States Archives

Vermont “Right to Try” Bill would Nullify in Practice Some FDA Regulations

MONTIPELER, Vt. (Dec. 22, 2015) – A bill introduced in the Vermont Senate would nullify in practice some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules that deny access to experimental treatments by terminally ill patients. Sen. Dick McCormack (D-Windsor) prefiled Senate Bill 258 (S.258) for the 2016 session. The legislation would give terminally ill patients access…

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New Hampshire Bill Would Ban NSA Activity Called the “Biggest Threat Since the Civil War”

CONCORD, N.H. (Dec. 22, 2015) – A bill introduced in the New Hampshire House for the 2016 session would prohibit a federal-local surveillance collaboration that the NSA’s former chief technical director called the “biggest threat since the civil war.” Rep. Neal Kurk prefiled House Bill 1494 (HB1494). The legislation would prohibit government agencies from acquiring, collecting, retaining…

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Tennessee Law Effectively Nullifies Federal Protection of Destructive Vultures

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 21, 2015) – A new law now on the books in Tennessee effectively nullifies a federal ban on killing black vultures. Sen. Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains) and Rep. Kelly Keisling (R-Byrdstown) sponsored legislation that repealed a state law prohibiting the killing of these federally protected birds. Black vultures remain protected under federal…

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Florida Resolution would Set the Stage to Push Feds Out of State Education

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Dec. 21, 2015) – A proposed resolution introduced in the Florida legislature for the 2016 legislative session rejects federal involvement in the state’s educational system and would create a foundation for the general assembly to take further action in the future. Rep. Debbie Mayfield (R-Vero Beach) prefiled House Memorial 983 (HM983) on Dec.…

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Proposed Amendment to Missouri Constitution would Create Process to Nullify Federal Laws in Effect

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Dec. 20, 2015) – A proposed amendment to the Missouri state constitution would create a process for Missouri voters to nullify in effect any federal law or regulation. Rep. Jeff Pogue (R-143) prefiled House Joint Resolution 62 (HJR62) on Dec. 16. If the resolution passes by a majority in both houses of…

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South Carolina Action Alert: Ban Spying by Stingray, Support H4522

South Carolina H4522 would completely ban the use “stingrays” to track the location of phones and sweep up electronic communications. Passage of the bill would not only protect privacy in the Palmetto State, but would also hinder one aspect of the federal surveillance state. It must pass through the House Judiciary Committee before the bill…

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Two Arizona Bills Would Effectively Nullify Federal Prohibition on Marijuana

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Dec. 20, 2015) – Two bills prefiled in the Arizona legislature would effectively nullify federal marijuana prohibition in practice, one by fully legalizing marijuana for recreational usage and the other by decriminalizing the plant. House Bill 2006 (HB2006) and House Bill 2007 (HB2007) were prefiled by Rep. Mark Cardenas (D-Phoenix) this month for…

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

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Dec. 18, 2015) – A bill filed in the Utah House for the 2016 legislative session would reform the state’s asset forfeiture laws, making it more difficult for police to seize property. But a loophole in the legislation would allow law enforcement to work with the feds to skirt the more stringent state…

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Missouri Bill Would Ban Warrantless Use of Stingray Devices, Hinder Federal Surveillance Program

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Dec. 18, 2015) – A bill prefiled in the Missouri Senate would limit the warrantless 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 Show-Me, but would also hinder one aspect of the federal surveillance state.…

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Kentucky Bill Would Legalize Marijuana for Recreational Use, Nullify Federal Prohibition

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 17, 2015) – A Kentucky House bill prefiled for 2016 would legalize marijuana for recreational use, taxing and regulating the crop similar to alcohol. The proposal would not only legalize marijuana in the Bluegrass State, it would also take a big step toward nullifying federal cannabis prohibition in practice in Kentucky. Sen.…

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