We had a productive meeting with Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo last week to discuss the change we are fighting for in Lorenso’s name. She expressed support and is interested in helping move forward with creating legislation that addresses how minors who commit serious crimes, including murder, are transferred into adult court and charged.

While our original goal was reforming Proposition 57, we are now focusing on a path that could realistically create change through new legislation. So currently in discussion at the state level is California Assembly Bill 2040, which proposes lowering the burden of proof required to transfer certain minors to adult criminal court. Right now, prosecutors must prove with “clear and convincing evidence” that a minor cannot be rehabilitated in the juvenile system. AB 2040 proposes changing that standard to a “preponderance of the evidence,” which could make it easier for serious cases involving older minors to be tried in adult court.

Assemblymember Macedo shared that she would like to work toward creating that bill in Lorenso’s name that addresses these concerns and helps ensure accountability in cases where minors commit the most serious crimes. This is still early in the legislative process, but it is a step forward. We are grateful for the opportunity to be heard and hopeful that Lorenso’s story can help bring meaningful change to California law.

Thank you to everyone who has supported, shared, and stood with us. We will continue to keep the community updated as we move forward.