Advancing Criminal Justice Reform – 88th
IN THE 88TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE
Problem
The Texas Legislature’s 88th Regular Session began on January 10, 2023 and adjourned May 29, 2023. While the 87th legislature in Texas was marked by a focus on police reform, the 88th legislative session was marked by a change in tone towards criminal justice reform. While there were significant victories during the 88th legislative session, it became evident that the national and statewide attitudes towards diversity and equity reforms had shifted. Both Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s signing into law of a ban on state-funded diversity efforts and the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action are indicative of the shifting attitudes towards equity. In this policy brief we will review the policy priorities of the Center for Justice Research and the efforts to educate legislators during the 88th legislative session.
Background
During the 88th legislature, another top priority of the Center for Justice Research was the Crown Act. Like the Clean Slate Act, it is a part of a nation wide initiative to reform criminal justice policy. Currently 23 states have passed Crown act legislation while 6 others have had such legislation filed. The CROWN (Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair) Act is a law that originated in California and provides protection to those who face race-based hair discrimination. The CROWN Act protects individuals from being let go, fired, or excluded from schools and places of business due to the style of their hair. This legislation focuses on changing the narrative on what constitutes professional styles of hair. During the 88th session Rep. Bowers introduced HB 567 -relating to discrimination on the basis of hair texture or protective hairstyle associated with race.
Policy Recommendation
Reducing the racial disparity in school discipline
Reducing the number of days that pupils skip in class
Lowering the risk that a youngster or adult will be arrested
Reducing the likelihood of dropping out
Key Takeaways
During the 88th legislative session in Texas, The Center for Justice Research’s work was centered on criminal justice reform, with a particular concentration on issues of equity, diversity, and social justice. Our team had two primary priorities: the Clean Slate Act for record expungement and the CROWN Act to prevent discriminatory disciplinary action that can prime youth for the criminal justice system. Other priorities included the prevention of gun violence, the reform of school discipline, and police accountability