The ACLU, community organizations, and individuals who have experienced racial profiling testified before the House and Senate judiciary committees in favor of the Comprehensive Racial Profiling Prevention Act.  Three years’ worth of traffic-stop data in Rhode Island demonstrated consistently that blacks and Hispanics are twice as likely as whites to be stopped and searched by police, yet are less likely to be found with contraband.  This legislation built upon existing anti-profiling legislation to, among other things, prohibit police from asking passengers for proof of identification or searching juveniles without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, and require police officers to document the reasons for a traffic stop.  The community was dealt a blow when the RI Police Chiefs Association, after testifying in support of the legislation that had been the subject of enormous compromise, pulled their support a week later. The ACLU and the many organizations which make up the Campaign Against Racial Profiling were heartened when the House Judiciary Committee nonetheless approved passage of the bill and sent it to the floor for consideration for the first time in five years.  Sadly, the House recommitted the bill on the last day of the session, and a floor debate never occurred.

On February 22, youth and adults spoke powerfully at a press conference about their experiences with racial profiling in hopes their words may lead to comprehensive legislation.  

Sponsors

Representative Grace Diaz and Senator Rhoda Perry

Status

Died

Session

2011

Bill number

Position

Support