News & Commentary

House Bill 2567 is a blatant attempt to prevent local communities from establishing systems of accountability and transparency in policing.

Arizona is yet again in the news, and for all the wrong reasons. Late last week, Arizona Senate Republicans started a so-called election audit. And right off the bat, there were serious problems.

A jury has found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all charges in the murder of George Floyd.

This year, there was great momentum for meaningful criminal justice reform to finally become law in Arizona. But despite overwhelming, bipartisan support in the Arizona House of Representatives, the Arizona Senate failed to hear several impactful bills—effectively killing them.

HB 2123 would restrict public school districts and charter schools from suspending or expelling students younger than seven years old.

Elected officials blocking constituents is nothing new.

This week continues to be busy for criminal legal reform advocates at the Legislature. Here are some important bills to keep an eye on.

Update on Feb. 10, 2021: HB 2713 and HB 2320 passed unanimously through committee. HB 2485 was replaced with a strike everything amendment that completely changed the bill. We will continue staying vigilant against other anti-protest bills, like HB 2309 and SB 1125.

This legislative session, ACLU Smart Justice Arizona is continuing to advocate for much-needed reforms to the criminal legal system. Two important bills will be heard in committee on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 and we will be there virtually to testify in support.