The Mood at the Capitol

The Last few weeks of this year's legislative session are upon us. The budget has entered what some would consider the final stages of completion. All of the budget bills, after having been amended by the Senate Appropriations Committee, are now being sent to conference committees. This process will likely take at least a day or two of next week while members of the Senate and the House will have to come to an agreement on what parts remain in the budget and what will be stripped out. Once the committees are done, both chambers will have to vote on them. This entire process must be completed no later than 6:00pm on this coming Friday per the constitution. The clock is now running out for the key legislative priorities to be completed this year. One that has been previously mentioned is the repeal of parts of Prop A, including removal of the mandatory sick-leave provision and changing the minimum wage scheduling. What we are expecting to be the biggest fight will be over HJR 73 which is an attempt to repeal last year’s abortion amendment and reinstate a ban with limited exceptions. For the most part, these three issues will consume the largest amount of time for the remainder of this year’s session. 

The list of legislation that may pass this year is dwindling fast. There are lots of bills that we have fought this year that are no longer threats because of the lack of time to move on them. However, we continue to watch for amendments and discussions that threaten the human dignity of any person. There won't be another update until after legislative session. We will publish a full end of session report before the end of May. Thank you to everyone who came to the Capitol this year whether for a lobby day or to testify against one of the dangerous bills filed by our elected leaders.

OPPORTUNITY RACE AND JUSTICE

HB742 is the bill that would add a ban on DEI spending by the State to our State Statutes. This is dangerous because it does more than just require a review of programs and makes it illegal to spend money on programs and policies that are designed to specifically impact black and brown folks. Similar language is contained in several budget bills, and may make the passage of this bill unnecessary. The budget language is Unconstitutional and will likely be challenged by groups including the NAACP should it pass. We are expecting a big fight on this one and are asking all of our members and allies to contact their State Senator to ask them to stand strong against this kind of roll-back of the Civil Rights Act and return to Jim Crow policies.

HB567 is an attempt by the legislature to overturn the will of the people by repealing major portions of Proposition A. These laws would make earned paid sick leave a requirement for all employers and increase minimum wage over the next few years. The Senate Democratic Caucus continues to fight to preserve the will of the voters. Negotiations are ongoing, but the rumor is the Republican leadership will take the drastic step of cutting off debate using a Previous Question motion in order to get the bill done.

Tracking Lists

Criminal Justice

Health and the Environment

Opportunity, Race and Justice

Political Power

Education Innovation

*These lists are continually updated and improved. If you have questions, please contact Sharon Geuea Jones at sharon@jonesadvocacy.com.