WORKING TOGETHER.

ACHIEVING RESULTS.

2021 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2021 Legislative Agenda

Key Aims

01 Combatting COVID-19 and Ensuring Access to Affordable Health Care

02 Voting Rights: Defending the Cornerstone of Our Democracy

03 Our Brightest Future – Advancing Education

04 Strengthening Small Businesses and Revitalizing Our Economy

05 Criminal Justice Reform

06 Fighting for Equity and Social Justice

07 Law Enforcement Reform Combatting COVID-19 and Ensuring Access to Affordable Health Care 01

EXPAND MEDICAID TO MAKE We can no longer delay. EXTEND MEDICAID COVERAGE It is high time that we fund research QUALITY HEALTH CARE MORE must revise Medicaid eligibility FOR NEW MOTHERS UP TO into the health risks facing Alabama AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE to cover adults up to age 64 with ONE YEAR AFTER CHILDBIRTH mothers, especially those of color, TO ALABAMA FAMILIES incomes of up to 138% of the AND ENHANCE ACCESS TO who are dying at exponentially poverty level. MATERNAL HEALTH CARE higher rates. The depth and extent of the crises SERVICES caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how urgent and critical How we care for pregnant mothers it is that we strengthen our health and their babies should be indicative care infrastructure. of our core values as Alabamians. The economic impact of Though we have made some Prior to the pandemic, Alabama expanding medicaid in the state progress, Alabama still has some had already seen 17 rural hospital of Alabama is estimated at “Research has shown that closures (since 2010), a rise in of the highest infant and maternal in states where Medicaid uninsured workers, a profound lack $11.4 billion mortality rates in the nation. expansion was adopted, of adequate mental health resources, over four years. First and foremost, we must enhance there were reduced maternal and dangerous physician shortages. Source: Alabama Hospital Association access to critical maternal health mortality rates and positive The state’s failure to expand care services for new and expectant maternal health outcomes. Medicaid has cost Alabama more mothers by extending care for than the staggering billions in mothers up to one year after Based on the findings of economic impact left on the table— giving birth, especially those in the committee’s review, it has cost lives. rural communities who travel long Medicaid program distances to see a pediatrician or expansion will allow women This already handicapped system OB-GYN. was compounded by other factors to receive needed healthcare (i.e., initial hesitancy to follow CDC In addition, we have a duty to before, during, and after guidelines and recommendations), better prepare mothers and protect pregnancies. impairing Alabama’s ability to their infants by improving access - ADPH-Alabama Maternal Mortality effectively and swiftly respond to to maternal health care, nutrition, Review Committee | 2016 a deadly public health emergency and necessary screenings, as well with rural, impoverished and African as enhancing public awareness on American communities bearing the dangers related to sleep safety, brunt of the system’s failure. substance abuse, postpartum depression, and domestic violence.

1 Combatting COVID-19 and Ensuring Access to Affordable Health Care

CREATE AND SUPPORT In addition, we will support INCENTIVES TO BRING investments in innovative, tech-based QUALIFIED DOCTORS, programs such as telemedicine, NURSES AND HEALTH CARE to close the geographic gap in PROFESSIONALS TO OUR STATE connecting rural residents with AND RURAL COMMUNITIES doctors and services. The growing physician shortage and closure of rural hospitals has ENHANCE AND INCREASE left far too many Alabamians TELEMEDICINE PROGRAMS dangerously geographically ACROSS THE STATE distanced from vital health care services ranging from primary care House Democrats support physicians to emergency room common-sense approaches to services to medical specialists. controlling rising health care costs, This complex crisis requires an simultaneously ensuring that all innovative, flexible, and sustainable residents, particularly in underserved rural communities, have access to ENSURE FAIR AND EQUITABLE approach. quality care. DISTRIBUTION OF THE COVID-19 In addition to supporting Medicaid VACCINE expansion, we must take steps and This is especially urgent given the In Alabama, 63% of rural ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and House Democrats will fight to back incentives to bring qualified hospitals are at risk of doctors, nurses, and health care the increased threat of viral infections ensure that high-risk, minority, in enclosed spaces. disadvantaged and vulnerable closing and 56% are at professionals back to our state and populations are prioritized based an immediate risk of the rural communities that need Cost-effective measures like them the most. the expansion of telemedicine on science and need, and that closing. vaccinations are performed rapidly Alabama Democrats will support programs can provide safe, quality in a fair and equitable manner. Source: Center for Healthcare Quality and health care and further improve Payment Reform | January 2021 measures that improve access to training programs, including access for people in rural areas foundational courses, in order to that would otherwise have to travel strengthen and increase our health great distances. care workforce.

2 Combatting COVID-19 and Ensuring > PENDING HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION: Access to Affordable Health Care HB432 | MOORE: This bill would expand the Medicaid program, in light of our on-going and rural health crisis and the pandemic INCREASE ACCESS TO MENTAL justice system, so that no family will facing the nation, to provide assistance to all persons for whom HEALTH SERVICES have to go without the resources matching funds are available to the state under the Patient Protection they need when a loved one is in and Affordable Care Act. We have both a moral and legal crisis. responsibility to provide quality mental health treatment options for This includes focusing specifically HB431 | HALL: This bill would extend the period during which a Alabamians suffering from mental on delivering effective mental health pregnant woman who is eligible to receive medical assistance under illness. services to veterans who are nearly Medicaid may continue to receive Medicaid assistance from 60 twice as likely to die by suicide than days to one year after giving birth. We must also invest in training for civilians. our educators, so they are able to effectively recognize and support the mental health needs of their students. Failure to meet that commitment with adequate funding levels and effective programs has led to increased costs in emergency care and incarceration, not to mention Alabama’s veteran suicide the human cost in countless lives devastated and families and rate (37.2%) is twice the communities disrupted. national average (18.4%). House Democrats will thoroughly review existing state-funded mental Source: U.S. Department of Veterans health services to ensure that such Affairs | 2018 appropriations are effective and efficient. House Democrats will advocate for policies that expand access to mental health treatment, specifically within schools and the criminal

3 Voting Rights: The Cornerstone of Our Democracy 02

UPLIFTING ALL ALABAMA FIVE METHODS TO INCREASE VOICES VOTING RIGHTS All Alabamians have a right to know Having a presidential election in that their voices are heard, their the midst of a pandemic has shown words matter, and their votes count. that with appropriate planning, oversight, and transparency, the House Democrats stand for policies following measures can and that aim to ensure fair districts and should be implemented to increase increase turnout at the ballot box, voter participation and turnout, not discourage and disenfranchise regardless of political affiliation: voters. 1. Allow “no excuse” absentee We support efforts and policies voting; to educate young people on the importance of voting while ensuring 2. Allow early voting; that the elderly and infirm can exercise their democratic rights. 3. Create automatic voter registration upon the age of 18; Archaic and unnecessary barriers to voting must be removed so that 4. Eliminate requirements to pay no eligible voter – regardless of fines and fees to regain the right age, ability, income, or geographic to vote; and, location – is denied the right to 5. Expand eligibility for restoration vote. of voting rights.

4 ACHIEVING RESULTS.

WORKING TOGETHER.

> PENDING VOTING RIGHTS LEGISLATION: HB 396 | HALL: This bill would allow no excuse absentee voting; would allow the absentee election manager to appoint additional HB 37/82 | HALL: This bill would expand persons eligible for the assistants to assist with absentee ballot applications; and would restoration of voting rights by simplifying the process of applying eliminate the requirement that absentee ballots be postmarked the for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote and eliminating the date prior to the election. requirement to pay fees and fines. HB 438 | CHESTNUT: This bill would automatically register HB 38/84 | HALL: This bill would establish inmate identification qualified voters upon turning 18 years of age. cards as a valid form of identification for absentee voting. HB433 | RAFFERTY*: This bill would allow for same day voter HB 180 | CLARKE: This bill would authorize an early, no-excuse, registration.

in-person voting period. Early voting would begin the Saturday * 17 days before election day. Polls must be open at least 4 hours CHESTNUT : This would establish an independent redistricting between 7am and 8pm with at least 2 days being until 8pm. commission. * Pending Introduction

5 ACHIEVING RESULTS.

6 Our Brightest Future - Advancing Education 03

INVESTING IN OUR and support staff need better SUPPORTING OUR PUBLIC children of color, and those in lower EDUCATORS wages, and House Democrats SCHOOLS income households. will work to raise their pay. This All too often, Alabama teachers includes providing access to real Alabama’s students deserve a first- By investing in our public schools are forced to subsidize classroom opportunities for professional class education that will provide now, we can rebuild our skilled learning from their own wallets, growth and supporting the them with the tools they need to seek workforce and lay the foundation for pocketbooks, and paychecks. They pursuit of advanced degrees and success. economic growth and development do so because they care about their certifications. for years to come. students, but the burden of providing We must reverse the chronic pattern adequate learning materials should In addition, it is high time that our of underinvestment in our schools, After all, to succeed in the global not fall on the shoulders of educators retired educators receive a cost-of- students, teachers, and classroom economy, our young people must who too often are underpaid living adjustment (COLA). technology, which leaves our have access to broadband, the themselves. children at a disadvantage and latest technology, equipment, discourages investment in our state. training, and opportunities that Currently, this lack of adequate ensure future achievement. compensation is pushing some of our House Democrats will fight to best and most passionate teachers increase education funding to into retirement or other careers. In support additional teachers order to attract and retain top- “Teacher salaries are and classrooms, expanded notch, dedicated teachers, we must worth less than they were a teacher training and specialists in Nationally, combined state make Alabama a more desirable decade ago after adjusting mathematics, reading, computer and local funding per student place to live and work for teachers for inflation. science, etc. has finally recovered from and their families. the recession. Teachers in Alabama It is high time we address the failing This means maintaining a are paid 72% of what schools in Alabama and work Alabama meanwhile has competitive edge with our neighbors college graduates in other to ensure our schools have the remained 10% below pre- in Tennessee and Georgia by professions earn in the state. resources and support to provide the recession levels (adjusted for investing more in our educators, best educational opportunities for all inflation.) demonstrating that we are willing to - Alabama Teacher Shortage Task Force of our students. Source: Center on Budget and Policy prioritize the future of education in | 2019 Priorities | 2019 our state. It is imperative that school funding formulas be improved to better Alabama’s public school teachers target dollars to schools in need,

7 Our Brightest Future - Advancing Education

FUNDING HIGHER EDUCATION AS A PRIORITY

Higher education is an engine that drives economic opportunity and Alabama trails the nation pushes generations beyond the in per-student education clutches of poverty. appropriations. Stat Accessible public higher education In 2019, public institutions is more important than ever as both in Alabama had a safeguard that ensures education as a right for all, and as a vital $6,001 in education employer and cornerstone to our appropriations per full- communities’ broader economies. time equivalent (FTE),

We call for greater investments approximatelySource: Alabama Hospital 73% Association of the in need-based scholarships and U.S. average ($8,196). financial aid for our state’s colleges Source: State Higher Education Finance PRIORITIZING EARLY strong Pre-K programs are the and universities. CHILDHOOD EDUCATION building blocks for life-long learning. Alabama must offer affordable The most unaffordable Fully funded quality early childhood In addition, expanding Cradle-to- instruction and better support public flagships each have education is the key to putting Pre-K programs for children and families with demonstrated financial high tuition and minimal need, making it possible for students Alabama children on the right track families in need, as well as those investment in need-based in school, work, and life. to launch their careers right here at that help to identify young people aid. Alabama, Kentucky, with unique challenges and provide home. Pennsylvania, and South Strong, well-rounded Pre-K access to specialized instruction Approximately half of the students programs offer our young people early on, will help to close the Carolina all exemplify this who receive a bachelor’s degree in model. an increasingly essential start to achievement gap in low-income Alabama leave the state. their academic careers. communities. Source: Institute for Higher Education Increasing investments in post- Policy | 2019 From early literacy initiatives to secondary education will help STEM activities to exposure to Alabama retain our best and foreign languages to art and music, brightest.

8 Our Brightest Future - Advancing Education

FOCUSING ON COLLEGE AND CAREER-READINESS In addition to encouraging sufficient funding for higher education, House In recent years, Alabama Democrats will champion programs “ that prepare young people for has experienced growth in a college, trade schools and other number of emerging sectors invaluable post-secondary of the economy, including opportunities. automotive manufacturing, aerospace, biotechnology, Dual enrollment programs will allow and information technology. more high school students to get a head start (and reduce higher This growth, combined education costs) by providing them with a low unemployment with access to college-level courses. rate, reflects the many advantages Alabama offers Public-private partnerships can offer business and industry, targeted jobs, skill development, and including a business-friendly career-preparation opportunities environment, infrastructure, to those who have been historically and hard-working citizens. underserved by our educational system. Along with growth in Alabama’s economy, there In addition, we must refocus our is increasing demand for a education system to fill the gap of workforce with education, middle-skill jobs – jobs that require skills, and training in addition education beyond high school but to a high school diploma. not a four-year degree. - Statewide Educational Attainment Middle-skill jobs account for a Committee - Alabama Workforce Council | 2018 large portion of Alabama’s labor market, yet less than half of the state’s workers are trained to meet the demand.

9 > PENDING EDUCATION LEGISLATION:

HB 97 | MORRIS: This bill would require mental health awareness to be included in the annual training session for employees of each K-12 school, encouraging a safer learning environment for our children.

HB 208 | WARREN: This bill would require public school students to successfully complete kindergarten before being admitted to the first grade.

HB 199 | ROGERS: This bill would establish an Alabama Lottery to fund education and general fund programs; create an Alabama Lottery Corporation; establish the lottery trust fund; and ensure that the lottery proceeds will not supplant or replace existing education revenues.

DANIELS*: This bill would establish universal Pre-K across the state of Alabama.

* Pending Introduction

10 Strengthening Small Businesses and Revitalizing Our Economy 04

ENSURE THAT BUSINESSES HAVE ACCESS TO SKILLED WORKERS AND HUMAN CAPITAL

We are in the midst of one of the most rapid periods of advancement in human history.

House Democrats believe we must anticipate and swiftly respond to economic changes by ensuring that businesses have access to the skilled workforce and human capital they need in order to thrive.

Starting with high school, we must strive to craft innovative workforce development opportunities for young Alabamians by promoting job- shadowing and workforce training In 2017, Alabama’s public high school graduating class totaled programs. “Despite the decreased 49,764 students. jobless rate across the Expanding trade and apprenticeship state, Alabama’s workforce Of these graduates, 32% enrolled in a four-year college, and programs will give students hands- participation rate has another 32% enrolled in a two-year college. Over 18,000 high on experience in vocational and school graduates did not enroll in any college program. technical careers by providing remained at a historical low real-world job experiences and and is currently the second Statistics show that the labor force participation rate connections. worst in the nation. for high school graduates without a college degree has - Alabama Workforce Council | 2020 dropped almost 10%. Source: Alabama Workforce Council | 2020

11 > PENDING EDUCATION Strengthening Small Businesses and Revitalizing Our Economy LEGISLATION:

HB 320 | LAWRENCE: This bill SUPPORT SMALL AND MAIN to scale and create new jobs (SBA) and business incubators are would provide a cost-of-living STREET BUSINESSES through accessible tax credits. invaluable to small businesses and increase for state employees for first-time entrepreneurs. the fiscal year beginning October Small businesses are the backbone The State of Alabama must also 1, 2021. of Alabama’s economy. Before be a leader in “buying small” and We support a business environment making certain that public spending that encourages private industry to HB 172 | DRUMMOND: This the pandemic, small businesses bill would require the newly represented 99% of Alabama is inclusive of minority- and women- expand its investment in small and owned goods and services. minority-owned businesses. established Office of the Chief businesses; today it is uncertain how Procurement Officer and the many will survive. Procurement officials should be Secretary of State to collect data relating to women and minority- To keep Alabama working, we must required to maintain data on the diverse enterprises qualified to owned businesses in the state keep Main Street’s doors open and and determine the proportion of get founders and business owners service and supply goods to the State. procurement contracts awarded back to work creating new jobs. Small businesses created to small and disadvantaged 23,841 net jobs in 2019. businesses. House Democrats want to replenish Finally, House Democrats understand the need for small the Unemployment Trust Fund to In the fourth quarter of HB 251: This bill would establish businesses to have access to training reduce the tax burden for small 2018, 2,569 establishments a procedure by which wireless business owners. and education to strengthen, sustain providers would be authorized to and grow operations. opened, generating collocate, mount, or install small We want to nurture the growth 11,617 new jobs in wireless facilities on existing poles, of small businesses throughout Many need guidance and support Alabama. or install new poles on the right- every community by expanding while experiencing periods of of-way of the state or any agency, Minority Business Enterprise and growth during economic booms; as In that same period, 2,388 county, or municipality thereof. well as while sustaining operations Disadvantaged Enterprise programs establishments shuttered, during lean times. HB 442 | MOORE: This bill to ensure that every entrepreneur resulting in 8,577 jobs lost has a fighting chance to scale their would phase out the state Source: U.S. Small Business Administration sales and use taxes on food business and reach their maximum Public and private resources must be | 2020 potential. coordinated to create an ecosystem by reducing the rates by one for the small business sector. percentage point over a four-part Thriving businesses, especially those reduction schedule beginning owned and operated by minorities Services like those provided by October 1, 2021. and women, should be incentivized the Small Business Administration

12 Strengthening Small Businesses and Revitalizing Our Economy

LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD: ACCESS TO CAPITAL IS CRITICAL FOR SMALL BUSINESSES TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE

House Democrats recognize the need for small and growing businesses to have greater access to capital to help them survive and thrive.

The wide-ranging success of Alabama’s large corporations and global manufacturers is critical to the state’s economic success. If we hope to have more small and middle-market businesses grow to the heights of our corporate giants, relationships to larger banks were BOLSTER RURAL AND with broadening access to rural greater opportunities and incentives excluded from accessing initial UNDERSERVED ECONOMIES broadband. are necessary to support these funding, hitting minority-owned THROUGH UPGRADES TO VITAL businesses. and rural businesses with ties to PUBLIC UTILITIES AND SERVICES, An estimated 662,000 Alabamians community banks especially hard. TRANSPORTATION, BROADBAND lack access to high-speed Some efforts to provide relief to AND TECHNOLOGICAL broadband. employers in the COVID economy House Democrats support the INFRASTRUCTURE have remained out of reach for the development of innovative solutions Alabama must strengthen the businesses that need it the most. and the creation of public-private House Democrats support working connection to rural and other Many small business owners were growth funds to make capital with local and federal governments unserved areas through increased unsuccessful in securing these funds accessible to help businesses and partnering with private investments in public infrastructure and have been left reeling on the reopen, recover and rebuild enterprises to build the infrastructure and enhanced access to brink of closure, while some have stronger than ever before. necessary to enhance education, broadband. closed permanently. increase business opportunities, and improve the quality of life in our Small businesses without existing small-town communities. This begins

13 Strengthening Small Businesses and The broadband access gap is the widest in Alabama’s rural Revitalizing Our Economy communities. Coverage is 30% or less in several counties: CLOSE THE INCOME CULTIVATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP Perry County Fayette County INEQUALITY GAP AND HELP AND INNOVATION Greene County Choctaw County WORKING FAMILIES ACCESS Cleburne County Wilcox County In order to accelerate new economic SAFE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING Marengo County growth, encourage statewide Bibb County Lowndes County House Democrats believe that entrepreneurship, and attract and Source: Federal Communications Commission | 2019 Alabama citizens should be able to retain talent, Alabama House access safe and affordable housing. Democrats support the development of public/private partnerships that Too many working-class families embrace and expand innovation. are unable to afford the upfront costs associated with finding This would benefit Alabama housing, whether it be leasing or businesses, particularly in rural “Alabama’s greatest success stories are rooted in innovation. purchasing. communities, by providing Our trailblazers continue to pave the way to meet the demands educational programs, business of our evolving world through forward-thinking 21st century Families across the state are having accelerators, mentor networks, technologies. to work multiple jobs and are still incentive programs and other tools - Alabama Innovation Commission | 2021 struggling making ends meet. Added to generate successful business to this financial pressure on working growth. families are costs specifically associated with the pandemic, Entrepreneurs will have greater including health care, child care, opportunities for success by grocery options and more. having access to resources that are centered on advancing technical That is why House Democrats skills, research and development at continue to work to assemble existing companies, and training support resources for families that for the implementation of best have lost loved ones to COVID-19. practices. Building a bridge to prosperity All of this will help Alabama to remains a priority for Alabama maintain speed in a fast-paced, House Democrats, and the benefits competitive economy. of supporting lower-income families will have positive effects on Alabama’s economy as a whole.

14 Criminal Justice Reform 05

IT’S GOING TO TAKE MORE THAN BRICKS AND MORTAR TO FIX ALABAMA PRISONS “The Department has reasonable cause to House Democrats support a believe that ADOC violates comprehensive and pragmatic the constitutional rights approach to the state’s criminal of prisoners housed in justice challenges and urgent prison Alabama’s prisons by crisis. failing to protect them Plans to spend well over a from prisoner-on-prisoner billion dollars on new prisons violence, prisoner-on- call for a close, hard look at the prisoner sexual abuse, and policies and practices that feed by failing to provide safe our overpopulated and under- conditions. resourced criminal justice system. - U.S. Department of Justice | 2019 House Democrats do not believe we can simply build our way out of this crisis. While it is clear that our physical prison structures must be repaired or replaced, we cannot The total number of Unlawful stop there. Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful We must examine evidence-based, Possession of Marijuana comprehensive solutions, including community-based treatment and convictions increased by supervision alternatives that are over 1,000 in FY2018, and both cost-efficient and more accounts for over one-third of effective in reducing recidivism all convictions in the state. and violence within our prisons, Source: Alabama Sentencing Commission | 2020 while addressing the systemic issues that increase the likelihood of incarceration.

15 Criminal Justice Reform

COMMON SENSE REFORMS REDUCING RECIDIVISM implementation and expansion are physically or mentally ill in ARE NEEDED of prevention and rehabilitation cases of human trafficking. It is why programs – such as education, Alabama needs to adopt federal True prison reform includes serious Alabama prisons and local career readiness, and mental guideline procedures for using discussion and consideration of supervision programs exist to keep health programs – we can reduce restraints on pregnant women who practical and long-overdue reforms our communities safe. To accomplish recidivism and boost the success are incarcerated. to bail, probation, expungement, this goal, their primary focus cannot rate of an ex-offender’s reentry into and sentencing guidelines that solely be security, but must also society. House Democrats also support currently resemble wealth-based be rehabilitation, reentry and a other measures like allowing courts incarceration. significant reduction in recidivism. FOCUSING ON FAIRNESS to issue ex-parte protective orders for individuals who pose a harm to House Democrats support applying We strongly advocate restructuring Rather than continue with obsolete themselves or others (Gun Violence technical violator reforms to all the Board of Pardons and Paroles and outdated practices that hurt Protective Order Act). parolees and probationers. to ensure fair, just, and equitable so many communities, House consideration. It is not only the right Democrats favor an effective, Further, we support applying thing to do, but it also serves as evidence-based approach to habitual felony offender and drug an incentive for rehabilitation and corrections. trafficking reforms retroactively. successful societal reintegration. That is why we must address other Marijuana decriminalization From an economic perspective, there issues such as the unforeseen deserves open discussion and honest is likewise incentive for reducing consequences of the 2019 Habitual consideration, as our antiquated, recidivism which will in turn reduce Felony Offender Act, by repealing ill-defined laws from the drug-war costs to both taxpayers and the state. consecutive sentencing. era continue to cost millions in taxpayers’ dollars, devastating lives Most importantly, Democrats It is why we must eliminate coercion and communities. believe that through the or deception affecting victims who

> PENDING CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM LEGISLATION: HB 107 | ENGLAND: This bill would revise sentencing standards in certain HB 226 | ENGLAND: This bill would expand the expungement of criminal circumstances. This bill would repeal the Habitual Felony Offender Act and records to include convictions of certain felony offenses, traffic violations, provide for resentencing for defendants whose sentences were based on the municipal ordinances, and misdemeanor offenses. This bill would increase Habitual Felony Offender Act. the filing fee for expungements.

16 Fighting for Equity and Social Justice 06

ENSURING, PROTECTING, AND ELIMINATING CELEBRATING CIVIL RIGHTS GERRYMANDERING AND FOR ALL REDISTRICTING FAIRLY AND EQUITABLY Alabama was at the forefront of the Alabama House Democrats Civil Rights Movement, and House strongly support the creation of Democrats firmly believe we can a non-partisan board to handle once again show leadership during redistricting in our state to prevent this moment of unprecedented gerrymandering. national reckoning by ensuring civil rights and protections for all. It’s time to eliminate unfair and unethical practices such as “stacking This includes ensuring that every and packing”, to ensure that districts Alabamian – regardless of race, are redrawn in a fair, equitable, and gender, sexual orientation, gender non-partisan manner. identity, class or position in life – should have the same chance to It’s time to put the long-term interests IT’S TIME TO MOVE FORWARD to promote equity, inclusion, and thrive without facing discrimination. of Alabama voters ahead of short- healing. term political gain. Alabama House Democrats stand We are dedicated to fighting for Racism has no place in Alabama strong in our belief that diversity and protecting the human and civil and many of these obvious actions, is our greatest strength and that it rights of all Alabamians. like prohibiting the National Guard is time to move toward a more just Alabama is the nation’s fifth from using confederate medals on House Democrats support the and equitable future for our state their uniforms, are long overdue. immediate ratification of the Equal poorest state. The poverty and for our children. Rights Amendment to the U.S. rate for minorities is double Equally important are more We strongly believe that symbolic Constitution. We also strongly to nearly three times that of substantive measures, like common- steps such as removing confederate believe that Juneteenth (June 19, White Alabamians (12%). sense legislation to track traffic stops monuments from our state parks, 1865 was the day that slaves in the Black (28%) to eliminate racial profiling and help eliminating the confederate state United States were emancipated) Hispanic/Latino (32%) ensure that all citizens are treated trooper patch, and abolishing should be an official Alabama justly and fairly. Source: Alabama Possible | 2020 state-sanctioned celebration of holiday to celebrate civil rights. confederate holidays are necessary

17 > PENDING SOCIAL JUSTICE LEGISLATION:

HB 115 | JACKSON: This bill would designate the third Saturday in June of each year as Juneteenth National Freedom Day to remember the abolition of slavery throughout the US and its territories in 1865. It would further require the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the important contributions of African Americans to the state. Further, it would allow public schools to offer instruction and programs regarding Juneteenth.

HB 149 | HATCHER: This bill would designate the nineteenth of June as the state holiday of Juneteenth and would require the Governor to issue an annual proclamation honoring this observance. It would allow each county and municipality to elect whether or not to observe Juneteenth as a holiday.

HB 8 | GIVAN: This bill would authorize local governments to remove certain historical monuments. This bill would require transfer of ownership to the Archives and History of the Alabama Historical Commission for public display under the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act of 2017.

HB 307 | HALL: This bill would amend the Elder Abuse Protection Order and Enforcement Act to redact contact information from court documents released to the public and allow an elderly person of sound body or mind to hire legal counsel.

HB 352 | RAFFERTY: This bill would provide workplace protections against pregnancy discrimination.

18 Law Enforcement Reform 07

REBUILD THE TRUST BETWEEN IMPROVE TRAINING FOR THE COMMUNITY AND LAW OFFICERS TO INCLUDE ENFORCEMENT TRAINING ON IMPLICIT BIAS, CULTURAL COMPETENCY, AND Our criminal justice system must be DE-ESCALATION TACTICS AND focused on reform, rehabilitation, TECHNIQUES and public safety, not warehousing nonviolent offenders based on Law enforcement must be grounded draconian drug laws or legal on the principle of equal justice for technicalities that stack the deck all. against minorities and people of We wholeheartedly support color. enhanced training for law In order to rebuild trust between the enforcement, including identifying community and law enforcement, implicit and explicit bias and law enforcement must reform its supporting community policing policies and tactics, prioritizing the methods that keep all of us safe. elimination of racial profiling and Across the nation, the tide is turning the excessive use of force. in favor of criminal justice, police, When members of law enforcement and prison reform based on break the laws they have sworn evidence, facts, and fairness. to uphold, or violate the civil and House Democrats believe that human rights of any suspect or better education and training person in their custody, they must be for law enforcement and the held accountable. implementation of evidenced- based, de-escalation techniques will make our communities safer for everyone.

19 > PENDING SOCIAL JUSTICE LEGISLATION:

HB 106 | ENGLAND: This bill would require the Corrections Department to make quarterly reports to the Joint Legislative Prison Oversight Committee. This bill would provide for the reporting requirements and would revise the correctionaWl officers oath of office.

HB 286 | COLEMAN: This bill would define racial profiling and prohibit officers from exhibiting racial profiling by requiring law enforcement agencies to adopt policies that prohibit racial profiling. This bill specifically relates to traffic stops, the handling of complaints, and the reporting and collection of data on injuries to state and local law enforcement officers.

HB 411 | McCAMPBELL: This bill would establish a law enforcement officer employment database. This bill would require law enforcement agencies to report complaints, disciplinary actions, and background information on officers to the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission. 20 CAUCUS MEMBERS | 2019-2022 POLICY COMMITTEE

Anthony Daniels, House Minority Leader , Chair Christopher England, Caucus Chair Christopher England, Vice Chair , Caucus Vice Chair , Member At-Large , Assistant Minority Leader Barbara Boyd Anthony Daniels Barbara Boyd Barbara Drummond Napoleon Bracy Jeremy Gray Prince Chestnut, Policy Member At-Large Kelvin Lawrence Adline Clarke, Party Whip Tashina Morris Juandalynn Givan Jeremy Gray, Party Whip PLATFORM COMMITTEE Kirk Hatcher Rolanda Hollis Neil Rafferty, Chair Ralph Howard Adline Clarke Thomas Jackson Anthony Daniels Sam Jones Barbara Drummond Kelvin Lawrence, Secretary-Treasurer Chris England A.J. McCampbell Jeremy Gray Thad McClammy Laura Hall Kirk Hatcher Tashina Morris, Party Whip Sam Jones Neil Rafferty Kelvin Lawrence John Rogers

21 ALABAMA HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS Post Office Box 131, Montgomery, AL 36101 alabamademcaucus.com