As Brian Goldstein reports, criminal justice reformers were able to win passage of some very important bills, but these pieces still require Gov. Brown’s signature in order to become law.
Here are three to write the governor about:
- AB 218 – This bans the “box” that people with felony conviction records must check on many employment forms. The bill applies to governmental agencies – excluding those that serve the very young, the very old, and the handicapped. It still permits background checks but removes the hurdle that makes it almost impossible for formerly incarcerated persons to get employment.
- SB 260 – An important juvenile justice breakthrough. California prisons house 6,500 people whose crime was committed before they were 18 years old. Half face life sentences. Science knows that juvenile brains are less developed. This bill would permit people who committed serious crimes as juveniles get a chance at re-sentencing if they show motivation to learn and change.
- SB 649 – This allows prosecutors to charge simple possession of narcotics as a misdemeanor offense instead of a felony. Offenses that can be charged either way are called “wobblers.” Possession of the powerful drug methamphetamine is already a “wobbler” in California. The main point is that locking up people with addictions is irrational – and extremely costly.
And as long as your communicating with Gov. Brown, why not also urge him to sign the TRUST Act? Brown vetoed an earlier version of the TRUST Act last year, but the new bill more clearly defines what constitutes “serious crimes.” The legislation restricts local police from detaining undocumented immigrants on behalf of federal immigration authorities unless serious crimes were committed.
Here is Gov. Brown’s contact information:
Governor Jerry Brown
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 445-2841
Fax: (916) 558-3160
Peter Laarman
Justice Not Jails
The post Urge Gov. Brown’s Signature on Key Reform Bills appeared first on Justice Not Jails.
