Thread by @BeccaRauschMA

1/ A #thread on the status of the @MA_Senate debate on the #ReformShiftBuildMA Act to advance #racialjustice in Massachusetts

Here's the bill: malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S280…

Here's related news coverage: wbur.org/news/2020/07/0…

#MApoli
HT @SoniaChangDiaz

2/ On Monday 7/6, the @MA_Senate Racial Justice Working Group unveiled the #ReformShiftBuildMA Act, a comprehensive bill that aims to reform police standards, shift resources from policing/corrections to community investments, and build a more just and equitable Commonwealth.

3/ The bill reflects what so many people have clearly stated they want in this moment of change: increased education around racism and implicit bias for our law enforcement, reduced violence in policing, and shifting the focus toward assistance/healing rather than punishment.

4/ Most of the components of this omnibus legislation were already filed as stand-alone bills, all of which went through the hearing process. The Working Group pulled together these good ideas into a comprehensive package. #MApoli #ReformShiftBuildMA

5/ The #ReformShiftBuildMA Act contains a number of important reforms, including demilitarizing law enforcement, explicitly banning racial profiling in policing, and requiring law enforcement officers to intervene if another is using unnecessary force.

6/ A central component of the bill is the Police Officer Standards and Accreditation Commission (POSAC), which will certify/decertify officers and maintain a public database of complaints against officers and any subsequent decerfication. #MApoli #ReformShiftBuildMA

7/ Also, #ReformShiftBuildMA would restore to its original purpose the doctrine of qualified immunity, allowing civil lawsuits against officers who commit egregious misconduct and civil rights violations. #MApoli

8/ The base bill is very strong and provides a significant step in the right direction toward breaking down centuries of structural racism and a misplaced focus on punishment over support. #MApoli #ReformShiftBuildMA

9/ In total, 145 amendments were filed on #ReformShiftBuildMA. Some of them seek to bolster the already strong provisions in the bill. Others seek to diminish its strength. I and many of my colleagues were ready to launch into the debate yesterday and get the bill done. #MApoli

10/ After a tremendous opening speech by one of the bill’s chief architects, my friend and colleague, Senator @SoniaChangDiaz, significant opposition arose about the qualified immunity provision in the bill. Several hours later, one of my colleagues stopped the bill altogether.

11/ Not a single amendment on #ReformShiftBuildMA was debated yesterday. Earlier today, the same Senator held up the debate again. The Senate will go back into session tomorrow morning, Saturday, and I expect the same result - no debate. #MApoli

12/ You deserve a debate on #ReformShiftBuildMA, whatever the various positions of the Senate members may be. I and many colleagues remain ready to go. I do not support this detraction from a robust, engaged, public debate on any legislation, particularly one of such magnitude.

13/ I know #racialjustice and police accountability are important issues to so many of my constituents. I've received 💯 of emails in support of these ideals, and I saw many of you in person at physically distanced #BlackLivesMatter demonstrations district-wide. #MApoli

14/ The residents of our district joined people around the globe to call for justice for Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and all victims of anti-Black violence. #MApoli #BlackLivesMatter

15/15 The #ReformShiftBuildMA Act is not an end, but a beginning. I will keep striving for greater racial equity in all aspects of my work, including my bill on maternal health disparities.

It's (well past) time, MA.
Let's go.
I'm ready, and I know you are too.
All in.

#MApoli