News Archive

With the support of thousands of individuals and more than 70 organizations, SB 9 passed in the California Senate on Wednesday. The bill now moves the the State’s lower house, the Assembly.

Senate Bill 9 could be voted on as early as May 31st in the Senate, and in any case it must pass in the Senate by June 3rd, or the bill may die. Click ”Take Action” to the right and get easy instructions on calling your Senator. Your calls make a difference.  Our last bill came very close to passing because people from all over California expressed their strong support for fair sentences for youth.  Help pass this bill now!

A group of 30 murder victim family members and family members of youth sentenced to life without parole met together this week to share their experiences as people deeply affected by crime, violence, and a flawed criminal justice system. The Day of Healing Dialogue was organized by the Victim Perspective Committee of the Fair Sentencing Campaign. This committee, made up of victim family members and advocates, helps guide the campaign’s efforts and ensures that victims’ perspectives are a part of each step. The Healing Dialogue event, and others that will follow, are intended to help bridge the divide between families affected by crime, and create opportunities for thinking through new ways of addressing crime and punishment.

Senate Bill 9 will be heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday, May 23rd at 11:00a.m. in Room 4203.  Please come and show your support!  Now is the time to make calls. Click on the “TAKE ACTION” to see how you can take this easy and quick step to support fair sentencing for youth in California.

Over 650 people have signed the  ”People of Faith Support SB 9″ letter and a delegation visited the Capitol to let California leaders know that people from all faiths support second chances for youth. Click here and you can sign onto the letter, too! Help us get to 1000 people! http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Peopleoffaith

SB 9 is now set for its next hearing on Monday,  May 2nd, at 11:00 A.M. in Room 4203.The hearing will be before the Senate Appropriations Committee.  For information on what you can do, click on “Take Action” on this website.

On April 5th on a vote of 5 to 2, SB 9 passed out of the Senate Public Safety Committee. Testifying in support was a former prosecutor, a neuroscientist, and a child advocate. More than 70 organizations and thousands of individuals submitted letters in support. In opposition, several victims told the painful stories of their loved ones having been murdered. The bill now heads  to the Senate Appropriations Committee.