A new bill proposed by Washington Democrats would grant activist judges the power to release dangerous felons from prison before they complete their sentences based on subjective judgments. The bill raises serious concerns about public safety and disregards the severity of the crimes committed by these individuals.
In another criminal justice reform bill that defies common sense and endangers public safety, Washington Democrats are pushing legislation that would empower activist judges to release dangerous felons from prison before they’ve completed their sentences, based on nothing more than their own subjective judgments. The impetus for the bill? There are too many violent criminals representing “low-income communities and communities of color” currently serving long sentences.
This bill would grant sentencing courts the authority to shorten original sentences (including to the point of release) if they determine that the sentence “no longer serves the interests of justice.” If passed, beginning July 1, 2026, any criminals incarcerated for felony convictions — excluding those sentenced as persistent offenders or for first-degree aggravated murder — can petition for sentence modification under specific criteria. For instance, offenders who committed their crimes at age 17 or younger and have served at least seven years, or those who are terminally ill, would be eligible to petition. The bill gradually expands eligibility in subsequent years to include offenders up to age 25 and older because Democrats claim brains aren’t fully formed until people are in their mid-20s, preventing people from understanding that there are consequences to murder. Ultimately, however, the bill said any eligible adult felon who spent at least 10 years in jail could be released early. This bill, under the guise of “judicial discretion,” threatens to undermine the very foundation of our justice system and put our communities even more at risk. Proponents argued that this legislation addresses the disproportionate impact of long-term incarceration on low-income communities and racial minorities. They claimed that early release opportunities encourage rehabilitation and result in significant cost savings for the state (as if, suddenly, Democrats care about government spending). The legislation even claims that research shows a lower recidivism rate for felons who are granted early release. While the bill’s supporters tout rehabilitation and cost savings, they conveniently overlook the clear dangers of releasing convicted felons back into society prematurely. The criteria for sentence modification are alarmingly subjective, relying on assessments of an inmate’s rehabilitation, age, time served and even “diminished physical condition.” Such vague standards open the door for activist judges, some who have openly claimed the criminal justice system is racist or that prison doesn’t rehabilitate offenders, and lenient decisions that will jeopardize public safety. They also included continued punishment, like parole, for those released early. The bill also fails to acknowledge the reality that not all crimes are equal. It would allow for the early release of violent felons who committed serious offenses, a dangerous notion that disregards the severity of their crimes and the fear they inflicted on their victims. The bill’s supporters seem to prioritize empathy for criminals over the safety and well-being of victims and their families. They are quick to point to the potential for rehabilitation, but they offer little consideration for the lasting trauma inflicted on those who have been harmed by these criminals. During a public hearing for House Bill 1125, State Rep. Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline, asked a pointed question of radical King County judge Veronica Galvan. The judge testified in favor of the bill, which Davis doesn’t support in its current form. Galvan is known for making controversial rulings, including sentencing a man to just 10 years in prison for the brutal murder of a young woman. Galvan is also the same judge who, in a separate case, ruled in favor of a man accused of sexually assaulting a minor. Davis, concerned about the potential impact of the bill on public safety, highlighted Galvan’s history of making questionable decisions, including her controversial handling of a case involving a defendant charged in the alleged disembowelment of a 14-year-old boy in Everett. It wasn’t the judge’s only dangerous mistake because Galvan is driven by an ideological belief that the criminal justice system is inherently racist and that incarceration is ineffective as a form of punishment. “If I vote for this policy, and some of these incarcerated individuals are released and they do reoffend, I consider myself culpable,” Davis told Galvan. “So my question to you is how can I have confidence in granting more discretion to judicial officers when I already have concerns over some judges to assess dangerousness and prioritize public safety?” Galvan responded in a somewhat snide tone, saying that not all judges will be perfect. She then complained that she doesn’t earn praise when she makes the right decision. This response only further solidified Davis’ concerns about the potential dangers of empowering judges to make such subjective and consequential decisions. This bill is a step in the wrong direction, one that prioritizes the rights of criminals over the safety and well-being of law-abiding citizens. It is a dangerous bill that should be rejected by the Washington legislature.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM JUDICIARY PUBLIC SAFETY WASHINGTON DEMOCRATS SENTENCE MODIFICATION RELEASE OF FELONS VICTIMS RIGHTS
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