CHARLESTON, W. Va. (April 27, 2017) – On Tuesday, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice signed a bill into law significantly expanding the state’s hemp licensing program, opening the door for anybody in the state to produce or process industrial hemp for commercial purposes. The new law sets the foundation to end federal prohibition of hemp in…
LANSING, Mich. (Apr. 26, 2017) – Yesterday, a Michigan House committee unanimously passed a resolution that would put before voters a state constitutional amendment to protect electronic communications and data from the prying eyes of state and local law enforcement. The amendment would also effectively block a small but intrusive practical effect of federal spying…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 26, 2017) – A bill introduced in the Minnesota Senate would limit warrantless electronic data collection in the state. Final passage of the bill would not only protect privacy in Minnesota, but would also hinder at least two aspects of the federal surveillance state. Sen. Dave Dibble (D) Introduced Senate Bill…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (April 25, 2017) – Last Friday, Gov. Jim Justice (D-West Virginia) signed a bill to shut down the state-run Obamacare health insurance exchange. Once in effect this summer, the new law takes an important first step toward withdrawing the state from implementing the national healthcare program. Rep. Joe Ellington (R-Princeton) sponsored House Bill 2119 (HB2119),…
HELENA, Mont. (April 25, 2017) – Montana Gov. Steve Bullock vetoed a bill that would have helped facilitate healthcare freedom and set the stage to nullify national healthcare in practice in the state. Sen. Cary Smith (R-Billings) sponsored Senate Bill 100 (SB100). The legislation specified that direct primary care agreements (sometimes called medical retainer agreements)…
AUSTIN, Texas (April 25, 2017) – Yesterday, a bill that would effectively prohibit so-called “sanctuary cities” that refuse to help enforce some federal immigration laws passed the Texas House. Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) filed Senate Bill 4 (SB4) along with 19 cosponsors. The legislation would ban localities from adopting policies that prohibit or restrict local agents…
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (April 25, 2017) – Yesterday, a Missouri Senate committee passed a bill that would remove industrial hemp from the state’s list of controlled substances, and create a program for the licensing and regulation commercial hemp production. Passage into law would set the foundation to nullify the unconstitutional federal prohibition on the same, in…
CONCORD, N.H. (Apr. 25, 2017) – Last week, the New Hampshire Senate gave final approval to a bill to expand the state’s medical marijuana program. If signed by the governor, this measure would further nullify the federal prohibition on cannabis in practice. Rep. Eric Schleien (R-Hillsborough) sponsored House Bill 157 (HB157). The legislation would expand…
AUSTIN, Texas (April 25, 2017) – Last week, a Texas House committee passed a proposed state constitutional amendment that would authorize the legislature to exempt precious metals held in the Texas Gold Depository from ad valorem taxation. Passage of the amendment would take another step toward the everyday use of gold and silver in financial…
MADISON, Wisc. (April 20, 2017) – A so-called “Constitutional Carry” bill filed in the Wisconsin House would make it legal for most Wisconsinians to carry a firearm without a license, and foster an environment hostile to federal gun control. A coalition of 51 representatives and senators introduced Assembly Bill 247 (AB247) on April 14. The…