Tennessee Law Effectively Nullifies Federal Protection of Destructive Vultures

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 21, 2015) – A new law now on the books in Tennessee effectively nullifies a federal ban on killing black vultures. Sen. Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains) and Rep. Kelly Keisling (R-Byrdstown) sponsored legislation that repealed a state law prohibiting the killing of these federally protected birds. Black vultures remain protected under federal…

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Local Cops Getting Spy Gear from Feds; States Can Stop It

Federal militarization of state and local police has gone beyond armored vehicles and combat grade weapons, and now encompasses the latest surveillance technology. Not only are state and local cops secretly obtaining high-tech spy gear, non-disclosure agreements signed by law enforcement agencies essentially give the FBI complete control over how your local cops gather evidence.…

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Florida Resolution would Set the Stage to Push Feds Out of State Education

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Dec. 21, 2015) – A proposed resolution introduced in the Florida legislature for the 2016 legislative session rejects federal involvement in the state’s educational system and would create a foundation for the general assembly to take further action in the future. Rep. Debbie Mayfield (R-Vero Beach) prefiled House Memorial 983 (HM983) on Dec.…

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Proposed Amendment to Missouri Constitution would Create Process to Nullify Federal Laws in Effect

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Dec. 20, 2015) – A proposed amendment to the Missouri state constitution would create a process for Missouri voters to nullify in effect any federal law or regulation. Rep. Jeff Pogue (R-143) prefiled House Joint Resolution 62 (HJR62) on Dec. 16. If the resolution passes by a majority in both houses of…

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South Carolina Action Alert: Ban Spying by Stingray, Support H4522

South Carolina H4522 would completely ban the use “stingrays” to track the location of phones and sweep up electronic communications. Passage of the bill would not only protect privacy in the Palmetto State, but would also hinder one aspect of the federal surveillance state. It must pass through the House Judiciary Committee before the bill…

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Two Arizona Bills Would Effectively Nullify Federal Prohibition on Marijuana

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Dec. 20, 2015) – Two bills prefiled in the Arizona legislature would effectively nullify federal marijuana prohibition in practice, one by fully legalizing marijuana for recreational usage and the other by decriminalizing the plant. House Bill 2006 (HB2006) and House Bill 2007 (HB2007) were prefiled by Rep. Mark Cardenas (D-Phoenix) this month for…

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Hypocrisy from the Right on Executive Orders?

Apparently, a lot of Republicans only hate executive orders when President Obama signs them. Last week, Donald Trump announced he would sign an executive order mandating the death penalty for “cop-killers.” “One of the first things I do, in terms of executive order if I win, will be to sign a strong, strong statement that…

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Utah Bill Would Curb “Policing for Profit” Via Asset Forfeiture, But Federal Loophole Remains

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Dec. 18, 2015) – A bill filed in the Utah House for the 2016 legislative session would reform the state’s asset forfeiture laws, making it more difficult for police to seize property. But a loophole in the legislation would allow law enforcement to work with the feds to skirt the more stringent state…

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Missouri Bill Would Ban Warrantless Use of Stingray Devices, Hinder Federal Surveillance Program

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Dec. 18, 2015) – A bill prefiled in the Missouri Senate would limit the warrantless 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 Show-Me, but would also hinder one aspect of the federal surveillance state.…

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