More often than not, policymakers pass well-intended policies that result in many unintended consequences- oftentimes disproportionately affecting the most marginalized groups of people. In this miniseries, we dive deep into three arguably well-intended policies whose adverse effects may have outweighed their intended benefits and outcomes. In this episode, we look at Senate Bill 1317, a California law that passed in 2010 allowing California state counties to prosecute the parents of chronically absent students. Our hosts look at the events leading up to SB 1317 as well as what actually happened once it was passed. Kelsey Paulino, with her co-host Holly Milburn-Smith, details the logic behind SB 1317 by investigating what was going on at the time that caused policymakers to pass a bill that, in hindsight, seems so obviously detrimental to those it was intended to help.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about this episode, other controversial California policies, or this episode’s contributors, be sure to check out our brand new website thepriceofpolicy.wixsite.com/thepop and follow us on Instagram @thepriceofpolicy, Twitter @thepopusc and on Facebook at The Price of Policy.

Contributors to this episode include Colin Harmony, Holly Milburn-Smith, and Kelsey Paulino.

Music by Jonah Chang and Jordy Coutin

Title art by Alexander Sarno.