This appeal comes from a deeply personal place. Recently, my boyfriend was arrested dependant on a warrant that was issued three years prior for not meeting with his parole officer. He made a conscious choice to move away from Salina, Kansas, to pave the path to a new, improved lifestyle. However, his past has reached out to impede his progress and he now faces 30 days of sanction in a place that he deliberately left for his betterment.

The law, as it stands, allows for a warrant to hold over a person's head indefinitely, irrespective of the changes that the person might have made in their lives. This case is not an isolated one but impacts countless people nationwide. According to a 2016 CNN report, there are over 7.8 million outstanding warrants in the United States. Many of these are for misdemeanors, not felonies, and have lingered for years. Unfortunately, our system focuses more on the past rather than recognizing the present advancements and reforms made by individuals.

Our plea is to demand a change in current laws, specifically the introduction of a "sunset clause" for warrants, wherein they expire after a specified period. Moreover, it is essential that the law takes into consideration a person's current situation rather than solely reflecting on their past offences. We are not seeking to excuse criminality, but to appeal for a compassionate system that supports rehabilitation and fosters progress in individuals who have strived to better themselves.

Please sign this petition to help us advocate for a more compassionate outlook of the law enforcement and judicial systems. Every signature takes us a step closer towards a fair system that supports life changes and improvements.