MADISON, Wisc. (Oct. 25, 2017) – Last week, a Wisconsin Senate committee unanimously approved a bill that would legalize commercial industrial hemp production in the state, setting the foundation to end federal prohibition in effect. A bipartisan coalition of 12 senators introduced Senate Bill 119 (SB119) in March. Under the proposed law, industrial hemp would be…
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Oct. 23, 2017) – A bill prefiled in the Alabama Senate would abolish marriage licenses in the state and effectively nullify in practice both major sides of the contentious national debate over government-sanctioned marriage. Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Bay Minette) prefiled Senate Bill 13 (SB13) in September. The legislation would abolish all requirements to…
BOSTON, Mass. (Oct. 21, 2017) – Last week, a Massachusetts joint legislative committee held a hearing on three bills that would take a first step toward limiting the impact of federal programs that militarize local police. Rep. Denise Provost (D-Middlesex) introduced House Bill 2503 (H.2503) earlier this year. Sen. Michael Barrett (D-Third Middlesex) sponsors a Senate version…
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Oct. 18, 2017) – On Sunday, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill into law that prohibits the state from cooperating with any federal efforts to create a database compiling personal information relating to a person’s religious beliefs, practices, or affiliations.The new law takes a step toward nullifying any attempts to create such…
Last week, California Gov. Jerry Brown put his signature on a bill to withdraw state resources from the enforcement of most federal immigration laws. While some people have argued this will open the door for immigrants to enter the U.S. through California and then spread into other states, the approach Texas took can minimize this…
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Oct. 12, 2017) – Yesterday, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf signed a bill into law that sets the foundation to nullify in practice some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules that deny access to experimental treatments by terminally ill patients. Rep. Robert Godshall (R-Hatfield) sponsored House Bill 45 (HB45), along with nearly 40 cosponsors. The…
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Oct 11, 2017) – Yesterday, a Florida Senate committee unanimously passed a bill that would help facilitate healthcare freedom outside of government regulatory schemes. Sen. Tom Lee (R-Brandon) prefiled Senate Bill 80 (SB80) on Aug. 9. The legislation specifies that direct primary care agreements (sometimes called medical retainer agreements) do not constitute insurance, thereby freeing…
SALEM, Ore. (Oct. 10, 2017) – Last Friday, an Oregon law went into effect that paves the way for the faster development of Oregon’s hemp market, and will further nullify federal prohibition in effect. Sen. Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day) introduced Senate Bill 1015 (SB1015) last March. The new law gives the Oregon Liquor Control Commission authority over…
HELENA, Mont. (Oct 5, 2017) – On Sunday, two Montana laws went into effect that work together to ban warrantless collection of cell phone data in most situations. These laws not only increase privacy protections in the state, they also hinder one practical impact of federal surveillance programs. Rep. Daniel Zolnikov sponsored both House Bill 147 (HB147)…
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Oct. 4, 2017) – On Monday, the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously passed a bill that 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. Spondored by Rep. Robert Godshall (R-Hatfield) and nearly 40 cosponsors, House Bill 45 (HB45)…