IBLC announces justice reform agenda for 2021 legislative session

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) and members from the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus held a press conference today at the Statehouse to reveal their Justice Reform Agenda [click here to view the agenda online].

The Justice Reform Agenda covers five pillars that the IBLC will work towards advancing legislation on during the 2021 session. The five pillars are: save lives, hold accountable, empower communities, change culture and improve transparency and will offer up legislative solutions such as increasing protester protections, establishing more frequent audits on public safety funds, funding body and dash cameras, reducing law enforcement in schools, and studying racism as a public health crisis. This agenda will be addressed during the 2021 session through advocacy, amending existing bills and creating new legislation.

This agenda was put together after IBLC members held a series of statewide virtual town halls, met with stakeholders and law enforcement personnel, and held conferences with legislative leaders.

“It is now or never,” Shackleford said. “In the midst of a pandemic and with our current political climate, it is the perfect time to rally the troops and demand legislation that will promote a safer, more equitable Indiana for not only the Black community, but for all.

“I need everyone—from our first time voters to our veteran freedom fighters—to keep this fire alive until January, when we can get back into the Statehouse and start making legislative change.”

You can view a video of the IBLC press conference at https://www.facebook.com/inhousedems.