Legislature: other; racial impact statements for proposed legislation concerning criminal justice and certain related subjects; require. Amends sec. 502 of 1986 PA 268 (MCL 4.1502).
Impact
If enacted, HB5016 would significantly influence the legislative process in Michigan by enforcing the inclusion of racial impact assessments in the fiscal analysis. The intent is to make legislative proposals more equitable, particularly in areas where systematic issues have historically disadvantaged certain communities. This could lead to more informed decision-making by legislators and promote greater accountability regarding the effects that new laws may have on different demographic groups, especially in sensitive areas like criminal justice and employment.
Summary
House Bill 5016 aims to amend the Legislative Council Act by establishing requirements for fiscal analyses concerning the potential racial impact of proposed legislation in areas such as criminal justice and economic stability. The bill mandates that the Senate Fiscal Agency prepare a detailed analysis for each bill scheduled for hearing, which must address the changes to current laws, the fiscal implications, and any disparate impacts on racial or ethnic groups based on the latest federal census data. This framework is intended to ensure that the lawmakers consider the consequences of their proposed legislation more comprehensively.
Contention
The notable points of contention surrounding HB5016 include the potential for increased bureaucracy, with critics arguing that requiring detailed racial impact statements could slow down the legislative process. Supporters, however, argue that the benefits of understanding and addressing disparities outweigh the downsides of additional procedural requirements. There are also discussions regarding how accurately the Senate Fiscal Agency can assess the potential impacts and the sufficiency of the resources available for such detailed analysis.
Notable_points
The bill not only highlights the need for informed legislation but also evokes a broader conversation about racial equity in lawmaking. With states increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing systemic disparities, HB5016 aligns with national trends pushing for more transparent and equitable legislative practices.
Concerning The Development And Presentation Of Fiscal Impact Statements Concerning The Fiscal Impact Of Statewide Initiative And Referendum Measures And Legislatively Referred Constitutional Amendments.