California Police Reform

What You Need To Know: California, like many other states, struggles to combat police abuses, provide transparency and accountability, and provide justice to the public.

In July 2021, MAC joined a cross-section of industry groups to voice our strong support for SB 2 and SB 16, legislation designed to rein in police abuses and deliver long-overdue transparency, accountability, and justice to the people of California. Together with the American Association of Independent Music, the American Federation of Musicians, the Artist Rights Alliance, the Black Music Action Coalition, the Recording Industry Association of America, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and Songwriters of North America, member Aloe Blacc signed on MAC’s behalf to a letter sent to the Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, the Honorable Lorena Gonzalez.

In late September 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed this important legislation into law.

MAC’s Perspective: The enactment of these bills is a historic moment in California history. As stated in the letter, “[t]he transparency provided by SB 16 and the process to decertify unfit officers and offer victims civil rights remedies in court under SB 2 are foundational elements of a modern, accountable police force upon which citizens can trust and depend. These measures will ensure that citizens and local officials have the information they need to oversee the police and that officers who commit racist, violent, unnecessary, and/or unconstitutional acts do not simply cycle back onto the streets into neighboring jurisdictions.” The decertification process and the updates to the Bane Act in SB 2 are also important and will provide justice in cases of wrongdoing by law enforcement officers and make sure victims get a fair day in court.

MAC congratulates all involved in this historic victory and applauds Governor Newsom for signing the bills into law. This is one step on the road towards a more just and fair California. MAC, as an artist advocacy organization, sees Police Reform as an issue integral to our community, and will never cease to advocate for necessary and long overdue change.