End Unchecked Police Surveillance, Establish Local Control

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 3, 2018) – The Tenth Amendment Center has joined a diverse group of organizations supporting a California bill that would increase oversight and transparency of law enforcement surveillance technology. Passage of the bill would take the first step toward limiting the unchecked use of surveillance technologies that violate basic privacy rights and…

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Tenther Tuesday Episode 33: Taking on Big Brother Locally

In this episode, Mike Maharrey shares his recent experience in court and how local cops in his hometown are using these same talking points to hide surveillance programs. He and Michael Boldin also talk about some success at the state and local level to rein in Big Brother.

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City of Berkeley Passes Ordinance Taking on Surveillance State

BERKELEY, Calif. (April 18, 2018) – The city of Berkeley, Calif., has passed a local ordinance that sets the stage to limit the acquisition and use of spy gear by law enforcement and other city agencies. The Surveillance Technology Use and Community Safety Ordinance ensures there will be public notice and debate before the city acquires…

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Davis California Passes Ordinance Creating Oversight and Transparency for Surveillance Programs

DAVIS, Calif. (April 6, 2018) – Last month, the city of Davis, Calif., passed a local ordinance that sets the stage to limit the acquisition and use of spy gear by law enforcement and other city agencies. The law will also help limit the impact of the federal surveillance state. The Surveillance Technology Ordinance requires public…

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A Tribute to GiN Founder Shelli J. Dawdy

We could begin this eulogy with a recitation of the usual facts and statistics, but we won't. This is an unusual remembrance for an unusual lady: Shelli J. Dawdy. She admonished us to keep this short because, in her opinion, long obituaries grow boring. We have no doubt she would most like to be remembered […]

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Atlanta Decriminalizes Marijuana; Takes Step Toward Nullifying Federal Prohibition in Effect

ATLANTA, Ga. (Nov. 16, 2017) – Last month, the Atlanta City Council unanimously voted to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana within the city limits, a step toward effectively nullifying prohibition in practice. Councilman Kwanza Hall sponsored the ordinance. The legislation reduces the penalty for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana to a $75 fine. Instead…

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TAC Activist Pushes Back Against Local Government Bullying Tactics

For Immediate Release Oct. 24, 2017 LEXINGTON, Ky. — The American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky will represent Tenth Amendment Center national communications director Michael Maharrey in a lawsuit filed against him by the City of Lexington after he attempted to obtain documents relating to surveillance cameras owned and operated by the Lexington Police Department…

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Seattle Passes Ordinance Taking First Step Toward Limiting the Surveillance State

SEATTLE (Aug. 2, 2017) – On Monday, the Seattle City Council passed an ordinance taking the first step toward limiting the unchecked use of surveillance technologies that violate basic privacy rights and feed into the broader national surveillance state. Councilmember Lorena González sponsored CB 118930. Under the new law, city departments, including the Seattle P.D., must get council approval before…

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California Committee Advances Bill to End Unchecked Police Surveillance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 14, 2017) –  Earlier this week, a second California Assembly committee passed a bill that would require all law enforcement agencies in the state to get local government approval before acquiring or using surveillance technology. Passage of the bill would take the first step toward limiting the unchecked use of surveillance technologies…

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St. Louis Ordinance Would Take First Step Toward Limiting the Surveillance State

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (July 6, 2017) – Passage of a proposed St. Louis ordinance would take the first step toward limiting the unchecked use of surveillance technologies that violate basic privacy rights and feed into a broader national surveillance state. Alderman Terry Kennedy introduced Board Bill 66 last month. The proposed ordinance would require St.…

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