Missoula County supports HB 552: Establish Montana racial justice act, heard this morning before House Judiciary Committee.
Missoula County has been working to grow our commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. HB 552 would enhance those efforts, while simultaneously showing the state’s commitment to those ideals as well.
HB 552 provides a direct way for defendants to challenge racial bias and provides remedies for the courts both before and after judgment has been rendered. These remedies include reseating jurors, declaring a mistrial, discharging a juror, vacating convictions and modification of judgements. During testimony on HJ 11, when speaking about ANTIFA, Rep. Usher reminded members, “This is not a place for jokes.” We argue Rep. Usher’s sentiment is even more appropriate here, where there are long documented violations of people’s fundamental rights. The United States and Montana must reconcile their idealized beliefs of history with the reality of their citizen’s lived experiences. HB 552 would be a small step towards that goal.
Sent Feb. 24:
ReplyDeleteRepresentatives France and Tenenbaum,
Missoula County supports HB 552: Establish Montana racial justice act, heard this morning before House Judiciary Committee.
Missoula County has been working to grow our commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. HB 552 would enhance those efforts, while simultaneously showing the state’s commitment to those ideals as well.
HB 552 provides a direct way for defendants to challenge racial bias and provides remedies for the courts both before and after judgment has been rendered. These remedies include reseating jurors, declaring a mistrial, discharging a juror, vacating convictions and modification of judgements. During testimony on HJ 11, when speaking about ANTIFA, Rep. Usher reminded members, “This is not a place for jokes.” We argue Rep. Usher’s sentiment is even more appropriate here, where there are long documented violations of people’s fundamental rights. The United States and Montana must reconcile their idealized beliefs of history with the reality of their citizen’s lived experiences. HB 552 would be a small step towards that goal.
Please support HB 552.