Virginia Bill Would Block Obamacare Enforcement

RICHMOND, Va. (Jan. 7, 2016) – A bill prefiled in the Virginia House would prohibit state cooperation or implementation for most of Obamacare, taking a huge step toward nullifying the federal health care program in practice within the state. Del. Brenda Pogge (R-Norge) prefiled House Bill 338 (HB338) on Jan. 5. The legislation would prohibit the state…

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Virginia Senate Bill Would Curb “Policing for Profit” via Asset Forfeiture, But Federal Loophole Remains

RICHMOND, Va. (Jan. 6, 2016) – A bill filed in the Virginia Senate 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 law. Sen.…

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Virginia Bill Would Decriminalize Marijuana, Help Nullify Federal Prohibition

RICHMOND, Va. (Dec. 31, 2015) – A bill introduced in the Virginia legislature would decriminalize marijuana for adults, changing criminal penalties into civil infractions. The proposal would not only decriminalize marijuana in the Old Dominion, it would also take a big step toward nullifying federal cannabis prohibition in practice in Virginia. Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria)…

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Virginia Bill Would Restrict ALPRs, Help Block National License Plate Tracking Program

RICHMOND, Va. (Dec. 28, 2015) – A bill prefiled in the Virginia legislature for the 2016 session would put limitations on the storage and sharing of information collected by Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) by law enforcement in the state, and place significant roadblocks in the way of a federal program using states to help…

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Virginia Bill Would Restrict ALPRs, Help Block National License Plate Tracking Program

RICHMOND, Va. (Dec. 28, 2015) – A bill prefiled in the Virginia legislature for the 2016 session would put limitations on the storage and sharing of information collected by Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) by law enforcement in the state, and place significant roadblocks in the way of a federal program using states to help…

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Virginia Bill Would Effectively Nullify Future Federal Gun Control in the State

RICHMOND, Va. (Dec. 11, 2015) – A bill prefiled in the Virginia House for the 2016 legislative session would prohibit state cooperation with the enforcement of any future federal laws, regulations, or executive orders relating to firearms, ammunition or firearms components, effectively nullifying any such acts in practice within the state. Del. Bob Marshall (R…

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Virginia Bill Takes Unique First Step Toward Protecting the Second Amendment

RICHMOND, Va. (Dec. 2, 2015) – A bill prefiled in the Virginia House of Delegates takes an interesting first step toward protecting the right to keep and bear arms from federal infringement by defining it in statute as an individual right unconnected with the militia. Delegates Mark L. Cole and (R) Charles D. Poindexter (R)…

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Virginia Bill Would Curb “Policing for Profit” via Asset Forfeiture, But Federal Loophole Remains

RICHMOND, Va. (Nov. 30, 2015) – A bill prefiled in the Virginia 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 laws. Del.…

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Two States Consider Bills Taking a First Step Toward Nullifying EPA Regulations

At least two states will consider bills in the upcoming legislative session that would take a small, but important, first step in setting the stage to nullify federal EPA rules and regulations. Legislation in both Virginia and Florida would essentially insert another layer into the state process involved in adopting plans to address EPA emission…

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Virginia Law Placing Permanent Restrictions On Drones Now In Effect

RICHMOND, Va. (July 8, 2015) – A Virginia law that permanently restricts the use of drones by state and local law enforcement went into effect last week. The new law not only establishes important privacy protections at the state level, it will also thwart the federal surveillance state. Virginia was the first state in the…

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