As some states’ legislative sessions come to a close, the fight for social justice lives on. Here is this week’s legislative roundup highlighting bills from around the country!
Colorado
- SB21-62
- Why we’re watching: For years, sheriffs in Colorado have complained about overcrowding in jails. This bill calls for police-issued tickets rather than incarceration for some crime in a bid to solve the aforementioned problem and reverse the disproportionate punishment of minorities.
- SB21-169
- Why we’re watching: Insurance companies can subtly perpetuate discrimination. This proposal, which passed committee this week, would prevent insurers from using some types of data in practice to prevent de facto or de jure
Connecticut
- SB6611
- Why we’re watching: To create affordable housing, the zoning domino must fall. For decades now, white America has unfairly resisted affordable housing projects. A proposal in Connecticut seeks to reverse that harmful legacy, despite a legislative setback in committee.
Illinois
- HB0088
- Why we’re watching: As Illinois works through its recent legalization of marijuana, State Rep. Mary Flowers proposed that drug felony convicts should still be able to access cash welfare assistance, which they were previously barred from. This marks one in a series of proposals that urge statehouses to catch up on more progressive drug policies.
Texas
- SB7
- Why we’re watching: We usually don’t cover Texas, but we couldn’t let this one slide. The state just passed a restrictive voting rights bill like those we’ve seen pop up across the country in response to widespread voter turnout in 2020. The proposal would ban extended voting hours and further limit polling places in majority-minority precincts.
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!
