Bill would allow incarcerated murderers and rapists to serve as jurors, vote, run for office
On Tuesday (Jan. 16), the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee held a public hearing on a bill that would allow convicted serial murderers and rapists to serve as jurors, vote, and run for elected office while in prison.
The three Republicans on the committee, ranking member Rep. Greg Cheney, R-Battle Ground, assistant ranking member Rep. Leonard Christian, R-Spokane Valley, and Rep. Sam Low, R-Lake Stevens, issued the following joint statement in response to the hearing:
“House Bill 2030 is the latest in a long list of radical proposals that prioritize criminals at the expense of victims. Restoring the voting rights of convicted murderers and rapists – including serial killers such as Gary Ridgway – would revictimize thousands of Washington families still suffering from the immeasurable pain and lifelong scars that forever haunt the loved ones of crime victims.
“Under this proposal, someone convicted and serving a felony sentence for vehicular homicide could sit on a juror panel on a DUI charge – that’s absurd on its face. At a time when violent crime is on the rise here in Washington, we should be focused on restoring law and order, not empowering convicted felons.”
Background
In Washington, those convicted of an “infamous crime” are not allowed to vote or serve as a juror. House Bill 2030 would redefine infamous crime to only include state crimes punishable by death; however, in 2018 the Washington Supreme Court determined that the death penalty is unconstitutional.
Legislative Democrats subsequently repealed statutes allowing for the death penalty. The effect of passing House Bill 2030 would be to restore the voting and juror rights of every incarcerated person.
The committee hearing can be viewed here on TVW: tvw.org/video/house-state-government-tribal-relations-2024011303/?eventID=2024011303
Information provided by Washington State House Republicans, houserepublicans.wa.gov
Also read:
- Letter: ‘We’re going to give them some money and a plane ticket, and then we’re going to work with them’
Camas resident Anna Miller supports a new structured self-deportation policy, calling it a balanced approach to immigration and economic needs. - Pro-Palestinian protesters occupy UW building, 30 arrested
About 30 protesters were arrested at the University of Washington after occupying a building and demanding the school cut ties with Boeing. - Sen. Braun praises UW officials for response to Monday protests, calls for prosecutionsSen. John Braun praised UW officials for their firm response to violent protests tied to the university’s relationship with Boeing.
- Largest parade in Southwest Washington bands together for a better tomorrowThe 59th annual Parade of Bands in Hazel Dell will feature 24 high school bands and more than 120 entries on May 17.
- Don’t leave tax dollars on the table; learn about county’s tax exemption program at May 16 event in WashougalClark County tax exemption specialists will assist seniors and people with disabilities during a May 16 event in Washougal.
- Trades Tuesday is here, hoping to become a trend in area schoolsA new campaign is launching in area schools to inspire students to consider careers in the trades.
- Opinion: What the 2025 legislature tells us about why Washington’s government keeps failingTodd Myers of the Washington Policy Center argues that Washington’s government fails because it resists humility, experimentation, and accountability in its policymaking.
