Contact: Trip Eggert, media@vera.org

Los Angeles, CA – Last night, the California State Assembly passed AB 1231, the Safer Communities Through Opportunity Act, authored by Assemblymembers Sade Elhawary (D-57) and Josh Lowenthal (D-69), and co-authored by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-61). It now heads to the Senate. Upon the bill’s advancement, Claire Simonich, associate director of Vera California, a local initiative of the Vera Institute of Justice, said:

“We know Californians are feeling the crunch of the high cost of living and want solutions that promote safety and stability for all of us. AB 1231 lets judges offer those solutions, like workforce development and behavioral health care programs, giving people charged with low-level offenses the chance to support themselves and their families and stay out of trouble.

“Research shows programs like these cut reoffending rates in half—this legislation will keep our communities safe by preventing crime before it can happen. And, crucially, this bill reduces harm to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking, who make up an all-too-high proportion of our jail populations. These survivors have low levels of reoffending with appropriate support, and AB 1231 will ensure that the most vulnerable Californians get help, not handcuffs.

“Our communities want services that prevent crime, that get people housed, and that give people a chance to support themselves—and the momentum is growing. We look forward to working with survivors, workers, service providers, and faith leaders to pass this bill through the Senate and get it to the governor’s desk.”

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About the Vera Institute of Justice: The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and policy experts working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they’re fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money doesn’t determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. Vera’s headquarters is in Brooklyn, New York, with offices in Washington, DC, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. For more information, visit vera.org.

About Vera Action: Vera Action is an independent 501(c)(4) organization and the advocacy partner of the Vera Institute of Justice. At Vera Action, we harness the power of advocacy, lobbying, and political strategy to end mass incarceration, protect immigrants’ rights, restore dignity to people behind bars, and build safe and thriving communities.