States Archives

Washington Bill Would Curb “Policing for Profit” Via Asset Forfeiture, But Federal Loophole Remains

OLYMPIA, Wash. (Dec. 22, 2016) – A bill filed in the Washington House for the 2017 legislative session would reform the state’s asset forfeiture laws by prohibiting the state from taking property without a criminal conviction. But a loophole in the legislation would allow law enforcement to work with the feds to skirt the more stringent state law.…

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Missouri Bills Would Require Implementation of the Unconstitutional REAL ID Act

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Dec. 22, 2016) – Two bills prefiled for the 2017 legislative session would repeal a Missouri law prohibiting implementation of the Real ID Act and set the state on a course to participate in an unconstitutional national identification system. Rep. Kevin Corlew (R-Kansas City) prefiled House Bill 151 (HB151) on Dec. 6.…

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Texas Bill Takes on “Policing for Profit” via Asset Forfeiture, Closes Federal Loophole

AUSTIN, Texas (Dec. 21, 2016) – A bill prefiled in the Texas Senate for the 2017 legislative session would reform the state’s asset forfeiture laws to prohibit the state from taking property without a criminal conviction in most cases. The legislation also takes on federal forfeiture programs by banning prosecutors from circumventing state laws by…

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California Bill Would Require Local Approval Before Police Could Obtain Surveillance Technology

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2016) – A bill prefiled in the California Senate for the 2017 legislative session would require all law enforcement agencies in the state to submit a comprehensive Surveillance Use Policy and would prohibit the acquisition of new surveillance technology without local government approval. Passage would take the first step toward limiting…

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Missouri Bills Would Legalize Medical Marijuana; Foundation to Nullify Federal Prohibition

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Dec. 21, 2016) – Two bills prefiled in the Missouri Senate for the 2017 session would legalize medical marijuana in the state. If signed into law, the legislation would take another step toward nullifying the unconstitutional federal prohibition on cannabis in practice and effect. Sen. Jason Holsman (D-Kansas City) prefiled Senate Bill…

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Washington Bill Would Set Stage for Implementation of the Unconstitutional REAL ID Act

OLYMPIA, Wash. (Dec. 21, 2016) – Two bills prefiled for the 2017 legislative session would repeal a Washington state law prohibiting implementation of the REAL ID Act and set the state on a course to participate in an unconstitutional national identification system.Rep. Judy Clibborn (D- 41st Dist.) prefiled House Bill 1041 (HB1041) on Dec. 14.…

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Missouri Bill Would Close Federal Asset Forfeiture Loophole in Most Situations

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Dec. 20, 2016) – A bill prefiled in the Missouri House would close a loophole that allows state and local police to circumvent stringent state asset forfeiture laws by passing cases of to the feds. Rep. Shamed Dogan (R-St. Louis) prefiled House Bill 231 (HB231) on Dec. 15. The legislation would prohibit…

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Washington State Resolution Proposes Breakaway State

Some state legislators in the Washington House are calling for the state to split and create a new breakaway state utilizing the process outlined in Article IV of the Constitution. Introduced by Rep. Matt Shea (R-Spokane Valley) and  Rep. Bob McCaslin (R-Spokane Valley), House Joint Memorial 4000 (HJM4000) petitions Congress to create a 51st state…

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Missouri Bill Would Set the Foundation to End Enforcement of Federal Rules and Regulations

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Dec. 19, 2016) – A bill prefiled in the Missouri legislature would create a process for the state to refuse to enforce rules and regulations issued by federal agencies, effectively nullifying such rules and regulation in practice within the state. Rep. Mike Moon (R- Ash Grove) prefiled House Bill 222 (HB222) on Dec.…

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Arizona Bill Would Legalize Marijuana, Nullify Federal Prohibition

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Dec. 19 2016) – A bill set for introduction in the Arizona House would legalize marijuana for recreational use. Passage of the legislation would take a big step toward nullifying federal cannabis prohibition in practice as well. Rep. Mark Cardenas (D-Louisville) prefiled House Bill 2003 (HB2003) for introduction during the 2017 legislative session.…

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