Hello Advocate,

The California State Legislature recently passed Senate Bill 9 (SB 9), the Fair Sentencing for Youth Act to reform California’s sentencing practices for juveniles. SB 9’s passage was exciting, as it took a lot of work from children's advocates like you to secure the last votes from the Assembly. For six years, there have been diligent efforts to pass this law through the Legislature. Now, for the first time ever, the bill has made it all the way and is on the Governor Brown’s desk awaiting signature or veto - we need your help in this final push to make sure the governor signs SB 9! 

Please urge Governor Brown to sign SB 9 into law today!

Currently, youth sentenced to life without parole – over 300 in California – will die in prison because there is no opportunity for them to ever be considered for parole, even if they have completely turned their lives around and become responsible adults. This extreme punishment is in violation of international human rights law, and carried out by no other country in the world. This practice ignores everything we have learned about youth maturation and brain development, including youth's unique capacity to change and the fact that the adolescent brain is not fully formed until early adulthood.

SB 9 would change this policy by allowing some youth who have been sentenced to life in prison and meet rigorous criteria an opportunity for resentencing, while still holding them accountable for their actions. If Governor Brown signs SB 9 into law, California will send an important message to the rest of the country that throwing away somebody's life for an act they committed during their adolescence is bad practice - morally wrong and financially irresponsible.

NOW is the time to step up and take action for second chances for children, as the governor will make a decision on SB 9 any day now. We urge you to call Governor Brown or send a letter of support today.

Call Governor Brown: 

Please call the governor’s office at (916) 445-2841. When you call, you can say something simple like: 

My name is ________ and I am calling to urge Governor Brown to sign SB 9, the Fair Sentencing for Youth Act.

I support SB 9 because it is a humane and reasonable bill that recognizes that young people have a unique ability to change. SB 9 provides hope for youth sentenced to life in prison without parole by allowing for an opportunity for resentencing.

Write to Governor Brown: 

Send a letter encouraging Governor Brown to sign SB 9. It’s easy to do – just enter your contact information, edit the template letter provided, and click send!

Thank you.