DATE: August 9, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Acting Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign Letters of Support for Assembly Bill 256 (Kalra), Also Known as the California Racial Justice for All Act
RECOMMENDATION
That Council: 1) adopts a resolution (Attachment I) in support of AB 256, the California Racial Justice for All Act, and 2) provides feedback on the proposed letter of support (Attachment II) to be sent to the City’s legislative representatives.
SUMMARY
On June 14, 2022, the Hayward City Council directed staff to provide an analysis of AB 256, also known as the California Racial Justice for All Act, and its predecessor, AB 2542 (Kalra, Ch. 317, Statutes of 2020), the California Racial Justice Act of 2020. Staff was instructed to include background and an explanation of both bills, as well as a recommendation for further action. Taken together, AB 2542 and AB 256 prohibit the state from seeking or obtaining criminal convictions or imposing sentences based upon race, ethnicity, or national origin. The bills are also intended to address limitations on criminal justice discrimination cases imposed by the US Supreme Court. Based on their analysis, staff determined that support for the bill is possible before the end of the current legislative session, and that letters of support to the City’s state representatives would be the appropriate course of action. This report presents an overview of the history, current legislative status, and provisions of AB 256 and AB 2542.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Resolution
Attachment III Letter of Support for AB 256