On Monday, the 4th Amendment Protection Act; SB1156, passed though a Arizona state senate Government and Environment committee. The Arizona Legislature may be the first legislative body in the country to pass a bill designed to thwart surveillance programs from the National Security Agency (NSA), according to the Tenth Amendment Center.
The bill was introduced by Sen. Kelli Ward and had 14 other sponsors and co-sponsors.
“After a lengthy debate with significant opposition from state agencies, SB1156 was passed by the committee with a vote of 4-2. One member was absent, not voting,” reported the Tenth Amendment Center.
Ward described the bill as a strong push back against NSA spying.
According to the Tenth Amendment Center, SB1156 is based on model legislation drafted by the OffNow Coalition. The Act would prohibit the state from engaging in activities which help the NSA carry out their warrantless data-collection programs.