Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires racial impact statements for certain bills.

Highlights:

• Requires a racial impact statement for any bill filed in the Senate or House of Representatives that will create the following outcomes (Sec. 1):
• A new offense;
• A change in an existing offense;
• A change in the penalty for an existing offense; or
• A change in the existing sentencing, parole or probation procedures.

• Requires the racial impact statement to include without limitation all of the following evaluation requirements (Sec. 1):
• The estimated number of criminal cases per year that the bill will affect;
• The impact of the bill on a minority; 
• The impact of the bill upon correctional facilities and services; and
• Other matters deemed relevant to the bill at issue.

• Requires the sponsor of a bill that has a racial impact statement indicating a disparate impact on a minority to proceed with 1 of the following actions (Sec. 1).
• Withdraw the bill;
• Amend the bill to lessen the impact on minorities and identify in writing the methodology used to lessen on the impact on minorities; or
• Identify in writing his or her reason for proceeding with the bill despite the disparate impact.

Full Bill Text