OTHER LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

February 2023

April 2023

June 2023

August 2023

2023 Legislative Wrap Up

October 2023

April 2024 Bi-Monthly Update

For our April update, we thought it was important to call attention to the imbalance of power and attempts to redistribute power throughout Southern legislatures in ways that are hindering the progress of many ideas and policies that would advance racial and class equity in the South. The uneven distribution of power within American governmental structures presents a significant threat to democracy, particularly when individuals or groups wield disproportionate influence, leading to the marginalization of certain communities. Imbalances of power allow the potential to circumvent checks and balances that are the hallmark of our democracy and make unilateral decisions that may not reflect the diverse needs and interests of the populace. When one branch of government consolidates too much power, it can undermine the democratic principles of accountability and representation, as decisions may be made without sufficient input or scrutiny from the public or other branches of government.

Furthermore, the existence of supermajorities in state legislatures can hinder progress and perpetuate inequalities, especially when these majorities are aligned against the interests of marginalized communities. In such cases, legislative bodies may pass laws and policies that prioritize the agendas of the dominant group while neglecting or actively harming the needs of minority populations. This imbalance not only undermines the democratic ideal of equal representation but also reinforces systemic disparities and injustices, exacerbating societal divisions and hindering efforts toward inclusivity and social progress. 

Moreover, when power is unevenly distributed within governmental structures, it can create barriers to meaningful participation and engagement in the democratic process, particularly for marginalized communities that already face systemic barriers to political representation. Limited access to decision-making processes and resources further marginalizes these communities, perpetuating cycles of disenfranchisement and reinforcing existing power dynamics. In a healthy democracy, power should be dispersed in a way that ensures equitable representation and fosters inclusive governance, allowing all citizens to have a voice in shaping policies and institutions that affect their lives. Addressing the threat posed by uneven power distribution requires a commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting transparency and accountability, and actively dismantling systemic barriers to political participation and representation.

There have been several bills that have seamlessly made their way through Southern legislatures on votes down party lines in the 2024 legislative sessions that directly impact the ability of our region to progress in a just, equitable, and inclusive way. For example:



Legislators passed  Senate Bill 129 which prohibits schools and universities from maintaining or funding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offices and programs and the promotion and endorsement of “divisive concepts”. It also requires public universities to “designate restrooms on the basis of biological sex” which the bill defines as “the physical condition of being male or female, as stated on the individual’s original birth certificate”.

Why This Is Important: It is important to note that this bill passed with an overwhelming majority of support in the Senate (26 yes, 7 no), strictly down party lines. Bills like this one and similar ones being brought around the country have a chilling effect on the ability for students of higher learning to learn about race, class, sexuality, and national origin, and their impact on this country and our progress as a nation. To call history divisive is to undermine and obfuscate the lessons to be learned from the past that will bring us to a more unified future.It’s not just about censoring classroom discussions; it’s an attack on truth itself, hindering education on systemic injustices, racial violence, and the struggles for civil rights throughout our history. Exposure to DEI concepts and discussions equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to collaborate effectively across differences, whether in the workplace or in their personal lives.Overall, integrating DEI principles into higher education settings is essential for promoting inclusive excellence, preparing students for a diverse world, and advancing social justice and equity. By prioritizing DEI education, colleges and universities can cultivate a more equitable and just society for future generations.

Georgia legislators passed a comprehensive elections bill that introduces various changes to election procedures, including restrictions on absentee voting, new ID requirements for voting by mail, and limitations on early voting locations and hours. The bill was sent to the Governor for signature on April 4, 2024 but has not yet been signed into law. It will require unhoused people to re-register to vote, no longer allowing them to register at shelters and government offices but instead requiring them to register at the registrar’s office in the county where they reside. The bill also makes it easier for “voter fraud hunters” to challenge the validity of other voters’ registrations. Critics argue that these measures disproportionately affect minority and low-income voters, making it harder for them to cast their ballots. Supporters of the bill, however, assert that it is necessary to enhance election security and prevent fraud. 

Why This Is Important: Georgia is a crucial battleground state in the 2024 presidential election. The passage of Senate Bill 189 comes amid ongoing debates over voting rights and access to the ballot box, with Georgia being a focal point in the national conversation. The bill’s enactment has sparked controversy and drawn attention to the broader challenges facing democracy in the United States. Voting is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of democracy, allowing citizens to have a say in the governance of their communities and countries. While there may be circumstances where restrictions on these rights are deemed necessary, it is essential to carefully consider the implications and ensure that limitations are fair, transparent, and consistent with democratic principles. 

Governor Bill Lee signed a bill that will remove the entire Board of Trustees from Tennessee State University (TSU), the state’s sole public Historically Black College & University (HBCU). The bill, passed by the GOP-controlled house, was suggested to have been necessary to address audit findings and a forensic report on long standing issues at the university, aims to address long standing issues at TSU, yet critics argue that it overlooks the root cause of those issues: chronic underfunding totaling an estimated $2.1 billion over three decades. However, it must be noted that none of those findings indicated fraud or malfeasance. State Representative and Unum Fellow Harold Love, Jr., voiced opposition to the bill on the House floor as he continues to advocate and address funding disparities faced by TSU and other HBCUs across the South. Through his previous efforts, Rep. Love was able to secure over $300 million for TSU’s budget in 2021. 

Why This is Important: There was a compromise among lawmakers to only remove three members of the Board of Trustees, but what was agreed upon was changed at the last minute without the knowledge of those who were part of the initial compromise. Ultimately, the ability of lawmakers to trust that their negotiations and compromises will be honored by those in the majority is essential for fostering a healthy and functioning democracy. It promotes cooperation, facilitates effective governance, and ensures that the voices of all constituents are heard and respected in the legislative process.

Having a balance of power in state government structures is crucial for upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring effective governance. When multiple parties hold significant influence, it promotes accountability, transparency, and the ability to scrutinize governmental actions, as each party serves as a check on the others.

Moreover, a balance of party power encourages compromise, collaboration, and consensus-building in the legislative process. In a system where no single party holds an overwhelming majority, lawmakers are incentivized to work across party lines to pass legislation that reflects a broader spectrum of perspectives and addresses the diverse needs of the populace. This fosters inclusive decision-making and ensures that policies are more reflective of the interests of the entire electorate rather than just a single party’s agenda.

Furthermore, a balanced system fosters political competition and innovation, as parties must continually strive to appeal to voters and offer policies that resonate with their needs and priorities. This dynamic competition encourages parties to adapt to changing circumstances, address emerging issues, and develop innovative solutions to complex problems, ultimately leading to more responsive and effective governance.

Our Policy and Government Relations teams, along with our team of Senior Policy Advisors, recognize the importance of making sure that not only are our Southern leaders informed about how policy can impact and advance racial and class equity in the South, but that the electorate who votes on and sends our leaders to their respective positions should also be informed and empowered with the information that they need to understand why and how certain policies, including our 2024 policy priorities, can improve their lives and the lives of others in our region. 

To that end, we will be publishing Priority Briefs, providing a deeper dive into what each of our policy priorities mean, how they can advance race and class equity in the South, and the legislative measures we’ve seen across the region that affect these priorities. We’re also developing a toolkit for Municipal Leaders on ways that they can seek to advance racial and class equity through measures that can be implemented on a local level. We look forward to providing these briefs to our partners and stakeholders and continuing to work together to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive South.



Having a balance of power in state government structures is crucial for upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring effective governance. When multiple parties hold significant influence, it promotes accountability, transparency, and the ability to scrutinize governmental actions, as each party serves as a check on the others.

Moreover, a balance of party power encourages compromise, collaboration, and consensus-building in the legislative process. In a system where no single party holds an overwhelming majority, lawmakers are incentivized to work across party lines to pass legislation that reflects a broader spectrum of perspectives and addresses the diverse needs of the populace. This fosters inclusive decision-making and ensures that policies are more reflective of the interests of the entire electorate rather than just a single party’s agenda.

Furthermore, a balanced system fosters political competition and innovation, as parties must continually strive to appeal to voters and offer policies that resonate with their needs and priorities. This dynamic competition encourages parties to adapt to changing circumstances, address emerging issues, and develop innovative solutions to complex problems, ultimately leading to more responsive and effective governance.

Our Policy and Government Relations teams, along with our team of Senior Policy Advisors, recognize the importance of making sure that not only are our Southern leaders informed about how policy can impact and advance racial and class equity in the South, but that the electorate who votes on and sends our leaders to their respective positions should also be informed and empowered with the information that they need to understand why and how certain policies, including our 2024 policy priorities, can improve their lives and the lives of others in our region. 

To that end, we will be publishing Priority Briefs, providing a deeper dive into what each of our policy priorities mean, how they can advance race and class equity in the South, and the legislative measures we’ve seen across the region that affect these priorities. We’re also developing a toolkit for Municipal Leaders on ways that they can seek to advance racial and class equity through measures that can be implemented on a local level. We look forward to providing these briefs to our partners and stakeholders and continuing to work together to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive South.