DENVER Colo. (May 3, 2017) – Today, the Colorado House overwhelmingly passed a bill that would take a big step toward closing a federal asset forfeiture loophole. A bipartisan coalition of two representatives and two senators introduced House Bill 1313 (HB1313) on April 3. The legislation primarily creates an extensive reporting system related to asset…
AUSTIN, Texas (May 3, 2017) – Last week, a Texas House committee passed a bill that would modestly reform the state’s asset forfeiture laws. However, it also closes a federal asset forfeiture loophole in most situations. Rep. Terry Canales (D-Edinburg) prefiled House Bill 344 (HB344) last fall. The legislation would make it more difficult for the…
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 2, 2017) – Last week, a California Senate committee passed a bill that would require all law enforcement agencies in the state to get local government approval before acquiring surveillance technology. Passage of the bill would take the first step toward limiting the unchecked use of surveillance technologies that violate basic privacy…
AUSTIN, Texas (May 3, 2017) – Last week, the Texas Senate passed a bill that would effectively end all state government cooperation with refugee resettlement. The move would significantly hinder refugee resettlement in the Lone Star State. Sen. Donald Huffines (R) and Sen. Bob Hall (R) prefiled Senate Bill 260 (SB260) last fall. The legislation…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 2, 2017) – Yesterday, the Tennessee House gave final approval to a bill that would decriminalize the manufacture and possession of firearm silencers in the state. If signed by Gov. Bill Haslam, the bill would help foster an environment hostile to federal gun control in Tennessee. Sen. Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) introduced Senate Bill…
PHOENIX, Ariz. (May 2, 2017) – Yesterday, a final Arizona House committee passed a bill to legalize the production and processing of industrial hemp for commercial purposes, rejecting the unconstitutional federal prohibition of the same. Sen. Sonny Borrelli (R-Lake Havasu City) introduced Senate Bill1337 (SB1337) on Jan. 31. Under the proposed law, industrial hemp would be…
AUSTIN, Texas (May 1, 2017) – Last week, a Texas House committee unanimously passed a bit that would expand the Texas “Right to Try” law, setting the foundation to nullify in practice some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules that deny access to experimental treatments by patients with severe chronic diseases. Rep. Tan Parker (R-Flower…
AUSTIN, Texas (May 1, 2017) – A Texas House committee has passed a bill that will facilitate the establishment and operation of the Texas Bullion Depository. Passage of the bill would take another step toward getting the depository fully operational, and facilitating the everyday use of gold and silver in financial transactions in the Lone…
DENVER Colo. (May 1, 2017) – Last week, a Colorado House committee passed a bill that would take a big step toward closing a federal asset forfeiture loophole. A bipartisan coalition of two representatives and two senators introduced House Bill 1313 (HB1313) on April 3. The legislation primarily creates an extensive reporting system related to…
ALBANY, N.Y. (April 30, 2017) – Last Tuesday, two New York Assembly committees passed a bill that would expand the state’s medical marijuana program. Passage of this measure would further nullify the federal prohibition on cannabis in practice. Assm. Richard Gottfried (D-NYC) introduced Assembly Bill 4277 (A4277), along with 31 cosponsors. If passed, New York would…