Legislation

ACLU-promoted legislation was reintroduced to restrict political surveillance and data collection by police.

For over thirty years, a federal statute has made it unlawful for any “federal, state or local government agency to deny to any individual any right, benefit, or privilege provided by law because of such individual’s refusal to disclose his or her social security number".

Legislation to stigmatize and humiliate the poor — by requiring welfare applicants to be drug-tested and fingerprinted — was the subject of recent hearings.

The ACLU testified against a bill greatly expanding the scope of criminal record checks performed on Department of Children, Youth and Families employees and volunteers.

Introduced for the past several years, the Affiliate will continue to push for strengthened racial profiling legislation.

The Senate heard testimony on a recurring piece of legislation that would allow police to pull cars over solely for seat belt violations.

Legislation was introduced to address regulations from the Board of Elections which unfairly limit the counting of provisional ballots and the rights of candidates to contest disputed ballots during recounts of close elections.

The Affiliate and other civil rights groups testified against legislation that would require voters to show identification at the polls.

Surveys indicate that 20% of teenagers have engaged in “sexting,” the practice of sending nude or semi-nude photos of oneself via cell phones or similar technology. The response: a bill from the Attorney General to drag these teens into Family Court and turn them into status offenders.