Legislation

Despite Affiliate testimony in opposition, the General Assembly approved a bill to severely limit the ability of certain inmates to accrue “good time” reductions of their sentences.

The Affiliate testified against a number of bills seeking to require the use of ignition interlock devices by any person convicted of DUIs, failure to submit to a chemical test, and other crimes – even if the driver was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of their infraction.

The ACLU testified before the House and Senate Judiciary committees in March in opposition to legislation which would remove the “sunset” provision on the primary seat belt law, rendering it permanent.

ACLU-drafted legislation removing the phrase “moral turpitude” from state licensing statutes was heard in March by the Senate Health and Human Services committee.

The legislature again considered bills to expand the scope of the state’s sex offender registration and notification laws.

In March, the Affiliate testified before the Senate Health and Human Services committee in opposition to legislation barring smoking in any motor vehicle carrying a child.

The Affiliate testified before the House Labor and Senate Judiciary committees in favor of returning legislation that would bar employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history before determining whether they were a qualified candidate for the position.

The General Assembly once again considered a tremendous number of bills requiring fingerprint-based background checks for a wide range of professions and volunteer opportunities, from school mentors to nursing home employees to fire department volunteers.

The General Assembly approved legislation amending the duties of the Drug Court magistrate, and altering which individuals are eligible for participation in the court.