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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman |
State Rep. Harold James |
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James working to ease tension during traffic stops
Bill would relieve police from inquiring about a driver’s race
HARRISBURG, April 10 – As someone who served for 22 years on the Philadelphia police force, state Rep. Harold James says tension can arise when a police officer needs to know a person’s race, even during routine scenarios.
James, former chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, wants to alleviate such tension and potential problems during traffic stops. That’s why he has introduced a bill that would require a person’s race or ethnicity to be indicated on his or her driver’s license.
“Incidents of racial profiling need to be eliminated, but there are definitely cases when someone’s race is not discernable, and any inquiry by the officer could intensify the situation,” said James, D-Phila. “Requiring race to be recorded on driver’s licenses would protect the officer and the driver.”
James said his legislation (H.B. 1040) would amend Pennsylvania’s vehicle code. He has introduced similar legislation in the past and he anticipates it will be referred to the House Transportation Committee.
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