Kathleen Gray Detroit Free Press Published 12:51 PM EST Feb 13, 2019 LANSING — Police and prosecutors would be prohibited from seizing cash and property from people accused of a crime until they are convicted on the charges under a bill passed in the state Senate on Wednesday. The bill — SB 2 — is a retread from the last legislative session when then-state Rep. Peter Lucido's similar bill passed the House but never got a vote in the Senate. Law enforcement objected to the bill during committee hearings last year. Now Lucido, R-Harrison Township, is a senator and his civil asset forfeiture bill was the first bill to be voted on in the Senate chamber. "We have rights in this society, the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty and the right to be safe with our property and not have people take it," Lucido said. “The current process has been abused for too long and hurt too many. It only makes sense that we make this change to … [Read more...] about Senate passes bill to ban asset forfeiture without conviction
Senate
Michigan Senate approves police forfeiture conviction reform
Jonathan Oosting The Detroit News Published 12:37 PM EST Feb 13, 2019 Lansing — The Michigan Senate on Wednesday approved a civil asset forfeiture reform plan that would require a conviction before police could permanently seize or sell confiscated property worth less than $50,000. The proposal sailed through the Senate in a 36-2 vote with bipartisan support and now heads to the House, which approved similar legislation last year and where leaders have indicated civil asset forfeiture reform will be a priority this term. “I don’t think anybody should lose their property until they’re actually convicted of something, and I think that’s the essence of this particular bill,” said Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake. “It’s something we’re pretty confident the governor is in support of, too, so let’s get a win across the goal line for everybody,” he said. “The House is interested in processing it, so … [Read more...] about Michigan Senate approves police forfeiture conviction reform
The View Tees Off on Senate Intel Finding No Collusion: What Do They Need, a ‘Hello Vladimir’ Phone Call?
The hosts of The View this morning discussed the Senate Intelligence Committee reportedly finding no direct evidence of Trump/Russia collusion. NBC News’ report on the finding said Democratic investigators “did not dispute” the characterization from Chairman Richard Burr, but “said they lacked context.” Joy Behar brought it up this morning as something President Donald Trump is getting a “glimmer of hope” from. She noted the hesitance from Ranking Member Mark Warner to fully agree with the conclusion before asking, “So if the Senate finds nothing wrong in terms of collusion with Russia, does that mean he’s not guilty?” “Not to me,” Sunny Hostin said. She brought up the guilty pleas, prison sentences, and criminal charges stemming from the Mueller probe, noting all the lies about contacts with Russia. Behar said their answer would be even if those people were doing bad things, “Trump knew nothing about … [Read more...] about The View Tees Off on Senate Intel Finding No Collusion: What Do They Need, a ‘Hello Vladimir’ Phone Call?
Wisconsin Senate to send middle class tax cut bill to Evers
Scott Bauer, Associated Press Updated 7:52 am PST, Wednesday, February 13, 2019 Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers voices opposition to a Republican-authored income tax cut bill, saying he favors his plan which would all-but eliminate a manufacturing tax credit, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Madison, Wis. less Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers voices opposition to a Republican-authored income tax cut bill, saying he favors his plan which would all-but eliminate a manufacturing tax credit, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Madison, ... more Photo: Scott Bauer, AP Photo: Scott Bauer, AP Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Image 1 of 3 Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers voices opposition to a Republican-authored income tax cut bill, saying he favors his plan which would all-but eliminate a manufacturing tax credit, … [Read more...] about Wisconsin Senate to send middle class tax cut bill to Evers
Sen. Markey Accuses Sen. McConnell Of Sabotaging Green New Deal…By Bringing it to Senate Floor
Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) accused Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) of trying to “sabotage” and “silence” voters by bringing the Green New Deal, which was also proposed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), to the Senate floor to vote on. “I’ve noted with great interest the Green New Deal. And we’re going to be voting on that in the Senate. Give everybody an opportunity to go on record and see how they feel about the Green New Deal,” McConnell told reporters on Tuesday. In response, Markey said it was just a tactic to “sabotage the movement we are building” on climate change: The rollout of this controversial resolution was made more confusing by a now deleted FAQ that included the following details: “Upgrade or replace every building in US for state-of-the-art energy efficiency.” “Totally overhaul transportation by massively expanding electric vehicle manufacturing, build charging … [Read more...] about Sen. Markey Accuses Sen. McConnell Of Sabotaging Green New Deal…By Bringing it to Senate Floor