To the Governor: Wyoming Passes Bill to Exempt Cryptocurrency from Property Taxes; Encourage Use and Help Undermine Federal Reserve Monopoly on Money

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (March 7, 2018) – Today, the Wyoming House unanimously passed a bill to exempt cryptocurrency from property taxes. The proposed law would expand the of use digital currency and help undermine the Federal Reserve’s monopoly on money. A bipartisan coalition of six senators and representatives introduced Senate Bill 111 (SF111) on Feb. 14. The legislation…

Continue ReadingTo the Governor: Wyoming Passes Bill to Exempt Cryptocurrency from Property Taxes; Encourage Use and Help Undermine Federal Reserve Monopoly on Money

Hawaii Senate Passes Bill to End State Support for Some Federal Immigration Enforcement

HONOLULU, Hawaii – (March 6, 2018) – Today, the Hawaii Senate passed a bill to end state cooperation with enforcement of some federal immigration laws. A coalition of three Democrats introduced Senate Bill 2290 (SB2290) in January. The legislation is similar to the TRUST Act passed in California and Connecticut in 2013. The legislation would…

Continue ReadingHawaii Senate Passes Bill to End State Support for Some Federal Immigration Enforcement

To the Governor: Utah Passes Bill to Expand Raw Milk Sales, an Important Step to Nullify Federal Prohibition Scheme

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Mar. 6, 2018) – Today, the Utah House gave final approval to a bill that expands raw milk sales in the state. Final passage into law would take an important step toward rejecting a federal prohibition scheme in effect. Sen. David Hinkins (R-27) and Rep. Marc Roberts (R-67) introduced Senate Bill 108…

Continue ReadingTo the Governor: Utah Passes Bill to Expand Raw Milk Sales, an Important Step to Nullify Federal Prohibition Scheme

California Bill Would Help Expand Hemp Market, Further Nullify Federal Prohibition in Practice

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 6, 2018) – A bill introduced in the California Senate would loosen some regulations on hemp seed and cultivation. Passage of this bill would pave the way for faster development of the state’s hemp market, and further nullify federal prohibition in practice and effect. Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita), along with a bipartisan coalition…

Continue ReadingCalifornia Bill Would Help Expand Hemp Market, Further Nullify Federal Prohibition in Practice

Louisiana Bills Would Legalize Limited Raw Milk Sales; First Step to Nullify Federal Prohibition Scheme

BATON ROUGE, La. (March 6, 2018) – Bills prefiled in the Louisiana House and Senate would legalize limited raw milk sales in the state, taking an important step toward effectively nullifying a federal prohibition scheme in effect. Sen. Eric LaFleur (D-Ville Platte) prefiled Senate Bill 188 (SB188) on Feb. 28. Rep. Malinda White (D – Bogalusa) introduced…

Continue ReadingLouisiana Bills Would Legalize Limited Raw Milk Sales; First Step to Nullify Federal Prohibition Scheme

Missouri Bill Would Limit ALPR Data, First Step to Block National License Plate Tracking Program

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (March 5, 2018) –  A bill introduced in the Missouri Senate would limit the storage and sharing of information collected using Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) in the state. Passage into law would also place significant roadblocks in the way of a federal program using states to help track the location of millions…

Continue ReadingMissouri Bill Would Limit ALPR Data, First Step to Block National License Plate Tracking Program

Permission Not Required: Constitutional Carry Bill up for Consideration in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. (March 5, 2018) –  A so-called  “Constitutional Carry” bill prefiled in the Louisiana House would make it legal for state residents 21 and over to carry a firearm without a license. Passage of the bill would also foster an environment hostile to federal gun control. Rep. Barry Ivey (R-Baton Rouge) prefiled House Bill 412…

Continue ReadingPermission Not Required: Constitutional Carry Bill up for Consideration in Louisiana

Minnesota Bill Would Expand Health Freedom

ST. PAUL, Minn. (March 4, 2018) – A bill introduced in the Minnesota Senate would help facilitate healthcare freedom outside of government regulatory schemes. A coalition of four Republican senators introduced Senate Bill 2723 (SF2723) on Feb. 26. The legislation specifies that direct primary care agreements (sometimes called medical retainer agreements) do not constitute insurance, thereby freeing…

Continue ReadingMinnesota Bill Would Expand Health Freedom

To the Governor: Michigan Passes Bill to Ban “Material Support or Resources” for Warrantless Federal Surveillance

LANSING, Mich. (March 2, 2018) – Yesterday, the Michigan House gave final approval to a bill that would ban “material support or resources” for warrantless federal surveillance programs. This represents an essential step states need to take at a time when the federal government seems unlikely to ever end unconstitutional spying on its own. Rep. Martin Howrylak…

Continue ReadingTo the Governor: Michigan Passes Bill to Ban “Material Support or Resources” for Warrantless Federal Surveillance

Rhode Island Bill Would Require Judicial Order for Stingray Spying, Hinder Federal Surveillance

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 1, 2018) – A bill introduced in the Rhode Island House would require a judicial order for the use of “stingrays” to track the location of phones and sweep up electronic communications. Passage of the bill would not only protect privacy in the state, but would also hinder one aspect of the federal…

Continue ReadingRhode Island Bill Would Require Judicial Order for Stingray Spying, Hinder Federal Surveillance