Today is the SECOND daily action adapted from the Creative Justice Newsletter. We are in the midst of the Washington State Legislative Session. There are so many important bills including four bills that the cultural collective at Stafford Creek prison and the Youth Consortium (a coalition of youth from Community Passageways, Rainier Beach Action Coalition and Creative Justice) have identified as key bills to address institutional racism in the criminal legal system. Today, we contact our representatives about the latter two bills.
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HB 1344 would give those who were convicted and given long sentences when they were 25 or under the opportunity to go before a board after 15 years (or longer) to determine if they should be released.
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SHB 1282 would remove restrictions on how “good time” can be earned. This would allow incarcerated individuals to earn up to 1/3 time off their sentence for good behavior
ACTION: Tell Your State Representatives to Support Bills that Address Institutional Racism in the Criminal Legal System
1. Comment on HB 1344
Allowing qualifying persons serving long sentences committed prior to reaching 25 years of age to seek review for possible release from incarceration.
https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/1344
Sample Comment:
“Dear Legislators,
I am a community member and constituent from your district. I support the Cultural Collective at Stafford Creek Correction Center, which is comprised of the Black Prisoners Caucus, Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Awareness Group, Nuestro Grupo Cultural, and Native Circle. HB 1344 is a significant legislative priority. This bill would take drastically needed steps towards addressing institutional racism and sentencing disparities within the WA State criminal justice system. I urge you to support HB 1344, pass it out of committee, and vote it into law.
Sincerely, [NAME]”
2. Comment on SHB 1282
Concerning allowed earned time for certain offenses.
https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/1282
Sample Comment:
“Dear Legislators,
I am a community member and constituent from your district. I support the Cultural Collective at Stafford Creek Correction Center, which is comprised of the Black Prisoners Caucus, Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Awareness Group, Nuestro Grupo Cultural, and Native Circle. SHB 1282 is a significant legislative priority. This bill would take drastically needed steps towards addressing institutional racism and sentencing disparities within the WA State criminal justice system. I urge you to support SHB 1282, pass it out of committee, and vote it into law.
Sincerely, [NAME]”
Creative Justice Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/908de29da3fe/urgent-action-alert-2022-legislative-session?e=0fec31a68b
