A tiny yet mighty delegation from PJALS took storm at the Capitol on Tuesday, January 26th to advocate for Safe & Just Alternatives to the death penalty. Our delegation met with 8 of 9 legislators or their staff and delivered postcards to all nine offices representing the 3rd, 6th, and 4th legislative districts. We had the busiest schedule of the day and delivered the largest bundles of postcards. Thank you to all of you who signed a postcard this year and helped make this day such a success.
HB 1739 and SB 5639 would remove the death penalty as a sentencing option for aggravated first degree murder, leaving life without the possibility of parole as the default sentence. This year we are hoping for a vote out of House Judiciary Committee which held a hearing last year and at least a hearing in the Senate Law & Justice Committee. There is a good chance for the House movement but Senator Mike Padden, Chair of the Senate Law & Justice Committee, continues to prevent a hearing in his committee. Most folks analysis is that if the bills made it to the floor we have the votes to win in both chambers.
Our delegation left Olympia physically exhausted but spiritually energized from a productive day at the Capitol. This issue has become strong in bi-partisan support and even the lawmakers who will likely never agree with us now display respect for and willingness to hear our concerns with this barbaric policy. It is only a matter of time until we win repeal.
If you did not sign a postcard but would like to lift your voice on the issue, find your legislator here and send them a personalized email.