An Indian lawmaker in South Dakota is the primary sponsor of a bill that requires police officers to record the race of drivers during routine traffic.

State Rep. Tom Van Norman (D), a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, said the measure is aimed at ending racial profiling. He said Native Americans continue to complain of different treatment in the state's justice system.

A preliminary study authorized by the state showed that Native Americans are punished more harshly than non-Natives, sent to jail at higher rates and were more likely to be denied bond despite committing no more crimes per capita than non-Natives

Get the Story:
South Dakota Bill Calls For Racial Tracking In Traffic Stops (AP 2/2)

Preliminary Report:
Justice In South Dakota: Does Race Make A Difference? (October 2002)

Related Stories:
Report to downplay race as factor in justice system (07/20)
Race study confirms disparity (10/28)
S.D. study shows disparity in justice (10/22)