The legislative session is in full swing, and things are moving fast—with lots of opportunities to have your voice heard! Be sure to explore Civil Survival’s legislative priorities on our website and learn more about legislation to reform our criminal legal system.
Don’t forget to register for our 2025 Community Empowerment Week: Transforming the Criminal Legal System advocacy day on February 10th and join others impacted by the legal system to connect with legislators, build community, and make some noise!
Below are some specific actions you can take RIGHT NOW to go on the record and support the bills with hearings next week!
SB 5231 / HB 1301: Connecting Families Act
Keeping strong relationships with loved ones outside of prison is crucial for successful reintegration after release. But, the expensive costs of calls and messages often hinder their ability to maintain these connections. The Connecting Families Act would make phone calls and electronic messages free for people in Washington prisons.
SB 5231 will be heard in the Senate Committee on Human Services on Monday, 1/27 at 1:30 PM.
Ways to Support
- Sign in PRO here by 12:30 PM on 1/27 to have your position noted for the record
- Watch the hearing here on Monday 1/27 at 1:30 PM
- Scheduled for Executive Session in the Senate Committee on Human Services on Wednesday, 1/29 at 8:00 AM
- Watch the Executive Session here on Wednesday, 1/29 at 8:00 AM
HB 1301 will be heard in the House Committee on Community Safety on Tuesday, 1/28 at 4:00 PM.
Ways to Support
- Sign in PRO Here by 3:00 PM on 1/28 to have your position noted for the record.
- Watch the hearing here on Monday, 1/28 at 4:00 PM
HB 1499: Eradicating poverty fees, alleviating the burdens of legal financial obligation
Over the years, the No Price on Justice coalition has reduced the impacts of Washington’s LFO system on people and their families. However, courts continue to impose fees and costs on people who are living in poverty, leaving many Washingtonians in debt. This bill would remove all fees and costs associated with criminal cases, allowing people to emerge from the criminal legal system with significantly reduced debt burdens.
Public hearing in the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary on Tuesday, 1/28 at 10:30 AM
Ways to Support
- Sign in PRO here by 9:30 AM on 1/28 to have your position noted for the record.
- Watch the hearing here on Tuesday, 1/28 at 10:30 AM
HB 1239: The Reentry Readiness Act
Under the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984, every person could earn one-third of their sentence through positive, rehabilitative programming and pro-social behavior. Over the years, changes to the statute have resulted in increased systemic racism and injustice. HB 1239 would bring Washington’s earned time system up to the low end of the national average. Our state’s earned time system ranks 49th in the country.
Public hearing in the House Committee on Community Safety on Tuesday, 1/28 at 4:00 PM
Ways to Support
- Sign in PRO here by 3:00 PM on 1/28 to have your position noted for the record.
- Watch the hearing here on Monday, 1/28 at 4:00 PM
HB 1274: Juvenile Points – Retroactivity
In 2023, the legislature stopped the practice of automatically punishing people twice because of their involvement as children in the juvenile justice system. But this change only applied to new cases. As a result, up to 856 currently incarcerated people – disproportionately people of color – do not get the same benefit of the law and are left serving unjustly long sentences. This follow-up bill will correct this generational inequity, while recognizing public safety, the support needs of victims, and court capacity.
Public hearing in the House Committee on Community Safety on Tuesday, 1/28 at 4:00 PM
Ways to Support
- Sign in PRO here by 3:00 PM on 1/28 to have your position noted for the record.
- Watch the hearing here on Tuesday, 1/28 at 4:00 PM
SB 5342: Providing legislators access to state facilities
SB 5342 requires the Department of Corrections, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, and the Department of Social and Health Services to provide legislators access to their facilities within 48 hours of a request. This legislation will ensure transparency and accountability within our state systems. This change is crucial for allowing elected officials to oversee these institutions and advocate for necessary reforms.
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Human Services on Tuesday, 1/28 at 1:30 PM
Ways to Support