GOOD NEWS: The deadline to vote for the Legal Financial Obligation (LFO) Reform bill, HB 1390, has been extended and it is still alive!
BAD NEWS: The Senate has not voted on or passed this bill! We need to make sure they do.
Though the cut off for voting on bills was last Friday, some bills can get an extension citing that they are “Necessary to Implement the Budget.” HB 1390 got such an extension – and the credit goes to you for making this bill a high priority!
The Senate still needs to pass the bill. And your Senators need to know you are still paying attention. The regular session is scheduled to end this week, so the vote on LFO Reform needs to happen immediately.
LFOs are the fines and fees accrued at the time of sentencing, which are subject to 12% interest. This means people leave prison, having served their time and facing overwhelming debt. HB 1390, the LFO Reform Bill, would fix many of problems with our current broken system, and bring relief to thousands and thousands of people. It was passed by the House unanimously (97-0) this year.
- Call the Washington State Legislative Hotline at 1.800.562.6000.
- Tell the operator your zip code.
- Ask them to tell your Senator to make sure HB 1390 gets a vote in the Senate, and that they should vote in strong support of this bill. People trapped by LFO debt shouldn’t have to wait another year for us to fix our broken LFO system.
- Your message will be delivered to your legislative district’s senator.
- Or go to our advocacy partner Statewide Poverty Action Network’s page and use their handy email tool.
Here’s a sample message; feel free to personalize it:
“I’m calling to voice my support of the LFO Reform Bill (HB 1390 /SB 5713). This bill is a critical first step to fixing our state’s broken LFO system. It allows people who are previously incarcerated a real chance at financial stability for themselves and their families, and increases the likelihood that victims will see the restitution owed to them.”