MADISON, Wisc. (Dec. 6, 2017) – Last Thursday, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill into law legalizing hemp cultivation for research purposes only in compliance with federal law. The new law could lay a foundation to eventually expand the hemp market in the state, and with further action, could set the stage for nullification…
CONCORD, N.H. (Nov. 30, 2017) – A bill prefiled in the New Hampshire House would ban sobriety checkpoints in the state. The law would not only end constitutionally dubious “searches” in New Hampshire, it would also thwart federal programs that heavily influence state traffic laws. A coalition of five representatives prefiled House Bill 1283 (HB1283)…
LANSING, Mich. (Nov. 29, 2017) – Yesterday, I testified before the Michigan House Committee on Judiciary in support of a bill that would ban “material support or resources” for warrantless federal surveillance programs, an essential step for states to take in a time when the federal government seems unlikely to ever end their own spying. Rep.…
PROVIDENCE, N.H. (Nov. 21, 2017) – A bill pre-filed in the New Hampshire House would require courts to fully inform juries of their right to vote “not guilty” when “a guilty verdict will yield an unjust result.” A coalition of eight representatives pre-filed House Bill 1443 (HB1443) for the 2018 legislative session. The legislation would amend…
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Nov. 15, 2017) – Yesterday, a Florida House committee unanimously passed a bill that would help facilitate healthcare freedom outside of government regulatory schemes. Rep. Daniel Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) prefiled House Bill 37 (HB37) on Aug. 23. The legislation specifies that direct primary care agreements (sometimes called medical retainer agreements) do not constitute insurance, thereby freeing doctors…
AUGUSTA, Maine (Nov. 14, 2017) – Maine Gov. Paul LePage vetoed a bill that would have created a structure to license the commercial cultivation of sale and marijuana in the state, leaving the state’s voter-approved marijuana legalization efforts in limbo. Maine voters legalized marijuana in the state through a referendum in November 2016. The legislature…
CONCORD, N.H. (November 13, 2017) – A bill prefiled in the New Hampshire House would opt the state out of a federal program that facilitates the sale or transfer of certain military equipment from the federal government to state and local law enforcement. A coalition of eight legislators introduced HB1431 (HB1431) for the 2018 session,…
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 13, 2017) – A so-called “Constitutional Carry” bill prefiled in the Kentucky House of Representatives would make it legal for most Kentuckians to carry a firearm without a license, and foster an environment hostile to federal gun control. Rep. C. Wesley Morgan (R-Richmond) pre-filed BR172 in August. The legislation would allow persons…
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 10, 2017) – A bill prefiled in the Kentucky House would require police to get a warrant before engaging in drone surveillance in most situations. Passage of this legislation would not only establish important privacy protections at the state level, it would also help thwart the federal surveillance state. Rep. Diane St.…
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Oct. 25, 2017) – A bill prefiled in the Alabama House for the 2018 session would exempt the purchase of gold and silver bullion from state sales and use tax, encouraging its use and taking the first step toward breaking the Federal Reserve’s monopoly on money. Rep. Ronald Johnson (R-Sylacauga) prefiled House Bill 19 (HB19). The…