Crisis Into Opportunity? Looking Ahead in Sacramento

The fiscal crisis has unlocked opportunities for reform. Legislators have already taken the first steps to reduce prison overcrowding through parole and probation reforms. This year, the ACLU will continue to advocate for sentencing reforms, including proposals suggested by the Governor, such as shifting petty-theft crimes from state prison to local jails, and reducing some non-violent crimes to misdemeanors.
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Getting Smart on Crime Could Help Save State Budget
Fiscal realities may finally motivate elected officials to become “smarter on crime.”  In California, the ACLU actively lobbied for parole and sentencing reforms as part of the budget solution. Any dollar saved could be allocated for more pressing social needs.
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Thousands of Reasons to End the Death Penalty
Hundreds of people traveled to Sacramento from all corners of the state on June 30 to offer impassioned and often intensely personal testimony about why they believe the time has come to end California’s death penalty system.
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