Official Daily Action for Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Today’s action was adapted from the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability
Washington State passed a number of law enforcement reforms in the wake of George Floyd’s murder and the protests that followed, but some hard fought gains have already been lost and more are at risk. One reform we supported in 2021: put common sense limits on high speed vehicular pursuits. It’s the current law. And it’s working!
The data show that the reforms passed in 2021 have achieved their purpose. There have been 3 deaths due to pursuits since the reforms were passed, compared to 11 deaths in the same timeframe before, a 73% reduction!
Yet there is currently legislation working through both chambers that will repeal the law!
ACTION: Let your State Reps and Senator know to oppose SB5352 / HB 1363.
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Find your LD: https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/
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Contact Info for your Senator: https://leg.wa.gov/senate/senators/pages/default.aspx
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Contact Info for your House Reps: https://leg.wa.gov/senate/senators/pages/default.aspx
SCRIPT:
“Hello, my name is {NAME} and I am a constituent of {LD Number}. I am calling regarding SB 5352 / HB 1363 or the expanding of police vehicular pursuits. Current law authorizes a vehicular pursuit for violent offenses, sexual offenses, escapes, and DUIs. The standard proposed in SB 5352 and HB 1363 is to allow for vehicular pursuits for ANY criminal offense. Bottom line. The current law is working as intended. I expect my representatives to oppose this vigorously!”
BACKGROUND:
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The Washington Coalition for Police Accountability Fact Sheet:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18ys1bSJkSF7k_6J1nPjE7JQXBlzZsm7_/view?usp=sharing\ -
Letter to all Senate and House sponsors and cosponsors from the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Iz1oBNGvcVZ4hVheBSBBp2qnS-TXOTw4/view?usp=sharing
