Missouri Bill Would Legalize Marijuana; Foundation to Nullify Federal Prohibition

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Dec. 12, 2017) – A Missouri bill pre-filed for introduction in the 2018 legislative session would legalize marijuana for recreational use. Passage would take a big step toward nullifying federal cannabis prohibition in practice in the Show Me State. Rep. Karla May (D-St. Louis) pre-filed House Bill 1448 (HB1448) on Dec. 4.…

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Hawaii Bill Would Legalize Raw Milk Sales, Take Step to Nullify Federal Prohibition Scheme

HONOLULU, Hawaii,  (Dec. 11, 2017) – During the 2018 legislative session, the Hawaii House will consider a bill that would legalize raw milk sales in the state, taking an important step toward nullifying a federal prohibition scheme in effect. A bipartisan coalition of 13 representatives introduced House Bill 257 (HB257) last January. The legislation would legalize…

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Texas National Guard Using Airborne Stingrays for Domestic Surveillance

Big Brother is definitely watching you in the state of Texas, where the state National Guard last year installed stingray devices on two surveillance aircraft, The Observer reports: Dirt boxes mimic cellphone towers by tricking every smartphone within a geographic area of up to one-third of a mile to connect with the technology, usually without…

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Sport Betting Case Before SCOTUS has Tenth Amendment Ramifications

Last week, the Supreme Court heard testimony on a case that could reinvigorate the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution. Surprisingly, it’s all about football and sports betting in the State of New Jersey. The results of Governor of New Jersey v. National Collegiate Athletic Association may have consequences for a range of issues, including gun…

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Missouri Bill Would Close Federal Asset Forfeiture Loophole in Most Cases

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Dec. 8, 2017) – A bill prefiled in the Missouri House would close a loophole in most situations that allows state and local police to circumvent stringent state asset forfeiture laws by passing cases off to the feds. Rep. Shamed Dogan (R-St. Louis) prefiled House Bill 1501 (HB1501) on Dec. 5. The…

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Missouri Bill Would Eliminate Marriage Licenses, Nullify Federal Control in Practice

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Dec. 8, 2017)  A bill prefiled in the Missouri House would replace marriage licenses in the state with “contracts of domestic union,” effectively nullifying in practice both major sides of the contentious national debate over government-sanctioned marriage. Rep. T.J. Berry prefiled House Bill 1434 (HB1434) this month. The legislation would amend current marriage-related…

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

LANSING, Mich. (Dec. 7, 2017) – On Tuesday, a Michigan House committee 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 its own spying. Rep. Martin Howrylak (R-Troy)…

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Local Alabama Media Picks Up TAC Talking Points on Gold and Silver Taxes

Last month, a reporter with the Anniston Star in Alabama interviewed me about a bill prefiled in the Alabama House for 2018 that would exempt the purchase of gold and silver bullion from state sales and use tax, encouraging its use and taking the first step toward breaking the Federal Reserve’s monopoly on money. I could tell…

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New Wisconsin Hemp Law Relies on Federal Permission, Could Go Much Further

MADISON, Wisc. (Dec. 6, 2017) – Last Thursday, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill into law legalizing hemp cultivation for research purposes only in compliance with federal law. The new law could lay a foundation to eventually expand the hemp market in the state, and with further action, could set the stage for nullification…

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