The Decriminalizing Artistic Expression Act, AB 2799: California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs bill limiting the use of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal proceedings.
“Today, we celebrate an important victory for music creators in the state of California. Silencing any genre or form of artistic expression is a violation of all music people. The history that’s been made in California today will help pave the way forward in the fight to protect creative freedom nationwide,” Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement on Friday.
The SAFE-T Act: An Overview
On January 1st, 2023, the SAFE-T Act will go into effect in the state of Illinois, making it the first state in the United States to abolish cash bail. The SAFE-T Act is an acronym for ‘Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and Equity-Today’. The act is intended to reduce arrests and limit those put away based on the crime. Here is an overview of what the act entails.
AB 333- Bifurcation or separation of Gang Participation Charges, or Gang Enhancements, from Non-Gang Charges
Fairness, dignity, and freedom are three values that Americans hold dear. When a defendant is convicted of a crime, they are subjected to the often harsh reality of the prison system. This can mean being separated from family and friends, living in an often dangerous environment, and having limited choices and freedoms. While some argue […]
AB 333- Gangs: The Step Forward Act of 2021
AB 333, also called The STEP Forward Act, seeks to reduce the racial imbalance of enhancements in Penal Code (PC) 186.22 by adding Section 1109.
Gangs
More than 1,400 street gangs exist in Los Angeles County and authorities continue to put heavy emphasis on arresting and prosecuting alleged gang members. The L.A. County sheriff’s department reports about half of all homicides involve street gangs, averaging more than 250 deaths per year. In particular, the Street Terrorism Enforcement Prevention Act (STEP) — […]