California Committee Passes Bill to Require Local Approval Before Police Can Obtain Surveillance Technology

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 2, 2017) –  Last week, a California Senate committee passed a bill that would require all law enforcement agencies in the state to get local government approval before acquiring surveillance technology. Passage of the bill would take the first step toward limiting the unchecked use of surveillance technologies that violate basic privacy…

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Texas Senate Passes Bill to End State Involvement in Refugee Resettlement

AUSTIN, Texas (May 3, 2017) – Last week, the Texas Senate passed a bill that would effectively end all state government cooperation with refugee resettlement. The move would significantly hinder refugee resettlement in the Lone Star State. Sen. Donald Huffines (R) and Sen. Bob Hall (R) prefiled Senate Bill 260 (SB260) last fall. The legislation…

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Final Arizona Committee Passes Bill to Legalize Industrial Hemp, Defy Federal Prohibition

PHOENIX, Ariz. (May 2, 2017) – Yesterday, a final Arizona House committee passed a bill to legalize the production and processing of industrial hemp for commercial purposes, rejecting the unconstitutional federal prohibition of the same. Sen. Sonny Borrelli (R-Lake Havasu City) introduced Senate Bill1337 (SB1337) on Jan. 31. Under the proposed law, industrial hemp would be…

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Texas Committee Passes Bill to Facilitate Operation of Bullion Depository

AUSTIN, Texas (May 1, 2017) – A Texas House committee has passed a bill that will facilitate the establishment and operation of the Texas Bullion Depository. Passage of the bill would take another step toward getting the depository fully operational, and facilitating the everyday use of gold and silver in financial transactions in the Lone…

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Colorado Committee Passes Bill to Close Federal Asset Forfeiture Loophole in Most Situations

DENVER Colo. (May 1, 2017) – Last week, a Colorado House committee passed a bill that would take a big step toward closing a federal asset forfeiture loophole. A bipartisan coalition of two representatives and two senators introduced House Bill 1313 (HB1313) on April 3. The legislation primarily creates an extensive reporting system related to…

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New York Committees Pass Bill to Expand Medical Marijuana Program, Further Nullify Federal Prohibition

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 30, 2017) – Last Tuesday, two New York Assembly committees passed a bill that would expand the state’s medical marijuana program. Passage of this measure would further nullify the federal prohibition on cannabis in practice. Assm. Richard Gottfried (D-NYC) introduced Assembly Bill 4277 (A4277), along with 31 cosponsors. If passed, New York would…

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