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Bill

A 5334

Requires law enforcement agents and peace officers to record information pertaining to the race of persons they have meaningful interactions with in their memo books

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Harvey Epstein and 3 co-sponsors

Bill A 5334 mandates law enforcement to record the race of individuals during significant interactions, aiming to enhance transparency and address racial disparities in policing.

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5334

Summary of Bill A 5334

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 5334
  • Title: Requires law enforcement agents and peace officers to record information pertaining to the race of persons they have meaningful interactions with in their memo books
  • Status: Referred to Governmental Operations
  • Introduced: February 13, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 5334 aims to enhance transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices by mandating that law enforcement agents and peace officers document the race of individuals with whom they have significant interactions. The intent behind this legislation is to gather data that can be used to analyze and address potential racial disparities in policing.

Key Provisions

  • Recording Requirements:

    • Law enforcement agents and peace officers are required to record the race of individuals during meaningful interactions. This includes stops, arrests, and other significant encounters.

  • Memo Book Documentation:

    • The recorded information must be documented in the officers' memo books, which are official records of their daily activities.

  • Data Collection Purpose:

    • The data collected will be utilized for statistical analysis to inform policy decisions and improve community relations.

Affected Parties

  • Law Enforcement Agencies:

    • Police departments and law enforcement agencies will need to implement new procedures for recording and reporting this data.

  • Peace Officers:

    • Individual officers will be responsible for accurately documenting the race of individuals during their interactions.

  • Community Members:

    • The bill directly impacts individuals who interact with law enforcement, as their race will be recorded, potentially influencing how policing practices are evaluated and reformed.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status:

    • As of February 13, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Governmental Operations committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation:

    • This bill is part of a broader legislative effort, with several related bills from prior sessions (A 7743, A 5283, A 7173, A 5756, A 4841) that may address similar issues regarding law enforcement practices and accountability.

Conclusion

Bill A 5334 represents a significant step towards improving transparency in law enforcement by requiring the documentation of racial data during police interactions. By collecting this information, the bill aims to foster accountability and promote equitable policing practices. The ongoing legislative process will determine the bill's future and its potential impact on law enforcement and community relations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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