Virginia Bill Takes Unique First Step Toward Protecting the Second Amendment

RICHMOND, Va. (Dec. 2, 2015) – A bill prefiled in the Virginia House of Delegates takes an interesting first step toward protecting the right to keep and bear arms from federal infringement by defining it in statute as an individual right unconnected with the militia. Delegates Mark L. Cole and (R) Charles D. Poindexter (R)…

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Today We Celebrate the Power of “No!”

Today we celebrate the power of, “No!” On this date 60 years ago, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus. Her act of defiance – a simple No! – set a brush fire that ultimately consumed Jim Crow. When the white only seats in the front of the Cleveland Avenue bus…

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Virginia Bill Would Curb “Policing for Profit” via Asset Forfeiture, But Federal Loophole Remains

RICHMOND, Va. (Nov. 30, 2015) – A bill prefiled in the Virginia House for the 2016 legislative session would reform the state’s asset forfeiture laws, making it more difficult for police to seize property. But a loophole in the legislation would allow law enforcement to work with the feds to skirt the more stringent state laws. Del.…

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Federal Judge: Government “Special Needs” Trump Fourth Amendment

According to at least one federal judge, warrantless bulk collection of phone data belonging to you and every American fits nicely within the parameters of the Fourth Amendment. In other words, this federal government employee agrees with the federal government that it has the power and authority to collect your phone records, in mass, with…

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Michigan Bill Would Place Limits on Drones, Hinder Federal Surveillance Program

LANSING, Mich. (Nov. 24, 2015) – A bill under consideration in the Michigan House would restrict the use of drones by state and local law enforcement. The legislation would not only establish important privacy protections at the state level, it would also help thwart the federal surveillance state. Rep. Jim Runestad introduced House Bill 5026…

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Wisconsin Legislator Plans to Introduce Raw Milk Bill for 2016

MADISON, WI (Nov. 24, 2015) – A Wisconsin legislator is planning to introduce a bill for 2016 that would expand consumer access to raw milk in the state, and strengthen the foundation to nullify in practice federal goals to fully ban this natural dairy product nationwide. According to a Journal Sentinel report, Rep. David Murphy (R-Greenville)…

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New Hampshire Legislative Committee Considering Bill to Reject Federal Militarization of Police

CONCORD, N.H. (Nov. 23, 2015) – A New Hampshire legislative study committee continues to consider a proposal that would drastically limit the impact of federal programs militarizing local police. During the 2015 legislative session, Rep. J.R. Hoell introduced HB407. It would have prohibited state and local police departments from acquiring military vehicles or equipment not…

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Florida Bill Expanding Health Freedom and Setting Stage to Nullify Obamacare Clears Committee

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Nov. 20, 2015) – A Florida bill that would help facilitate healthcare freedom and set the stage to nullify Obamacare in practice overwhelmingly passed out of a House committee Thursday. Rep. Fred Costello introduced House Bill 37 (HB37) in August. The legislation specifies that direct primary care agreements (sometimes called medical retainer agreements)…

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Florida Bills Legalizing Medical Marijuana for Terminal Patients, Defying Federal Ban Pass Committees

TALLAHASSEE, FL. (Nov. 19, 2015) – Two bills that would allow terminally ill patients access to medicinal marijuana, further nullifying in effect federal prohibition of cannabis, passed unanimously out of committees Tuesday. The legislation expands on a recently passed “right to try” law that effectively nullifies in practice some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules…

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Part of the Problem: People Who Think Things Were OK Before President Obama

I often see Republicans and conservatives rightly bash Pres. Obama for many (but definitely not all) of his Constitutional violations. Obama is absolutely horrible on the Constitution. But many of these republicans and conservatives have given him the foundation for what he’s done. Huh? Well, anyone who thinks that things were “just fine” or even…

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