Latest news with #TarraSimmons
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawmakers condemn protest at home of Democratic WA legislator
Rep. Tarra Simmons, D-Bremerton, is the first formerly incarcerated legislator in Washington state. (Photo courtesy of Legislative Support Services) Lawmakers have sprung to the defense of a Washington state lawmaker who faced a protest at her home over the weekend. Rep. Tarra Simmons estimated 20-25 protesters showed up at her Bremerton home on Saturday. The Democratic lawmaker held two town hall events that day in her district and was planning to stop at home after the first, but said she got calls from neighbors about the demonstration, so stayed away. 'I believe that people should have a right to free speech and assembly, I just wish they'd do it at my office or the Capitol,' Simmons said Tuesday. Matthew Adams, who ran for Bremerton City Council in 2021, took credit for the hourlong protest. He said the demonstrators stayed on public property. 'We were pretty respectful,' he added. He said they focused on Simmons because of her approach to public safety. Simmons, who was formerly incarcerated, has been a staunch advocate for strengthening rights and improving conditions for people in the criminal justice system, including those in prison. 'Criminals come to our homes, so why can't we go to theirs?' Adams said Tuesday. Some of the signs at the protest included a mugshot of Simmons. Another called her a 'Tarra-ist.' Elected in 2020, Simmons said her legislative career has been about eliminating the stigma people continue to face long after leaving prison. Her criminal record has been expunged. 'This harassment could lead people to relapse and recidivate,' she said. 'Lack of opportunity and constant harassment of people who have been incarcerated is what I'm trying to fight.' The tactics drew condemnation from both sides of the aisle. 'I think it is out of line for people to be targeted at their private homes for their political views,' said House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, D-West Seattle. House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, agreed. 'I don't think it's morally right to be harassing folks in their own home and making them feel unsafe,' he said. But he also called Simmons 'soft on crime.' One of her proposals, House Bill 1125, would pave the way for felony offenders to petition for a new prison sentence. But the House didn't pass the measure before a deadline, so it is likely dead for the year. 'By protesting at her house, you lose the very good message, which is that Tarra Simmons wants to let criminals out of jail early, and, instead, how the protest was conducted was the story, and I don't think that's wise,' Stokesbary said. Stokesbary hopes Democratic leaders condemn protests at the homes of Republican lawmakers, citing Washington Education Association demonstrations over the past decade. After the protest at her home, demonstrators took to Simmons' town hall in Bremerton, which she attended with her seatmates. Adams said he called her a 'scumbag' there. He said he likes Democratic Rep. Greg Nance, who is also from Kitsap County, but not Simmons. Adams said he doesn't plan to hold another similar protest, saying he thought this one was effective. In recent years, Lt. Gov. Denny Heck has championed bringing greater civility to politics. He spearheaded the development of the Project for Civic Health with the University of Washington, Henry M. Jackson Foundation and William D. Ruckelshaus Center. A report from the group found governing has gotten harder at the local level, with more than one mayor reporting protesters outside their homes. One had that happen during a wedding. 'The incapacity for civil dialogue across differing opinions is a serious disease of our body politic,' the report reads.
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.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawmakers weigh proposal to let certain people out of prison early
The Brief Washington lawmakers are considering legislation to let certain inmates in prison apply for resentencing, prompting debate about rehabilitation and accountability. House Bill 1125 would allow inmates who meet certain conditions to apply for a review of their sentence. Proponents say the process best recognizes people's rehabilitation, while opponents believe it could cause more harm. OLYMPIA, Wash. - State lawmakers are considering legislation to let certain inmates in prison apply for resentencing, prompting debate about rehabilitation and accountability. House Bill 1125, also called the "Judicial Discretion Act," would establish a process to allow inmates to petition a court to change their sentence. The process is already available to prosecutors. With the exception for those sentenced as "persistent offenders" or convicted of first-degree aggravated murder, any inmate could apply for a hearing after serving a minimum amount of time or having a certain medical condition. The petitioner would need to show they've made changes in their behavior and have a low risk of reoffending. Ultimately, it would be up to a judge whether that inmate could get out sooner than sentenced. What they're saying "This population who does get out has a less than 1% recidivism rate," said prime sponsor State Representative Tarra Simmons (D-Bremerton) at the bill's first hearing on January 23. Simmons pointed to her own experience of being incarcerated in trying to make changes to the criminal justice system. She highlighted provisions that would keep crime victims involved in the modification process, like notices about petitions and hearings, and provide them with advocacy services like financial assistance. "Every 12 years we shave off a sentence, we're saving a million dollars," Simmons said. "But right now we underfund victim services. And all the money that we're gonna save from this, I want to put it into victim services." One man who received a resentencing initiated by a prosecutor told the House Community Safety Committee on Thursday there are plenty of people behind bars who should receive careful consideration to be released. "We're not asking them to let everybody out," said Jacob Schmitt. "We're asking to have the opportunity to have a professional judge to review the totality of things. To include who the person is today and the things that they have done to demonstrate extraordinary rehabilitation so they might be returned to the community." But not everyone agrees. The other side One woman whose brother was murdered told the committee the bill prioritizes the rights of violent individuals over those who were affected by their violence. "By allowing offenders who have already demonstrated a willingness to assault and kill to petition for resentencing–this legislation, it jeopardizes public safety and retraumatizes families like mine," Krista Stogner testified. "I've heard the word 'retribution' used, and 'retribution' is the act of seeking revenge," said former victim's advocate Tiffany Attrill. "It is not 'retribution' for a victim's family to want the judicial system to uphold the commitment when a sentence is imposed." Other opponents say clemency and pardons should be used to release those who have reformed. They also raised concerns about court caseloads increasing with the resentencing requests. State Representative Lauren Davis (D-Shoreline) said she is struggling with how to vote on or amend the bill because of instances where judges release people who go on to commit other crimes. "How can I have confidence in granting more discretion to judicial officers when I have some concerns about the ability of some judges to assess dangerousness and prioritize public safety," she said at the bill's first hearing. The bill is currently slated for a committee vote on February 6. 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. LIVE DC plane crash updates: Midair collision leaves no survivors President Trump's response to the plane crash in Washington, DC FULL VIDEO: Trump questions role of helicopter pilot, air traffic control; faults Biden after deadly DC crash Seattle weather: Snow possible in areas this weekend Another movie theater in Seattle is closing after 10 years Two earthquakes, 4.2 and 3.0, strike off WA coast Renton police, families slam King Co. judge for release of 2 violent suspects 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.
