For the last week, our elected officials have been hard at work as sessions wrap up across the country. Some passed bills with social justice provisions – check them out!
California
- AB26
- Why we’re watching: If a town has 100 bad cops and one good cop, but the good cop doesn’t stand up to the others, the town has 101 bad cops. This legislation would require officers to intervene against their coworkers should they think the latter is using excessive force.
Connecticut
- SB888
- Why we’re watching: More and more Connecticuters approve of legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, per SB888. However, many state legislators are critical of the legislation’s social justice provisions. We cannot pass up such a great opportunity to effect real criminal justice reforms that helps reverse decades of overpolicing our neighborhoods.
Illinois
- HB1443
- Why we’re watching: When Illinois legalized marijuana, legislators created a lottery system to grant licenses to stores owned by marginalized individuals. Once the pandemic began, those social justice provisions were thrown out of the window. This bill reestablishes the importance of equity in cannabis licensing procedure, a necessary part of legalization.
Missouri
- SB53
- Why we’re watching: Our criminal justice system is deeply flawed and often reaches the wrong conclusions. This legislation would permit local prosecutors to seek justice following wrongful convictions. More importantly, the legislation would help death row inmates, who have been proven innocent, actually secure their freedom.
Oregon
- HB2358
- Why we’re watching: During the pandemic, farm laborers survived brutal conditions to do necessary work. Now, an Oregon proposal seeks to lower overtime requirements for these essential workers. A majority of this group comes from marginalized communities, making this reform an important development in social justice.
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!
