I am very pleased to announce that HR2289 (formerly HR4300) has been re-introduced to congress.  The language of the bill has changed.  I believe that the bill is much strong and more comprehensive.  The intent of this legislation remains the same.  The goal is to give those juvenile offenders who committed a crime before the age of 18, and who have been sentenced to serve a sentence of more than 15 years in adult facility, the opportunity to appear before a parole board.  While appearing before a parole board does not mean that the will be granted parole, it does mean that they have an opportunity to have their sentences commuted or the opportunity to come home.  If they are not granted parole at the first hearing they may appear once every three years after that. 

The new legislation addresses the rights and needs of victims, it addresses the requirements for the states to comply and addresses the need for this reform.  Our thanks to the legislators for this bold move. I urge you to go to [1] www.hr4300.com to read the bill in its entirety.  There is also a link to the petition site for this legislation.  EVEN IF YOU HAVE SIGNED THIS PETITION IN THE PAST (HR4300), WE REQUEST THAT YOU SIGN THE PETITION FOR THIS REVISED LEGISLATION.

I am also providing form letters that we ask you to send to members of the judiciary committee and their contact information is included in these attachments as well.  If you know of others on your own e-mail lists that need this information, please forward.  We need to rally the troops! 

I want to thank all of you for helping us pass this important legislation.  However, the next step is to help establish the rehabilitation program, education and restorative justice programs that will help insure that receive the opportunity for parole and will help them transition into communities with success.  In order for this to happen we are going to need a comprehensive shift in the way we look at criminal justice.  More to come on that in my next blog……….

[2] letter_to_lamar_smith__and_the_judiciary.htm

[3] letter_to_the_john_conyers_for_the_judiciary_committee.doc

[4] us_house_judiciary_committee_111th_congress_member_contacts.htm