NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 6, 2018) – Bills introduced in the Tennessee House and Senate would remove hemp and hemp products from the state’s list of controlled substances. Passage of this legislation would open the door for an expanding commercial hemp market in the state, setting the foundation to nullify federal prohibition in practice. Sen. Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) introduced…
HONOLULU, Hawaii (Feb. 6, 2018) – A bill filed in the Hawaii Senate would help facilitate healthcare freedom outside of government insurance regulatory schemes. Sen. Stanley Chang (D-9) introduced Senate Bill 3021 (SB3021) on January 18. The legislation specifies that direct primary care agreements (sometimes called medical retainer agreements) do not constitute insurance, thereby freeing doctors and patients…
OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb 6, 2018) – An bill filed in the Oklahoma Senate would prohibit state cooperation with the enforcement all future federal gun control measures, effectively nullifying them in practice within the state. Sen. Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow) prefiled Senate Bill 1215 (SB1215) for introduction in February. Titled the Oklahoma Second Amendment Preservation Act, the legislation…
SANTA FE, N.M. (Feb. 6, 2018) – Last week, a New Mexico Senate committee narrowly passed a bill that would give voters the opportunity to amend the state constitution and legalize marijuana. Passage would set the foundation to nullify the unconstitutional federal prohibition on cannabis in practice. Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino (D-Albuquerque) introduced Senate…
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Feb. 5, 2018) – Two bills filed in Maryland would help facilitate healthcare freedom outside of government insurance regulatory schemes. Sen. Thomas Middleton (D-28) introduced Senate Bill 531 (SB531), while Del. Ariana Kelly (D-16) introduced House Bill 718 (HB718). Both bills specify that direct primary care agreements (sometimes called medical retainer agreements) do not constitute…
DES MOINES, Iowa (Feb. 5, 2018) – Last week, an Iowa subcommittee passed a bill that would nullify federal regulation of purely intrastate commerce. Sen. Mark Chelgren (R-Ottumwa) introduced Senate Bill 2116 (SF2116) on Jan. 25. Titled the Interstate Commerce Act, the legislation would nullify federal regulation of products held, maintained, or retained within the…
The same week that Congress reauthorized and expanded NSA spying, the Michigan House passed HB4430 by a vote of 107-1, a bill to ban “material support or resources” for warrantless federal surveillance programs. (learn more here). The bill is now in the Senate Judiciary committee where it needs to pass to move forward. Please take the following…
BOSTON, Mass. (Feb. 2, 2018) – Last week, a Massachusetts committee held a hearing on three bills that would put strict limitations on the use of automated license plate reader systems (ALPRs) by the state. Passage into law would also place significant roadblocks in the way of a federal program using states to help track the…
ATLANTA, Ga. (Feb. 2, 2018) – A bill filed in the Georgia Senate would legalize marijuana, setting the foundation to nullify federal cannabis prohibition in effect in the state. Senate Bill 344 (SB344) was introduced by Sen. Curt Thompson (D-Norcross) with five co-sponsors on Jan. 23. The legislation would allow adults 21 or older to…
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Feb 2, 2018) – Yesterday, a Missouri House committee overwhelmingly passed a bill that would ban the use of “stingrays” to track the location of phones and sweep up electronic communications without a warrant in most situations. Passage of the law would not only protect privacy in Missouri, it will also hinder one…