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

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 1, 2018) – 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 federal…

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Florida Senate Committee Passes Bill to Expand Healthcare Freedom

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 1, 2018) – On Tuesday, a third and final Florida Senate committee unanimously passed a bill that would help facilitate healthcare freedom outside of government regulatory schemes. Sen. Tom Lee (R-Brandon) prefiled Senate Bill 80 (SB80) on Aug. 9. The legislation specifies that direct primary care agreements (sometimes called medical retainer agreements) do not…

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Idaho House Passes Bill That Would Set Foundation to Nullify Indefinite Detention

BOISE, Idaho (Feb. 28, 2018) – Yesterday, the Idaho House overwhelmingly passed a bill that would set the foundation to nullify indefinite detention under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 (NDAA) or any other federal act. The House of Delegates State Affairs Committee Committee introduced House Bill 473 (H473) on Jan. 31. Titled the Restoring…

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Michigan Senate Passes Bill to Ban “Material Support or Resources” for Warrantless Federal Surveillance

LANSING, Mich. (Feb. 28, 2018) – Today, the Michigan Senate unanimously passed a bill that would ban “material support or resources” for warrantless federal surveillance programs. This represents an essential step states need to take at a time when the federal government seems unlikely to ever end unconstitutional spying on its own. Rep. Martin Howrylak (R-Troy)…

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Wyoming Senate Passes Bill to Exempt Cryptocurrency from Property Taxes; Encourage Use and Help Undermine Federal Reserve Monopoly on Money

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Feb. 28, 2018) – Yesterday, the Wyoming Senate passed a bill to exempt cryptocurrency from property taxes. The proposed law would expand the of use digital currency and help undermine the Federal Reserve’s monopoly on money. A bipartisan coalition of six senators and representatives introduced Senate Bill 111 (SF111) on Feb. 14. The legislation…

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Minnesota Bill Takes on Federal Militarization of Police

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Feb. 28, 2018) – A bill introduced in the Minnesota Senate would bar state and local law enforcement agencies from acquiring “military grade weapons” through federal military surplus programs. Sen. Jerry Newton (D-Coon Rapids) introduced Senate Bill 2615 (SF2615) on Feb. 22. The legislation would prohibit a Minnesota state or local unit…

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New Hampshire House Passes Bill that Would Allow People Expunge Some Marijuana Charges

CONCORD, N.H. – Last week, the New Hampshire House overwhelmingly passed a bill that would allow individuals arrested for possession of small amounts of marijuana, or convicted of such charges, to have their record expunged. Passage into law would take another step toward nullifying federal marijuana prohibition in effect in New Hampshire. A bipartisan coalition of…

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Wyoming House Passes Bill to Encourage the Use of Gold and Silver as Money

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Feb. 27, 2018) – Today, the Wyoming House overwhelmingly passed a bill that would define gold and silver specie as legal tender and eliminate all taxes levied on it. The new law would pave the way for the use of gold and silver in everyday transactions and could help undermine the Federal Reserve’s monopoly on…

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Missouri Measure Would Put Marijuana Legalization on the Ballot; Foundation to Nullify Federal Prohibition

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Feb. 27, 2018) – Legislation filed in the Missouri House would create a ballot initiative to legalize marijuana, setting the foundation to nullify federal cannabis prohibition in effect in the Show-Me State. Rep. Courtney Curtis (D-Berkeley) introduced House Joint Resolution 86 (HJR86) on Feb. 15. The legislation would initiate a referendum and…

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Florida Committee Approves Bill to Ban Warrantless Stingray Spying, Help Hinder Federal Surveillance

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Feb. 27, 2018) – Last Thursday, a third Florida Senate committee approved a measure that would ban warrantless location tracking and the use of stingray devices to sweep up electronic communications in most situations. The new law will not only protect privacy in Florida, but will also hinder one aspect of the federal surveillance state. Sen. Jeff…

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