Friends,
The impact of solitary confinement on youth development is devastating. Evidence shows it can cause irreparable damage that makes rehabilitation much more difficult. Despite knowing this, this practice continues in Washington State. In fact, our state’s largest county continued putting youth in solitary confinement as punishment even after the county council voted to stop the practice.
The evidence shows that throwing youth in solitary confinement as punishment does not successfully curb their behavior and makes it harder to rehabilitate them. Ending this damaging practice is common sense.
That’s why I’m leading a diverse, bipartisan coalition to ban the use of youth solitary confinement as a form of punishment in Washington state.
Last week, the Washington House of Representatives passed my legislation with a strong bipartisan vote of 76-20. On Monday, the State Senate passed the bill 38-10 with bipartisan support. I’m grateful to the legislators who took this vote and the advocates working with me to eliminate youth solitary confinement as punishment.
Unfortunately, my opponent came out against this legislation. This signals the type of positions he will take as Attorney General if he’s elected. As long as I hold office, I will work to improve public safety and make our criminal justice system more fair.
Best,
Bob
