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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Two States Consider Bills Taking a First Step Toward Nullifying EPA Regulations

At least two states will consider bills in the upcoming legislative session that would take a small, but important, first step in setting the stage to nullify federal EPA rules and regulations. Legislation in both Virginia and Florida would essentially insert another layer into the state process involved in adopting plans to address EPA emission…

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New Hampshire Committee Approves Bill to Curb “Policing for Profit” via Asset Forfeiture, Federal Loophole Remains

CONCORD, NH (Nov. 17) – Last week, a New Hampshire House committee passed a bill to reform and restrict civil asset forfeiture. But remaining in the bill is a loophole that would allow law enforcement to work with the feds to skirt more stringent state laws. Introduced by Rep. Dan McGuire (R-Merrimack) along with ten bipartisan legislators, House Bill…

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New Hampshire House Committees Pass Bills Placing Limits on Drones

CONCORD, N.H. (Nov. 16, 2015) – Two bills that would restrict the use of drones by state and local law enforcement passed out of New Hampshire state House committees last week. The legislation would not only establish important privacy protections at the state level, they would also help thwart the federal surveillance state. Rep. Neil…

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Massachusetts Bill to Facilitate the Production and Distribution of Raw Milk Receives Committee Hearing

BOSTON (Nov. 11, 2015) – Last month, a Massachusetts committee held a hearing to consider a bill that would expand consumer access to raw milk in the state. Passage would also strengthen the foundation to nullify in practice federal goals to fully ban this natural dairy product nationwide. Introduced by Sen. Anne Gobi (D-Spencer), along…

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

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 6, 2015) – A bill up for consideration when the Oklahoma state legislature returns from recess in Feb. 2016 would reform asset forfeiture laws by prohibiting the state from taking property without a criminal conviction. But it leaves open a big loophole that would allow the practice to continue under federal forfeiture programs. Introduced by…

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Massachusetts Committee Considers Restrictions on Asset Forfeiture Program

BOSTON (Nov. 5, 2015) – A bill under consideration in the Massachusetts Senate would reform asset forfeiture laws to prohibit the state from taking property without a criminal conviction in most cases. Introduced in April by Sen. Salvatore DiDomenico (D-Middlesex) along with a bipartisan group of cosponsors, Senate Bill 797 (S797) was given a hearing in…

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Maryland Senate will Consider ‘Right to Try’ Bill to Nullify in Practice Some FDA Restrictions

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Nov. 4, 2015) – A Maryland bill scheduled for introduction in 2016 would set the foundation to nullify in practice some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules that deny access to experimental treatments by terminally ill patients. Sen. Bryan Simonaire (R-Pasadena) intends to file ‘Right to Try’ legislation for next year that would…

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Wyoming Legislature Seeks to Reform State Asset Forfeiture Laws, Need to Beware of Feds

Wyoming legislators will take another stab at reforming the state’s asset forfeiture procedures during the 2016 session. But they need to be aware of a loophole that allows law enforcement to use the feds to skirt more stringent state laws. Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead (R) vetoed SF0014 in 2015. The bill would have required a…

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Florida Bills Would Legalize Medical Marijuana for Terminal Patients, Defy Federal Ban

TALLAHASSEE, FL. (Oct 23, 2015) – Two bills recently filed in the Florida legislature would allow terminally ill patients access to medicinal marijuana, further nullifying in effect federal prohibition of cannabis. The legislation expands on a recently passed “right to try” law that effectively nullifies in practice some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules that…

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