For years, legislators have been complacent in their proposals’ disproportionate impacts on minority groups. Here’s some bills fixing that!
Arizona
- SCR1044
- Why we’re watching: This legislation would repeal a state law that forces Dreamers who graduate from Arizona high schools to pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Such reform would positively impact the lives of nearly 2,000 Arizona residents every year.
Colorado
- HB1117
- Why we’re watching: Redlining is the root of so many disproportionate impacts against people of color. The financial policy of limiting Black homeownership in some neighborhoods helped create our affordable housing crisis. This bill in Colorado will permit municipalities to require new developments have a minimum number of affordable rental units.
Illinois
- SB825
- Why we’re watching: Every year, we suggest making election day a federal holiday. Illinois must have been listening! An omnibus elections bill does exactly that for the general election in 2022. Hopefully, this measure will improve voter turnout by giving some Illinoisans the day off.
- SB2122
- Why we’re watching: Police malpractice has disproportionately affected marginalized groups for decades. Now, Illinois law enforcement is prohibited from lying to all youth during interrogations, a practice which can lead to false confessions and wrongful convictions.
Oregon
- HB2168
- Why we’re watching: June 19, or Juneteenth, is an especially important day in the Black community. In 1865, Union General Gordon Granger marched into Galveston, TX and announced the abolition of slavery. The holiday has been celebrated ever since as a second Independence Day of sorts, and now, Oregon will hopefully recognize it as a state holiday.
What do you think of the bills in this week’s legislative roundup? Did we miss anything? Drop us a line on any of our social channels or at [email protected] or you can contact us through our contact us form. Let us know what’s happening in YOUR neighborhood!
