Montpelier — After studies showed African Americans in Vermont are far more likely to be stopped by police or jailed, lawmakers have passed legislation creating a board that will oversee racial justice issues.
The state House passed the bill creating a 15-member board on a vote of 120-25 Thursday. The House also approved updates to an equality-focused state policing policy.
Rep. Kevin Christie, a Democrat from Hartford who also chairs the town’s School Board, was among the lead sponsors of the bill.
Vermont Public Radio reports that another lead sponsor, Rep. Kiah Morris, D-Bennington, said the bill is intended to be a preventative measure and a way to “find mechanisms for correcting course.”
Both bills missed a deadline to cross over to the state Senate, but senators say they will fast-track the legislation in an attempt to get both bills passed before the legislature adjourns.