Thread by @OJRCenter

A House Judiciary Comm hearing about #SB1008 on youth sentencing reform is just beginning. We'll be tweeting throughout the hearing. #orpol

What does #SB1008 do? 1. Allows judges to decide whether youth “aging out” of OYA custody at 25 who will complete their sentence by their 27th birthday should serve the rest of their sentence under community supervision rather than in adult prison. #orpol

2. Ends life without parole sentences for youth with a meaningful opportunity for release after 15 years. #orpol #jlwop

3. Gives power back to judges to decide whether under-18s should be tried as youth or adults. Ends automatic waiver into adult court of 15-17-year-olds charged with #Measure11 crimes. #orpol

4. Offers youth convicted in adult court a “second look” hearing halfway through their sentences so judges can determine whether they have been rehabilitated and should serve the rest of their sentence under community supervision. #orpol

The bill applies to sentences imposed on or after Jan 1 2020. It is not retroactive. #orpol

.@MikeMcLaneOR questions whether all lawyers would agree that the bill is not retroactive. @Jennifer_for_OR responds that there is clear evidence that retroactivity was not the intent of those who worked on the bill. #orpol

Representing @SenatorWinters, @Heard4StateRep reads her words as she cannot be present. @SenatorWinters shares how her own husband was written off once by the system but was able to amply prove that redemption is poss w/ a second chance. #orpol

Supporting the bill, @SenProzanski reminds the committee of the importance of #Oregon meeting its obligation to comply with decisions of the US Supreme Court on youth sentencing. #orpol

.@SenProzanski castigates #Oregon DAs for failing to participate in workgroup actively and for not responding to other group member questions #orpol

.@SenProzanski also highlights that proposed reforms suggested by #Oregon DAs as an alternative to #SB1008 would not actually fix the problems SB 1008 is designed to fix. Our take: we need real reform! #orpol

.@SenProzanski recounts the story of his sister's murder and impact on his family as a reminder of his real life experience of violent crime and its effects. #orpol

Up next is Sang Dao, who has lived experience of the criminal justice system through #Measure11. He was transferred to adult county jail from juvenile custody on turning 18 and says it was "eye-opening." #orpol

Dao received clemency from then Gov John Kitzhaber. He says he was humbled by his victim supporting his clemency and recognizes the chance he's been given. #orpol

Dick Withnell, supporter of youth involved w/ the justice system speaks about what he's seen in terms of helping former MacLaren youth go to college. He believes in accountability and in second chances and rehabilitation. #orpol

.@MarcALevin of @RightOnCrime highlights how other states don't autowaive youth into adult court and the importance of recognizing huge ability of youth to rehabilitate. #orpol

Lane Co DA Patty Perlow speaks next. Opposes #SB1008. Says facts of #Measure11 cases may not be popular but need to be shared.
#orpol

Jackson Co. DA and ODAA chair Beth Heckert disputes @SenProzanski's characterization of the DAs' participation in the workgroup and opposes #SB1008 #orpol

Murder victim family member Dana speaks next about importance of respect for victims' needs and what her brother's sentence does for her family. #orpol

Deschutes DA John Hummel reminds panel of modern understanding of youth brain development and how young people's thinking affects their response to situations and their behavior generally. This does not mean youth aren't accountable. #orpol

Hummel reminds that failing to rehabilitate youth properly makes us MORE vulnerable to future crime due to increased recidivism. He endorses SB 1008. Alone among Oregon DAs? We will see. #orpol

Joe O'Leary, Dir of @OregonYouth, speaks in support of #SB1008 because of need for approach that respects youth development, data showing youth court is better for most youth and to address large racial and ethnic disparities among #Measure11 youth. #orpol

Christina McMahan, head of #Clackamas Co Juvenile Dept., supports #SB1008. Believes reforming #Measure11 for youth won't mean a return to higher crime rates and worse outcomes because of increase in knowledge and understanding among system stakeholders. #orpol

Colette Peters of @ORCorrections supports #SB1008. Reminds Comm. that #Oregon was groundbreaking in its approach to youth custody in creation of @OregonYouth. Says our increased understanding of youth means we should make further reform now. #orpol

Peters supports reform as an advocate for victims because she wants to be part of helping prevent future victims. #orpol

Retired prosecutor Greg Horner opposes #SB1008. Has handled many youth cases. Thinks #Measure11 better serves justice and youth rights given too much weight prior. #orpol

.@OregonCoalition speaks in support of the reforms in #SB1008 and appreciates the recognition of victims' needs. Also supporting is Antoinette Edwards of PDX Office of Youth Violence Prevention who says we need more thought before charging youth as adults. #orpol

. @DralishaMD offers context on trauma and brain development in youth and the need to do better in light of better understanding. Explains how as young people develop decision-making ability improves and impulsiveness diminishes. #orpol

"#SB1008 is a recognition of the new information that we have on youth development...We have an opportunity not to make decisions based on our fears but based on our hopes." @DralishaMD

Milwaukie resident Randy Tennant shares his story. His mother was murdered by another family member. Says accountability has to happen and some should never be released. Our note, #SB1008 does not guarantee parole for anyone. #orpol

Roger Martin, lobbyist for Oregon Catholic Conference recounts how he's met many people in prison. Reminds of the dramatic growth in prison numbers in #Oregon. Advocates for change so we stop spending more on prisons than higher ed. #orpol

Martin reminds lawmakers that #Measure10 gives them the power to alter sentencing laws and the people gave them that power. #orpol

Michael Hsu of #Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision says his board supports #SB1008.

Rod Berg, advocate for youth, supports #SB1008. He helps young people and encourages focus on a healthy, productive future. Has seen how people in prison can grow and change. #orpol

Wade Whiting, Crook Co DA, speaks to oppose #SB1008. Agrees room for improvement in juvenile system but believes the bill is wrong for victims. #orpol

.@MikeMcLaneOR returns to his earlier questions about retroactivity, desires further legal advice for the committee. @Jennifer_for_OR promises there is briefing on that to be provided. #orpol

Also wants to know whether we should be treating youth as youth up to 25 given facts of brain development? #orpol

Legislative Counsel says that there's at least one #Oregon case finding language saying a bill applies from x date, really means from x date. Court also rejected arguments that pre-#Measure11 sentences should reflect post-Measure 11 sentences.

.@karin_power wants to know more about what happens in youth court to understand what is the impact versus adult court. #orpol

And that's a wrap on the House Judiciary Comm hearing on #SB1008. #orpol