California Right to Try Act Passed, Rejects FDA Restrictions on Terminal Patients

On Wednesday, the California gave final approval to a bill that would effectively nullify in practice some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules that prevent terminally-ill patients from accessing experimental treatments. The vote was 76-2.

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California Assembly Committee Passes Bill to Curb ‘Policing for Profit’ via Asset Forfeiture

SACRAMENTO, Ca. (Aug. 27, 2015) – Today, a power California Assembly Committee passed a bill that not only bolsters restrictions on state officials from seizing property without due process, but throws a wrench into federal efforts to do the same. Previously passed by the Senate, it moves one step closer to the Governor’s desk. Introduced by Sen.…

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California Bill Taking on Federal Militarization of Police Clears Senate Committees

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 20, 2015) – A California bill that would create a mechanism to stop transfers of military equipment to state or local law enforcement agencies cleared its final committee hurdle last and will now move on to the Senate floor when it returns from a summer recess in August. Introduced by Asm. Nora Campos…

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Two California Bills Taking on Spying by “Stingrays” Pass out of Committee

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 17, 2015) – Two California bills that would work together to help end the warrantless use of “stingrays” passed unanimously out of important Assembly committees this week. Passage into law would not only help protect privacy in California, but would also hinder part of the federal surveillance state. Sen. Mark Leno (D)…

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Bill to Curb ‘Policing for Profit’ via Asset Forfeiture Approved by California Assembly Committee

SACRAMENTO, Ca. (July 15, 2015) – Yesterday, a California Assembly Committee unanimously passed a bill that not only bolsters restrictions on state officials from seizing property without due process, but throws a wrench into federal efforts to do the same. Previously passed by the Senate, it moves one step closer to the Governor’s desk. Introduced by…

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Last Minute Win: Oregon Senate Kills Bill That Would Have Shut Down Hemp Industry

SALEM, Ore. (July 10, 2015) – The Oregon Senate killed a bill that would have shut down the recently launched industrial hemp industry, ensuring that hemp farmers will be able to continue to growing their crops, further nullifying in practice the federal ban. The Senate voted 13-17 against HB2668. The legislation would have essentially halted…

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To the Governor’s Desk: Delaware Passes Common Core Opt Out Bill

DOVER, Del. (June 26, 2015) – Yesterday, the Delaware Senate gave final approval to what is being called the “Common Core opt-out bill,” sending the legislation to the Governor’s desk. Introduced by Rep. John Kowalko (D-Newark) in March along with eight bipartisan cosponsors, House Bill 50 (HB50) gives parents the right to opt their children…

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Two California Bills Taking on Spying by “Stingrays” Pass out of Committee

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 26, 2015) – Two California bills that would work together to end the warrantless use of “stingrays” passed unanimously out of an important Assembly committee on Tuesday. Passage into law would not only help protect privacy in California, but would also hinder part of the federal surveillance state. Sen. Mark Leno (D)…

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To the Governor’s Desk: North Carolina Right to Try Act would Protect Terminal Patients from some FDA Restrictions

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 24, 2015) – Yesterday, the North Carolina state Senate gave final approval to a bill that would effectively nullify in practice some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules that prevent terminally ill patients from accessing experimental treatments. The vote was 14-0. Introduced by State Reps. Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke), Mike Hager (R-Rutherford), Donny…

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To the Governor’s Desk: Oregon Senate Passes Bill to Curb Warrantless Collection of Cellphone Data

SALEM, Ore. (June 22, 2015) Last week, the Oregon state Senate gave final approval to a bill that would prohibit law enforcement from obtaining information from electronic devices without a warrant in most cases, sending it to the Governor’s desk. The proposed bill would not only protect privacy in Oregon, but would also address a…

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