Interview: Decentralizing for Freedom

On June 23, I appeared on a Chattanooga, Tenn., radio show hosted by David Tullis to discuss how state and local action can move power away from Washington D.C. and ultimately lead to greater liberty. We opened the discussion talking about the Tennessee legislature’s failure to follow through and start the process of creating a…

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Tennessee Legislature Drops the Ball on Creating Gold Depository, Taking on the Fed

NASHVILLE. Tenn. (Jun. 5, 2017) – Last spring, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam signed a resolution in support of creating a state gold bullion depository. Both houses of the legislature passed the measure unanimously. So, what’s happened since? Nothing. Rep. Bud Hulsey (R-Kingsport) sponsored House Joint Resolution 516 (HJR516) during the 2016 legislative session. It declares…

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Signed by the Governor: Tennessee Decriminalizes Firearm “Silencers”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 10, 2017) – Yesterday, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam signed a bill into law decriminalizing the manufacture and possession of firearm suppressors in the state. The new law not only removes a layer of state regulation, it will help foster an environment hostile to federal gun control in Tennessee. Sen. Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) introduced…

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To the Governor: Tennessee Passes Bill to Decriminalize Firearm “Silencers”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 2, 2017) – Yesterday, the Tennessee House gave final approval to a bill that would decriminalize the manufacture and possession of firearm silencers in the state. If signed by Gov. Bill Haslam, the bill would help foster an environment hostile to federal gun control in Tennessee. Sen. Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) introduced Senate Bill…

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Tennessee Republicans Join Democrats to Kill Bill Expanding Open Carry

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 7, 2017) – A Republican-dominated Tennessee House subcommittee killed a bill that would have legalized the open carry of firearms without a permit by law-abiding citizens last week. House Bill 40 (HB40) was introduced by Rep. Micah Van Huss (R-Jonesborough), along with 15 co-sponsors. The legislation would have expanded gun rights for…

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Tennessee Senate Passes Bill to Decriminalize Firearm “Silencers”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 5, 2017) – On Monday, the Tennessee Senate passed a bill that would decriminalize the manufacture and possession of firearm silencers in the state. Final passage of the bill would help foster an environment hostile to federal gun control. Sen. Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) introduced Senate Bill 921 (SB921) earlier this year. Titled the “Tennessee…

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Tennessee Hearing Highlights Typical Law Enforcement Opposition to Asset Forfeiture Reform

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 13, 2017) – A Nashville bill to reform asset forfeiture laws to prohibit the state from taking property without a criminal conviction, and ban prosecutors from circumventing state laws by passing cases off to the feds in most situations, had a committee hearing earlier this month and will soon come up for…

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Tennessee Action Alert: Help Stop “Asset Forfeiture,” Support HB421

Tennessee House Bill 421 (HB421) would reform asset forfeiture laws to prohibit the state from taking property without a criminal conviction. The legislation also takes on federal forfeiture programs by banning prosecutors from circumventing state laws by passing cases off to the feds in most situations. (learn more here) The bill must pass the House…

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Tennessee Bills Take on Asset Forfeiture, Close Federal Loophole in Most Cases

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 7, 2017) –  Bills introduced in the Tennessee legislature would reform asset forfeiture laws to prohibit the state from taking property without a criminal conviction. The legislation also takes on federal forfeiture programs by banning prosecutors from circumventing state laws by passing cases off to the feds in most situations. Rep. Martin…

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Tennessee Bill Would Help Encourage Use of Gold and Silver as Currency

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 6, 2017) – Bills filed in the Tennessee House and Senate would exempt gold and silver bullion and coins from sales tax, encouraging their use and taking the first step toward breaking the Federal Reserve’s monopoly on money. Sen. Frank Nicely (R-Strawberry Plains) introduced Senate Bill 350 (SB350) on Feb. 2. Rep.…

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