Today, the West Virginia House unanimously passed a bill that would significantly expand the state’s hemp licensing program, opening the door for anybody in the state to produce or process industrial hemp for commercial purposes. Final approval would set the foundation to end federal prohibition in practice. Del. Jeff Eldridge (D-Alum Creek) and Del. Jim Butler (R-Henderson) Read More…
Mike Maharrey
California Assembly Passes Bill To Curb “Policing For Profit” Via Asset Forfeiture; Close Federal Loophole
Today, August 15, 2016 the California Assembly voted 66-8 to pass a bill that not only bolsters restrictions on state officials from seizing property without due process, but throws a wrench into federal efforts to do the same. Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) introduced Senate Bill 443 (SB443) last year. The legislation sets additional restrictions on Read More…
Feds Suing To Access Utah Prescription Database; State Should Refuse To Comply
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency wants to access a Utah database of confidential prescription records. But the feds have a problem. The state requires a warrant before law enforcement agencies can access the Utah Controlled Substance Database. The DEA doesn’t have one. Not to be deterred, the drug police have sued the state in federal Read More…
Nebraska Law Ends “Policing For Profit” Via Asset Forfeiture
Today, civil asset forfeiture officially ends in Nebraska as reforms to asset forfeiture laws passed in the spring go into effect. Under the new law, the state can no longer take property without a criminal conviction. The legislation also takes on federal forfeiture programs by banning prosecutors from circumventing state laws by passing cases off Read More…
New Tennessee Law Sets Stage To Reject International Gun Control
Today, a new Tennessee law setting the foundation to stop enforcement of gun control imposed by international law or treaty goes into effect. House Bill 2389 (HB2389) was introduced by Rep. John Windle (D-Livingston) in January. It prohibits law enforcement officers from enforcing provisions of international law and treaties that limit gun rights as specified in Read More…