As state legislative sessions wind down, efforts to fight inequality persist. Keep scrolling to check out the bills that caught our eye!
Arizona
- SCR1044
- Why we’re watching: Amid the prolonged drama over the 2020 general election vote in Arizona, some real progress is happening. This proposal would permit equal access to in-state tuition rates for Arizona high school graduates, regardless of immigration status, fighting inequality inherent in higher education for non-citizens in the state.
- HB2893
- Why we’re watching: Sometimes legislation is a mixed bag. This bill would equip all Arizona state troopers with body cams and make it harder for citizens to access that footage. Such a caveat is at odds with public records law and fundamentally undercuts the effectiveness of police accountability measures.
Colorado
- HB1521
- Why we’re watching: In 2019, Aurora police officers murdered Elijah McClain during an unnecessary and extralegal encounter. Officers injected McClain with excessive amounts of ketamine to subdue him, leading to his eventual death. This legislation seeks to ban that practice in the state of Colorado.
Illinois
- Chicago Police Reform Plan
- Why we’re watching: Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot unveiled her police reform plan on the first anniversary of George Floyd’s death, seeking to employ citizen oversight groups to fight inequality. Chicago is no stranger to police brutality, so this plan comes just in time. But many activists, are criticizing the proposal as watered down and ineffective.
- HB2381
- Why we’re watching: Air quality is worse in urban, majority-minority areas than in whiter, suburban neighborhoods. To address this disparity, Gov. Pritzker is backing legislation establishing environmental justice areas and increases industry oversight and regulation for polluters.
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!
