Killer Robot Plan Killed. For Now.

After initially approving a new plan to allow police robots to be armed with lethal force, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors faced such a severe public backlash that they actually reversed course and banned the practice, at least for now. But the plan only came to light due to a 10th Amendment law passed in 2021 addressing the unconstitutional federal militarization of local police.

The post Killer Robot Plan Killed. For Now. first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.

Continue ReadingKiller Robot Plan Killed. For Now.

Top-4 Ways the Feds Nationalize and Militarize Local Police

While federal agencies have increasingly become a de facto standing army, a number of federal programs have been doing the same with local police for decades.

The post Top-4 Ways the Feds Nationalize and Militarize Local Police first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.

Continue ReadingTop-4 Ways the Feds Nationalize and Militarize Local Police

To the Governor: California Bill Sets Foundation to Block Federal Militarization of Police

Under the proposed law, police departments would be required to develop a detailed military equipment use policy and present it in an open meeting before obtaining military equipment. After the public meeting, the local governing body would either approve or deny the acquisition. Law enforcement agencies would also be required to get local government approval prior to May 1, 2022, in order to continue using military equipment already in the department’s possession.

The post To the Governor: California Bill Sets Foundation to Block Federal Militarization of Police first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.

Continue ReadingTo the Governor: California Bill Sets Foundation to Block Federal Militarization of Police

California Committee Passes Bill Ending Unrestricted Federal Militarization of Local Police

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 24, 2018) – Yesterday, a final California Assembly committee passed a bill that would require law enforcement agencies in the state to get local governmental approval before acquiring or using military equipment. Passage of the bill into law would set the stage to limit federal programs that militarize local police. Asm. Todd Gloria…

Continue ReadingCalifornia Committee Passes Bill Ending Unrestricted Federal Militarization of Local Police

Arizona Bill Takes on Federal Militarization of Police and the Surveillance State

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Jan. 31, 2018) – A bill introduced in the Arizona Senate would require law enforcement agencies to get local government approval before acquiring or using military equipment or surveillance technology. Passage of the legislation would set the stage to limit the surveillance state, along with the impact of federal programs that militarize local…

Continue ReadingArizona Bill Takes on Federal Militarization of Police and the Surveillance State

Maryland Bill Would Take Steps Toward Rejecting Federal Militarization of Local Police

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Jan. 26, 2018) – A bill introduced in the Maryland House would significantly limit the impact of federal programs that militarize local police. Del. David Moon (D-Montgomery Co.), along with six Democrat cosponsors, introduced House Bill 240 (HB240). The legislation would prohibit police from procuring any of the following equipment from a federal military surplus program.…

Continue ReadingMaryland Bill Would Take Steps Toward Rejecting Federal Militarization of Local Police

Illinois Bill Would Take Steps Toward Rejecting Federal Militarization of Local Police

SPRINGFIELD, Ill (Jan. 23, 2017) – A bill introduced in the Illinois House would significantly limit the impact of federal programs that militarize local police. Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) introduced House Bill 4286 (HB4286) on Jan. 19. The legislation would prohibit police from procuring any of the following equipment from a federal military surplus program. (1)…

Continue ReadingIllinois Bill Would Take Steps Toward Rejecting Federal Militarization of Local Police