This week, we saw several stories and bills cleaning up – or exacerbating – the mess that was 2020. Check them out!
Arizona
- HB 2319
- Why we’re watching: In the months following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020, the country made progress with state and local police reform laws. Now, unfortunately, Arizona is swinging the other way. This bill would make it illegal to videotape police activity without the officer’s permission, erasing our best means of police accountability.
- Election Laws
- Why we’re watching: The Arizona Legislature is considering several laws that will oppress the votes of Black and Brown voters, including some that would end mail-in elections, increase the threshold for an automatic recount, and require the release of all ballot images, permitting governments to check each one for “voter fraud.”
California
- Paid Sick Leave
- Why we’re watching: During the height of the pandemic, California instituted a paid sick leave benefit for workers afflicted with COVID-19. That benefit ended last September, but Gov. Gavin Newsom recently announced its reinstitution through the next nine months.
Colorado
- Protest Payout
- Why we’re watching: During the 2020 protests, police injured several protesters across the country with rubber bullets and other suppressive measures. In Denver, one of those protesters was Michael Acker, whose eye was struck by a baton round. Now, Denver is paying him $500,000 in a settlement. We hope other municipal government undertake similar reparative measures.
Connecticut
- Racial Equity and Justice Task Force
- Why we’re watching: In response to the police injustices of 2020, Fairfield created a group to study racial disparities in its community. Despite initial agreement, some members of the group are rescinding their vote, which would’ve resulted in a proclamation that Fairfield has systemic racism. They’re wrong, of course, as just about every community in the country boasts some level of racial disparity.
What do you think of the news in this week’s legislative roundup? Did we miss anything? Drop us a line on any of our social channels or hit us up through our contact us form. Let us know what’s happening in YOUR neighborhood!
