona Bill to Support Sound Money Passes Second Committee, 8-0

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb 6, 2017) – An Arizona bill that would eliminate state capital gains taxes on gold and silver specie, and encourage its use as currency, passed a second important House committee today. Final approval of the legislation would help undermine the Federal Reserve’s monopoly on money. Rep. Mark Finchem (R-Tucson) introduced House Bill…

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New Hampshire Committee Passes Bill to Decriminalize Industrial Hemp

CONCORD, N.H. (Feb. 6, 2017) – A New Hampshire House committee unanimously approved a bill that would remove the state ban on industrial hemp, setting the stage to nullify federal prohibition on the plant in practice. A coalition of three representatives and two senators prefiled House Bill 151 (HB151). The legislation would simply remove industrial…

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Tennessee Bill Would Help Encourage Use of Gold and Silver as Currency

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 6, 2017) – Bills filed in the Tennessee House and Senate would exempt gold and silver bullion and coins from sales tax, encouraging their use and taking the first step toward breaking the Federal Reserve’s monopoly on money. Sen. Frank Nicely (R-Strawberry Plains) introduced Senate Bill 350 (SB350) on Feb. 2. Rep.…

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Rhode Island Bill Would Require Judicial Order for Stingray Use, Hinder Federal Surveillance Program

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Feb. 6, 2017) – A bill introduced in the Rhode Island House would require a judicial order for the use of “stingrays” to track the location of phones and sweep up electronic communications. Passage of the bill would not only protect privacy in the state, but would also hinder one aspect of the…

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Oklahoma Bill Would Legalize Medical Marijuana; Foundation to Nullify Federal Prohibition in Effect

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 6, 2017) – A Oklahoma bill would legalize medical marijuana for qualifying patients in the state, effectively nullifying the unconstitutional federal prohibition on the same. Scheduled for introduction on Feb. 6 by Rep. Eric Proctor (D-Tulsa), House Bill 1877 (HB1877) would shield any qualifying medical marijuana patient from “arrest, prosecution or penalty…

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The Supremacy Clause in 15 Seconds

Anytime there’s an effort to withdraw from a federal program, or take action to resist it – someone will claim that the “supremacy clause” means the states can’t do anything. They’re totally wrong. And State Rep. Eddie Farnsworth smacked that idea down on the Arizona House floor this week. Under the #constitution, #supremacy doesn't mean…

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Michigan Ballot Measure Would Help Protect Electronic Data from Warrantless Spying

LANSING, Mich. (Feb. 3, 2017) – A resolution introduced in the Michigan House would put before voters a state constitutional amendment to protect electronic communications and data from the prying eyes of state and local law enforcement. The amendment would also effectively block a small but intrusive practical effect of federal spying within the state.…

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Colorado Bill Would Close Federal Asset Forfeiture Loophole in Most Situations

DENVER Colo. (Feb. 3, 2017) – A bill introduced in the Colorado Senate would close a loophole that allows state and local police to circumvent more stringent state asset forfeiture laws by passing cases off to the feds. A bipartisan coalition of four senators introduced Senate Bill 136 (SB136) on Jan. 31. The legislation primarily…

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Virginia House Passes Bill to Expand Health Freedom

RICHMOND, Va. (Feb 3, 2017) – A Virginia bill that would help facilitate healthcare freedom passed the state House yesterday. Del. R. Steven Landes (R-Verona) introduced House Bill 2053 (HB2053) on Jan. 10. The legislation specifies that direct primary care agreements (sometimes called medical retainer agreements) do not constitute insurance, thereby freeing doctors and patients from…

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