Legislation

“Second Chances Don’t Diminish Justice, But Fulfill It”

April is Second Chances Month, and while the state paints “victims” in opposition to second chances for people in prison, a growing network of people identifying as “dual victims” are exposing the lie behind this narrative. Dual victims are people who have lost loved ones to interpersonal violence and mass incarceration. Their lived experiences demonstrate …

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The Fight to Free Our Elders

Mid-day on September 30, 2021, community members and lawmakers gathered outside of Philadelphia City Hall around the 12-foot bronze Octavius Catto statue for a press conference to gather support for the newly introduced Senate Bill 835 that would establish geriatric and medical parole in Pennsylvania. Several movement partners came together to host the event, namely …

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Unpacking SB 835: Who has a chance at freedom from medical and geriatric parole?

This bill has been introduced in the Senate but is not law. We at Straight Ahead want to see the bill become law, as it would allow the possibility for parole for many older and sick people in prisons, including those who might not be covered by other reform bills. This was written and last …

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Unpacking SB 135: What does the Death By Incarceration bill do?

This bill has been introduced in the Senate but is not law. We at Straight Ahead are fighting for it to become law, as it would essentially eliminate life without parole sentencing. This was written and last updated July of 2021. Bills can sometimes change after being introduced. Here’s what the bill does The bill …

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