As state lawmakers, it is our responsibility to ensure that our criminal justice system is fair and that the residents of Pennsylvania are being provided equal protections under the law. Currently, the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) collect data regarding criminal statistics. However, these statistics are missing crucial data pertaining to the race and ethnicity of defendants, preventing us from ensuring that the criminal justice system is delivering fair and equitable outcomes.

For this reason, I plan to introduce legislation that would require AOPC to collect and compile data on the race and ethnicity of defendants in criminal cases. AOPC would also need to publish the data in an easily accessible and user-friendly format on its website as well as. AOPC would submit an annual report of the data to PCCD for analysis.

The comprehensive collection and reporting of data are key steps in building public trust and confidence in our justice system. Additionally, the reports would provide accurate, actionable information that could be used to determine how our laws are applied and how we can move forward in improving our criminal justice system where improvements are necessary.

Please join me in ensuring Pennsylvania does everything in our power to improve our criminal justice system by ensuring that everyone receives the fair treatment that they deserve