WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Helping former offenders lead productive, successful lives

 Legislative Support ServicesOLYMPIA – Rep. Eric Pettigrew, D-Renton, knows that people from all walks of life make mistakes. He also knows that most of them want to pay their debt to society, move on and become productive, law–abiding members of their community. But many can’t. There are too many barriers. That’s why Rep. Pettigrew has sponsored two bills, HB 1674 & HB 1704, to help juveniles and adults overcome these hurdles and succeed in life.

“By 2020, 70% of all jobs will require an associate’s degree,” said Rep. Pettigrew, when speaking on the final passage of HB 1704. “Former inmates returning to their communities face incredible barriers to building a stable life. In order for them to escape the problems that put them in prison in the first place: drugs, instability, violence and poverty – former offenders need a leg-up. Education is key. For those who have some higher education, recidivism is halved.”

Currently, Washington’s Department of Corrections is prohibited from using any funds to provide secondary education. Correctional facilities are allowed to offer some vocational training, but nothing beyond that. HB 1704 changes this and authorizes the DOC to provide higher education within existing resources – at no extra cost to taxpayers.

HB 1674 allows juveniles who will finish their sentences by age 21 to stay in juvenile facilities, rather than be moved to adult detention centers. Washington’s juvenile justice system is founded on the core principle of rehabilitation. It is most successful when youth reintegrate into society and become active, law-abiding, contributing members of their communities. Juvenile detention centers are better able to give young adults the support they need.

“If we want our children to lead productive, meaningful lives, we not only need to hold them accountable for their actions, but give them the tools to succeed,” said Pettigrew. “Rehabilitated children should be allowed to move on from their mistakes. We all benefit when young men and women, after paying their debt to society, become productive citizens.”

Both HB 1674 and 1704 passed the House this week and are now in the Senate.