Racial Impact Statements
Introduction
Racial impact statements are a tool for lawmakers to evaluate potential disparities of proposed legislation prior to adoption and implementation. In guiding the creation of fair criminal justice policies, racial impact statements may be prepared by a number of agencies, including sentencing commissions, budget and fiscal agencies, and departments of corrections.
Proposed 2019 NY State Racial Impact Statement Measure (Laws)
New York State policymakers considered a 2019 racial impact statement measure that included time requirements to address anticipated disparities in proposed sentencing laws. The impact statement is required to be available thirty days prior to the first committee vote or five days prior to floor debate in the assembly or senate.
Read the proposed New York State Racial Impact Statement (A. 3422) legislation
The Sentencing Project (Video)
Watch the following video from The Sentencing Project and learn about the importance of Racial Impact Statements.
Reducing Unwarranted Sentencing Disparities (Learn)
The premise behind racial impact statements is that policies often have unintended consequences that would be best addressed prior to adoption of new initiatives. Learn how racial impact statements can improve racial justice outcomes in the criminal justice system and as a means of reducing unwarranted sentencing disparities.