Latest news with #HouseCommitteeonCommunitySafety
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WA legislators hear bill to lengthen sentences for organized retail theft
The Brief WA legislators are hearing House Bill 1276, which would create a new sentencing enhancement for anyone convicted of stealing or possessing a large amount of goods. The bill currently has some bipartisan support, but it still faces some resistance from lawmakers and legal experts. A 2021 Forbes study found Washington was the state most impacted by retail crime. OLYMPIA, Wash. - Some people convicted of organized retail theft could get a longer prison sentence under a proposal making its way through the legislature. Heard in the House Committee on Community Safety Monday afternoon, House Bill 1276 would create a new sentencing enhancement for anyone convicted of stealing or possessing a high value of goods. Twelve months would be added to the sentence of a person guilty of organized retail theft where the property is worth $20,000 or more. If the property has a value of $50,000 or more, 24 months would be added to the sentence. Currently, a person could get up to ten years in prison for organized theft, based on the seriousness of the crime. Dig deeper A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers have signed onto the bill. People who testified in support at Monday's hearing said money made from organized theft funds other criminal activity, often involves a great deal of violence and pointed to a 2021 Forbes study which found Washington was the state most impacted by retail crime. "It impacts our businesses who can't absorb the loss and may have to lay off workers," said prime sponsor State Representative Mari Leavitt (D-University Place). "It impacts our state by having lost tax dollars that could go back into the strength of our economy. And it impacts consumers who may not feel safe as a result, to do their shopping." A representative from the state Sentencing Guidelines Commission testified in opposition, saying existing aggravating factors already allow for stiffer punishments for crimes with a large economic impact or with sophisticated planning. Other opponents say organized theft isn't as large of a problem as retailers say it is, and question the impact of longer sentences. What they're saying "It isn't helpful because we've known for years that sentence length is not a deterrent to crime, neither for the general public or for the person caught," said David Trieweiler with the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. "Yet here we are again, falsely claiming that increasing sentence lengths will deter these crimes and increase public employee safety. It will not." One King County prosecutor testified more resources are needed as they face an increase in all types of cases. Leavitt acknowledged the proposal is just one tool needed to address organized theft. It is currently unclear when the community safety committee could vote on the bill. Albert James is a television reporter covering state government as part of the Murrow News Fellowship program – a collaborative effort between news outlets statewide and Washington State University. The Source Information comes from original reporting by Murrow News fellow Albert James. Politics: WA Senate passes changes to parental rights in education Local: Japan Airlines plane clips tail of Delta plane at Sea-Tac Travel: Here's when you'll need REAL ID to get through US airport security Food: New restaurants coming to Seattle in 2025 To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily Fox Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
WA lawmakers narrowly advance proposal for inmate resentencing
The Brief A proposal to let certain inmates in prison apply for resentencing narrowly passed through the House Committee on Community Safety Thursday morning. The legislation would allow certain inmates to petition a court to review their sentence if they meet criteria on time served, improved behavior and low risk of reoffending. Citing concerns about victims rights and judicial discretion, one Democratic representative joined Republicans in an attempt to block the proposal. OLYMPIA, Wash. - A proposal to let certain inmates in prison apply for resentencing narrowly cleared a hurdle in the Washington State House Thursday. One Democratic representative pushed back on the idea as other members of her party pushed it forward. The House Committee on Community Safety voted 5-4 to advance House Bill 1125. The legislation would allow certain inmates to petition a court to review their sentence if they meet criteria on time served, improved behavior and low risk of reoffending. The bill was also amended to require five years of community custody after resentencing, and to encourage victims to tell the court "what outcome would make them feel safe." What they're saying "The prosecutors can do this for any reason that's in the interest of justice right now," said prime sponsor State Representative Tarra Simmons (D-Bremerton) "I'm asking that defense counsel be able to do this as well, with a lot of eligibility criteria and protection around it. And continued supervision in the community." Simmons argued people who have reformed should get a second look at their sentences, and often are victims of crimes themselves. The other side However, Republicans argued the bill needs more work. They cited circumstances of judges facing no accountability after letting individuals out of jail who go on to commit more crimes. "I have also heard testimony from other families, who have again been on the receiving end of this," said State Representative Jenny Graham (R-Spokane) "Where somebody that was very dangerous should've never been let out or received low bail, ended up getting out. Now their son is dead." State Representative Lauren Davis (D-Shoreline) also expressed concerns about judicial discretion. "Judges are not qualified to run a parole board," she said. "They have neither the tools nor the training, and the legislature can compel neither." Davis offered a sweeping amendment to have the state's Indeterminate Sentence Review Board manage the process, arguing they are best equipped for the task. But it was voted down. Davis acknowledged the only early release option for individuals who have reformed is requesting clemency from the governor, a process that "is like passing through the eye of a needle" and "leaves too many people behind." "The clemency and pardons process is too narrow. But this bill is far too broad," she said. Davis ultimately joined all Republicans in voting against the bill, arguing crime victims are being pushed to the side with the legislation. "The title of this act provides for 'judicial discretion to modify sentences in the interests of justice.' But I must ask, 'justice for whom?'" Davis said. "As currently construed, this bill provides justice only for the person who has caused harm." When House Bill 1125 could be considered by the full House has yet to be announced. The Source Information in this story is from Albert James, a television reporter covering state government as part of the Murrow News Fellowship program – a collaborative effort between news outlets statewide and Washington State University. Seattle principal arrested for DUI and domestic violence after car flips Seattle police Lt. sues city, claims retaliation discrimination Japan Airlines plane impales tail of Delta plane at Sea-Tac Airport More than 1K rally outside Olympia Capitol in '50 states, 50 protests' demonstration Washington Senate passes changes to parental rights in education To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily Fox Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
