JDA Coalition

Our Incarcerated Board

Charles Longshore - Chair
Travis Comeslast - Co-Chair
Ralph Dunuan - Vice Chair
Leanna Betchtel
Derrick Jones
Amanda Knight
Kallee Knudson
Azias Ross
Robert Suarez
Filomena Washington

What is the Judicial Discretion Act (House Bill 2001)?

House Bill 2001, also known as the Judicial Discretion Act (JDA), is a groundbreaking piece of legislation created by currently incarcerated individuals who have been failed by the SB 6164 (allowing prosecutors to reduce sentences) process. Supported by a broad coalition of community members, nonprofit organizations, judges, and other system stakeholders, this bill is sponsored by Rep. Tarra Simmons.

What does it do?

The Judicial Discretion Act empowers judges with the discretion to review and potentially resentence incarcerated individuals based on several key factors, including:

Demonstrated rehabilitation
Whether continued incarceration no longer serves the interest of justice
Length of time served (10 years, or 7 years if the offense was committed before age 18)
Age at the time of the offense
Medical challenges faced by the incarcerated person

Where is the Judicial Discretion Act now?

Thanks to the efforts of our incarcerated family, Rep. Tarra Simmons, community supporters, and stakeholders, HB 2001 successfully passed through the House of Representatives in last year's legislative session. Unfortunately, it did not pass the Senate. Our fight is not over, and we remain committed to ensuring that everyone who deserves a second chance gets one. Prosecutors should not have the sole power to decide who gets a second look—judges should also have that discretion.

Why is the Judicial Discretion Act important?

1. Increases Public Safety
Research shows that long sentences do not effectively reduce recidivism or deter crime. By allowing for reconsideration of sentences, this act promotes more effective rehabilitation and reintegration.

2. Promotes Racial Justice
Severe racial disparities persist in sentencing and the prison population. For example, nearly 1 in 4 individuals serving very long prison sentences are Black, while Black people make up less than 5% of Washington’s population. Additionally, Indigenous people are incarcerated at more than six times the rate of White people. This act is a step towards addressing these disparities.

3. Support Survivors

Incarceration is costly. By reducing excessive incarceration, the savings can be reinvested in services that support survivors of crime and community programs. Long sentences do little to prevent violence or promote healing. Many crime survivors prefer shorter sentences with more focus on prevention and rehabilitation. The Judicial Discretion Act aligns with this perspective, recognizing that the line between “victims” and “offenders” is often blurred.

4. Supports Victims and Survivors

Long sentences do little to prevent violence or promote healing. Many crime survivors prefer shorter sentences with more focus on prevention and rehabilitation. The Judicial Discretion Act aligns with this perspective, recognizing that the line between “victims” and “offenders” is often blurred.

How Can You Help?

Advocate: Contact your local legislators and express your support for the Judicial Discretion Act.
Educate: Share information about the JDA with your community to raise awareness.
Get Involved: Join our coalition to advocate with us for HB 2001. Email: advocacy@freedomprojectwa.org
Donate: Support nonprofits and advocacy groups working to pass the JDA and similar legislation.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who deserve a second chance.

Freedom Project is an organization that centers the voices of those most marginalized. Our staff is made up of 100% BIPOC individuals, 80% of whom are Black and have faced life or long prison sentences.