In California, “life without parole” means just that – it is a sentence to die in prison. The United States is the only country in the world to impose this sentence on youth 17-years-old or younger, ignoring the ability of young people to grow and change.
Human Rights Watch’s research has shown these laws are unjust: We estimate that across the nation, 59% of youth sentenced to life without parole are first-time offenders, without even a shoplifting record. In California, where more than 300 youth are serving life without parole, young black people receive this sentence 18 times more frequently than white youth.
California’s Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) is a step toward change: It would allow a judge to review these cases and, if warranted, impose a sentence of 25-to-life instead, giving reformed youth the possibility of parole.
The bill cleared the assembly and senate, and now sits on Governor Jerry Brown’s desk. But some law enforcement groups are pressuring the governor to veto this bill. Governor Brown needs to hear from people across the country who support the bill’s passage.
We need your help. Please take one minute to email or call the governor’s office, letting him know that you want him to sign SB 9 into law. You can e-mail him through his website at http://gov.ca.gov/m_contact.php or call him at (916) 445-2841. Ask him to sign SB 9, and let him know that young people deserve a second chance.
