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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 24, 2023 01:01 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Donna Bullock and Rep. Steven R. Malagari, Rep. Kyle J. Mullins |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Prohibiting Biased-Based Profiling in Traffic Stops |
| In our country, the evidence is clear—there are racial disparities in traffic stops. Analysis proving this reality relies on demographic data collected by police officers.[1], [2] Concerningly, Pennsylvania is an outlier when it comes to such data collection. In 2021, more than 85% of Pennsylvania State Police stations failed to collect demographic data for all traffic stops. This makes it nearly impossible to detect bias in law enforcement practices.[3] The startling dearth of data is unacceptable. For this reason, we plan to introduce legislation to prohibit bias-based profiling by police officers and require that police officers collect data, including demographic data, for all self-initiated traffic stops. This data will then be publicly available online. As an enforcement mechanism, police departments that fail to collect data will have grant money withheld from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency until they comply with data collection requirements. Transparency and public accountability are vital in a democratic society such as ours. Both of which require accurate information. That is why we ask that you co-sponsor this legislation. Help to bring necessary oversight and transparency, ensuring the law is administered fairly and equitably in our state. |