What is this bill about?
AB 1958 improves procedures for establishing a disparity claim under the California Racial Justice Act and makes clarifications to existing law to increase efficiency and provide consistent guidance to courts across the state.
How does it align with yli’s values?
The Racial Justice Act (RJA) prohibits the state from seeking, obtaining, or imposing a criminal conviction or sentence on the basis of race, ethnicity, or national origin. The RJA was passed, in part, to address disparities in charging and sentencing that pervade California’s criminal legal system.
A “disparity” in charging or sentencing exists when people of one race are charged, convicted, or sentenced more harshly than people of other races who engage in similar conduct. Despite the clear intent of the Legislature to address racial disparities through the RJA, justice has eluded those with viable claims due to procedural barriers. This bill provides needed clarity regarding procedures for evaluating charging and sentencing disparity claims.
yli partners with thousands of youth across the state, the majority of whom are low-income youth of color. Many of these young people and their families have direct experiences of racial profiling and criminalization, and we are staunch advocates of policies that support our communities in seeking justice.
This policy aligns with our Racial Justice Platform, which addresses the impacts of the carceral system on communities of color.
What is yli doing about it?
We have just submitted a letter endorsing this bill, and we are showing our support on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Who else supports this bill?
- Alliance for Boys & Men of Color