South Carolina House Passes Bill Taking on any new Federal Gun Control Measures

COLUMBIA, S.C. (March 3, 2016) – Today, the South Carolina House passed a bill banning the enforcement of any future federal gun control measures. Passage would render them “nearly impossible to enforce.” Rep. Mike Pitts introduced House Bill 4701 (H4701) on Jan. 19. Titled the Second Amendment Preservation Act, the bill garnered 31 cosponsors in the…

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Virginia Governor Misrepresents State Constitution to Veto Bill Setting Stage to Limit EPA

RICHMOND, Va. (Mar 3, 2016) – Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe (D) blatantly misrepresented the Virginia state constitution and vetoed a bill that would have taken a small, but important, first step in setting the foundation to reject federal some EPA rules and regulations in practice passed out of the state House yesterday. Senate Bill 21 (SB21) would…

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Arizona Committee Passes Bill to End State Participation in Refugee Resettlement Program

PHOENIX, Ariz. (March 3, 2016) – An Arizona bill that would prohibit state cooperation with some contentious federal refugee resettlement programs passed an important House committee this week. If ultimately passed into law, the legislation would take a significant step towards nullifying these programs in practice within the state. A coalition of seven Republican representatives in…

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Kansas Electronic Communications Privacy Act would help Thwart both State and Federal Surveillance Programs

TOPEKA, Kansas (March 3, 2016) – A Kansas electronic data protection bill would end state and local warrantless collection of cell phone data and ban the warrantless use “stingrays” to track the location of phones and sweep up electronic communications in most situations. Passage of the bill would not only protect privacy in Kansas, but…

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Rhode Island Bill Would Require Judicial Order for Stingray Use; Hinder Federal Surveillance Program

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Mar. 2, 2016) – A Rhode Island bill would require a judicial order for the use of “stingrays” to track the location of phones and sweep up electronic communications. Passage of the bill would not only protect privacy in the state, but would also hinder one aspect of the federal surveillance state. Rep.…

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Tennessee Republican Joins Dems to Kill Bill to Block International Gun Control

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 2, 2016) – A Republican joined with two Democrats to kill a bill that would have taken a first step toward withdrawing state resources and personnel from enforcing gun control based on international law or treaties. Passage of the bill would have set the stage to block such gun control in effect. Rep.…

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Rhode Island Bill would Legalize Marijuana for Recreational Use, Foundation to Nullify Federal Prohibition

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Mar. 2, 2016) – A bill introduced in the Rhode Island House would legalize marijuana for recreational use. Passage would not only legalize marijuana in the Ocean State, but would also take a big step toward nullifying federal cannabis prohibition in practice in the state. Rep. Scott Slater (D-10) introduced House Bill 7752…

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