Connecticut House Bill HB07258

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/9/17
• Refer: 3/9/17
• Report Pass: 4/4/17
• Refer: 4/13/17
• Report Pass: 4/20/17

Caption

An Act Concerning The Alvin W. Penn Racial Profiling Prohibition Act.

Impact

The bill is set to amend several sections of the general statutes to enhance civil rights protections and prevent law enforcement discrimination. By establishing clear definitions and standards, it hopes to foster an environment where individuals can report incidents of racial profiling more effectively. The measure aims to improve community relations with law enforcement by prioritizing a policy against discriminatory practices, ensuring that policing in the state reflects fairness and equity for all residents.

Summary

House Bill 07258, known as the Alvin W. Penn Racial Profiling Prohibition Act, aims to combat the practice of racial profiling by law enforcement in the state. The bill defines racial profiling as the disparate treatment of individuals based solely on their racial or ethnic status and prohibits state and municipal police departments from engaging in such practices. It mandates that police departments adopt a written policy against racial profiling and requires the collection and reporting of data related to traffic stops and encounters with individuals to ensure accountability and transparency in policing.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 07258 appears to be largely positive among civil rights advocates and community organizations, who view the bill as a critical step toward addressing long-standing issues of racial discrimination in policing. However, there may be some concerns regarding the implementation and efficacy of such measures, with calls for adequate training and resources to ensure that law enforcement agencies can comply with the new requirements. Supporters emphasize the importance of holding law enforcement accountable, while opponents may question the practicality of reporting and compliance mechanisms.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding the bill included discussions about the potential impact on law enforcement operations and community safety. Some critics expressed fears that the bill might limit police effectiveness by imposing excessive administrative burdens, hampering their ability to perform their duties. There were calls for a balance between necessary oversight and effective policing, highlighting ongoing debates about the role and accountability of law enforcement within the community.