Louisiana House Bill HR24

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/8/10
• Refer: 4/12/10
• Refer: 5/13/10
• Refer: 5/17/10

Caption

Provides with respect to racial profiling

Impact

The implementation of HR24 would significantly impact state laws regarding how law enforcement agencies monitor and document interactions with the public during traffic stops. By mandating the collection of demographic data, the bill aims to promote transparency within law enforcement practices and facilitate efforts to mitigate racial profiling. The task force is expected to provide findings and recommendations to the House Committee on Judiciary by January 1, 2012, potentially leading to future legislative adjustments to address identified concerns.

Summary

House Resolution 24 (HR24) establishes a task force aimed at exploring the feasibility of requiring law enforcement agencies to collect and report data related to traffic stops. Specifically, the bill focuses on gathering information about the total number of traffic violations, the race of the individuals stopped, and the actions taken as a result of these stops. This initiative is driven by concerns about racial profiling in Louisiana, reflecting a broader commitment to ensure that the data collected by law enforcement is both accurate and effectively disseminated for public scrutiny and accountability.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HR24 appears to be supportive among various advocacy groups, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the NAACP, who have long addressed issues of racial profiling and the need for more equitable law enforcement practices. However, there may be concerns from some law enforcement agencies about how the additional data collection requirements could impact their operational procedures and resource allocation, indicating a mixed response within the law enforcement community.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HR24 align with broader debates over racial profiling and law enforcement accountability. While proponents assert that accurate data collection can reveal systemic biases and help in the formulation of strategies to address them, critics may voice apprehensions regarding the burdens placed on law enforcement agencies and the potential for misinterpretation of data. The outcome of the task force's recommendations will be pivotal in determining how these perspectives are reconciled in future legislative efforts.