OLYMPIA – The House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations on Thursday took a significant step toward automatically restoring the right to vote to formerly incarcerated citizens no longer in the custody of the state Department of Corrections. A majority of the committee members voted to give House Bill 1078 a do-pass recommendation one week after a public hearing on the bill generated passionate support and, at times, opposition.
HB 1078 was introduced by Rep. Tarra Simmons, who was sworn in earlier this month as the new representative for Washington’s 23rd legislative district, which comprises much of Kitsap County. Simmons herself (D-East Bremerton), an attorney and registered nurse, was incarcerated at one time, and urged committee members to support the bill as a proven tool for reducing recidivism.
“My being here today as a state legislator is directly tied to the ability several years ago to successfully reenter the community after incarceration and become a voter again,” Simmons testified. “The current laws are complex and penalize low-income citizens, because even if their voting rights are conditionally restored, they can be revoked for missing a payment on the expenses tied to their case.
“When someone is trying to rebuild their life and feel like they are a real part of their community, it’s just common sense that we should give them the kinds of support that we can. The right to vote is one of the most sacred rights we share as Americans. Restoring that right costs us nothing, but it can be an invaluable tool for reducing recidivism.”
Simmons’ HB 1078, which is cosponsored by a bipartisan group of more than 40 lawmakers, now goes to the House Rules Committee for further consideration.
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