Great article chronicling the effort of a mother to ensure her son gets the education he needs…and deserves.  She’s an inspiration to us all, as are the groups and individuals who worked with her: The Youth law Center, Chaplain Javier Stauring, and the Disability Rights Legal Center.  Click here to read,  “With Son Behind Bars, A Mother Wages Battle for his Education.”

The broad, diverse, and hard-working coalition of supporters  that came together around SB399 will not let this struggle die. We’re meeting and mapping out next steps. Send your ideas into ecalvin@hrw.org. Keep checking back at this website for more information.

Don’t let those who oppose be the only ones that Assembly Members hear from about SB 399.  You can take one important step right now towards future success of fair sentencing for youth:  Let those Assembly Members who voted yes know you appreciate their leadership. Tell those who did not vote for the bill that you expect different vote the next time. Go to the “Take Action” page for instructions.

The California State Assembly defeated SB 399, just two votes shy of what was needed for passage. There’s no question that our coalition is deeply disappointed that California failed to stop this human rights violation. Nevertheless, it is clear that while we were working for this bill, something else happened. Perspectives have changed, and there is support building for changing how California treats young people. Literally thousands of individuals called and wrote letters in support of SB 399. Hundreds of people met with their representatives. A diverse collection of over 100 organizations supported the bill, while dozens of churches and other groups held events to push for its passage. We’re looking forward to the next steps, and hope you will join us. Right now, please go to the “Take Action” page and see what you can do.

On Tuesday, the Assembly took a first vote on SB 399.  It did not pass. On Wednesday August 25th, we hope that there will be a new vote on the bill. Click “more” to see how your rep voted.  There is still time to tell your representatives what you think.  Did he or she vote yes? Call and say thank you, or write a thank you note. Did he or she not vote? Call Wednesday before 10:00 and urge a yes vote. If your representative voted no, let him or her know what you think.

Senate Bill 399 is scheduled to be voted on by the State Assembly on Tuesday, August 24th at 1:30p.m.

Senate Bill 399 was not voted on this last week, and is now set for an Assembly vote on Monday.  Please call your Assembly Members through Monday at 1:00p.m.!

SB 399 is likely to go for a vote before the State Assembly this Thursday, August 19th. The vote is very close! Click on the “TAKE ACTION” box to see what you can do.  Call your Assembly Member now.

On August 9th and 10th, families of youth sentenced to extreme prison sentences, youth, and supporters will gather in Sacramento. For more information, call (310)477-5540.

On June 30th The Fair Sentencing for Youth Act passed out of the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee. The next vote, likely to take place in August, will be of the full Assembly.  There, 41 of 80 Members must cast a “yes” vote for the bill to pass.  Supporters should contact their Assembly Members and urge them to vote yes.