Now in Effect: Arizona Law Takes Another Step to Support Sound Money

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Aug. 3, 2018) – Today, an Arizona law goes into effect taking another step toward establishing gold and silver as money. The new law supplements Federal Reserve notes with honest money that has stable, constitutionally protected value. Rep. Mark Finchem (R-Tucson) sponsored House Bill 2013 (HB2013). The new law recognizes silver and gold as liquid…

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Now in Effect: Louisiana Laws Expand Medical Marijuana Program Despite Federal Prohibition

BATON ROUGE, La. (Aug. 1, 2018) – Today, two laws that expand the state’s medical marijuana program and further nullify federal cannabis prohibition in the Pelican State went into effect. Rep. Ted James (D-Baton Rouge) sponsored House Bill 579 (HB579). The new law expands access to medical marijuana to individuals suffering from glaucoma, severe muscle…

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Now In Effect: Nebraska Right to Try Act Rejects Some FDA Restrictions on Terminal Patients

LINCOLN, Neb. (July 19, 2018) – Today, a Nebraska law went into effect that allows terminally ill patients to bypass some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules that deny access to experimental treatments. Sen. Bob Hilkemann (R-Omaha) introduced Legislature Bill 117 (LB117) last year and it carried over into the 2018 session. The new law…

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New Nebraska Law Limits ALPR Data, Helps Block National License Plate Tracking Program

LINCOLN, Neb. (July 18, 2018) – Tomorrow, a Nebraska law goes into effect that puts limitations on the storage and sharing of information collected by Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) by law enforcement in the state. The new law also places significant roadblocks in the way of a federal program using states to help track…

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Signed By the Governor: Alaska Right to Try Act Rejects Some FDA Restrictions on Terminal Patients

JUNEAU, Alaska (July 16, 2018) – On Friday, Alaska Gov. Bill Walker signed a bill into law that allows terminally ill patients to bypass some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules that deny access to experimental treatments. Rep. Jason Grenn (I-Anchorage) introduced House Bill 43 (HB43) last year. The law gives terminally ill patients access…

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Now in Effect: Kentucky Law Puts Limits on Drone Spying, Will Help Thwart Federal Surveillance Program

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 16, 2018) – On Saturday, a Kentucky law went into effect requiring police to get a warrant before engaging in drone surveillance in most situations. The new law not only establishes important privacy protections at the state level, it will also help thwart the federal surveillance state. Rep. Diane St. Onge (R-Lakeside…

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Now in Effect: North Carolina Law Takes First Step to Legalize Raw Milk

RALEIGH, N.C. (July 5, 2018) – Last week, the North Carolina legislature overrode Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of a farm bill that includes provisions legalizing limited raw milk for human consumption in the state. This takes a first step towards nullifying a federal prohibition scheme in practice. I bipartisan coalition of three sponsors and three cosponsors introduced…

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California Committee Passes Bill to Create Banking Alternative for Cannabis Industry, Bypass Federal Reserve

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 6, 2018) – Last week, a California Assembly committee passed a bill that would establish limited state-chartered banks to serve the cannabis industry. Final passage of this legislation would remove a major federal roadblock in front of the developing marijuana industry in the state and further nullify federal prohibition of cannabis. Sen.…

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To the Governor: Delaware Bill Would Allow People to Expunge Some Marijuana Charges

DOVER, Del. (July 5, 2018) – Last week, the Delaware House unanimously gave final approval to a bill that would create a process to expunge the sentences of people charged under the state’s marijuana laws prior to decriminalization. Passage into law would take another step toward nullifying federal marijuana prohibition in effect in Delaware. Sen.…

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New Jersey Senate Passes Bill to Require Asset Forfeiture Reporting; Federal Equitable Sharing Included

TRENTON, N.J. (July 5, 2018) – Last week, the New Jersey Senate unanimously passed a bill that would impose strict reporting requirements for all asset forfeitures in the state. This legislation would take a first step that could lead to substantive reforms, including closing a federal loophole that allows police to bypass strict state asset forfeiture laws.  Sen.…

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