Legislation

The Affiliate testified in opposition to legislation amending current law allowing the use of cameras on school buses to catch drivers who unlawfully pass them.

The ACLU, community organizations, and individuals who have experienced racial profiling testified before the House and Senate judiciary committees in favor of the Comprehensive Racial Profiling Prevention Act.

For many years, the ACLU and community groups have testified against passage of a primary seat belt bill unless legislation to reduce racial profiling is also enacted.

The General Assembly considered a spate of bills this session authorizing both statewide and fingerprint-based national criminal background checks on employees in a wide variety of circumstances.

In March the ACLU testified before the House labor committee in support of a bill that would bar employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history before determining whether or not they are a qualified candidate for the job.

In one of the most disturbing civil liberties setbacks in years, the Governor signed into law a bill requiring voters to present photo identification before casting a ballot at the polls.

House and Senate committees heard testimony, but took no action, on several marijuana-focused bills this year.

The Affiliate testified in opposition to legislation permitting the National Guard to receive a portion of the funds garnered from money and items confiscated during counterdrug operations.

The ACLU, joined by the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Association, testified against legislation that would have expanded the reach and use of drug courts in the state.