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Six from SiX is your monthly dose of state news that otherwise didn't make it to your inbox.
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At a Precipice of Transformation
Despite their different schedules, rules, and political dynamics, many states will see similar legislation this year. As states begin their 2021 legislative sessions, here are some trends we can anticipate throughout the country. Progressive state legislators will have to be diligent, but as one of SiX’s co-Executive Directors, Jessie Ulibarri, said: “We remain hopeful because we’re at a precipice of transformation in this country, where we see the federal government talking about the kinds of things that states have enacted or have been fighting for for many years.”
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Illinois Legislature Votes to End Cash Bail
Earlier this month, Illinois lawmakers voted to abolish the use of cash bail in the criminal justice system in a sweeping reform package. The legislation, championed by the Black Caucus, also requires all police officers to wear body cameras, prevents the destruction of law enforcement misconduct records, allows the attorney general to investigate deaths in police custody, requires officers to create a plan to keep children safe during search warrant raids, modifies crowd control response, and more. Illinois’ House leadership team also got a refresh earlier this month, as Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch, Illinois’ first Black speaker of the House, was elected to replace former Speaker Michael Madigan, who had served as speaker for nearly 40 years.
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Fighting for Trans Rights in 2021
Conservative lawmakers across the country have proposed a multitude of anti-LGBTQ bills in the first few weeks of 2021—many of which specifically aim to limit the rights of trans youth. Progressive state lawmakers largely succeeded in beating back such civil rights violations last year, and they’ll have to stay vigilant again as states controlled by conservatives have already begun to push these bills in at least 14 states (see resources to help here). Legislators in Montana defeated a bill that would have penalized doctors for providing gender-affirming care to trans youth, but have yet to defeat a bill that would restrict trans youth participation in sports.
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Staying Safe at the Capitol
The same white supremacist mob that attacked the US Capitol has threatened, and continues to threaten, state capitols—violent insurrectionists made explicit threats to legislators and statehouse buildings in particular. While state legislators, staff, and capitol security were able to prepare for those specific threats of violence, we know white supremacy and the violence it threatens did not disappear with a new presidential administration. SiX provided a digital security webinar and a list of resources to legislators in light of these recent attacks. Please email us if you are a state legislator or staff member and would like to receive these resources.
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Protecting Meatpacking Workers
Meatpacking workers have been on the frontlines of the pandemic—as essential workers and at great risk for contracting and spreading COVID. Minnesota Rep. Dan Wolgamott proposed a bill to implement stronger safety protections. The bill would give workers the right to refuse work if they feel unsafe, require employers to administer paid sick leave, and urge meat processing plants to help prevent the spread of COVID by following safety guidelines and providing workers with PPEs. Learn more about how legislators can protect workers’ rights.
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A Warning on the Gig Workers Legislation Coming to Your State
Proposition 22, a California ballot initiative that passed in November, is now being pushed in other states. Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and other gig companies spent over $200 million to deprive their workers of important employment rights in exchange for a paltry package of benefits. Legislators should be prepared to counter an aggressive and well-funded campaign.
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Justice for Black Farmers
Due, in part, to racist and discriminatory policies at USDA, Black farmers have lost their farms, their land, and intergenerational wealth and been systematically discriminated against. On the federal level, U.S. Senator Cory Booker has filed the Justice for Black Farmers Act. South Carolina Rep. JA Moore has filed his state’s version, which would invest in Black-owned farms and Black South Carolinians interested in farming. Several states are working on similar measures.
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A Push to Restore Felon Voting Rights
In a move that could restore voting rights for 26,000 Washingtonians, Washington state is poised to pass legislation that would allow individuals to register to vote as soon as they are no longer incarcerated. The measure is sponsored by WA Rep. Tarra Simmons who is believed to be the first former felon to have been elected to the state’s legislature. Georgia is considering a similar measure.
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How the White Supremacy of the Anti-Abortion Movement Fueled the Capitol Insurrection
“Abortion advocates understand the violent connection between the attacks at the U.S. Capitol and the attacks we witness daily at clinics across this country,” said Jennifer Driver, SiX reproductive rights senior director. “These attacks are rooted in white supremacist ideology driven by the desire for power and control.” See more at sixrepro.org.
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