To the Honorable Members of the California State Senate and Assembly,

We, the undersigned, respectfully submit this petition in strong support of **Senate Bill 672**—the **Youth Rehabilitation and Opportunity Act**—which aims to provide certain life-sentenced individuals an opportunity for parole, based on their demonstrated rehabilitation and growth.

**Why We Support SB 672:**

1. **Rehabilitation and Growth:** Many individuals who were sentenced to life in prison at a young age have shown tremendous personal growth, maturity, and rehabilitation. SB 672 offers these individuals a chance to be evaluated on the merits of their transformation rather than the crime they committed as a youthful offender.

2. **Scientific Evidence on Brain Development:** Research shows that the human brain continues to develop well into the mid-20s. Young people are more susceptible to poor decision-making due to the immaturity of their brains. SB 672 takes into account the evolving understanding of adolescent brain development and its influence on behavior, recognizing that youthful offenders can change over time.

3. **Reducing Recidivism and Promoting Public Safety:** Paroling individuals who have demonstrated genuine rehabilitation has the potential to reduce recidivism. These individuals, having grown through education, therapy, and self-reflection, are often less likely to commit crimes upon release. This contributes to the overall safety and well-being of society.

4. **Human Dignity and Justice:** SB 672 recognizes the potential for redemption and human dignity, offering incarcerated individuals who have served a significant portion of their sentences an opportunity to show that they no longer pose a threat to society. It acknowledges that justice is not about punishment alone, but also about providing individuals with a fair opportunity to re-enter society once they have reformed.

5. **Equity for Youth Offenders:** The bill also addresses the disproportionate impact of life sentences on youth offenders of color, who often face harsher sentences and systemic disadvantages. By offering parole eligibility, SB 672 helps ensure fairness and equality in sentencing.

 **Our Request:**

We urge the California State Legislature to pass **Senate Bill 672** and to provide a pathway for rehabilitated youth offenders serving life without possibility of parole sentences to have their cases heard by a parole board. We believe this bill promotes restorative justice and offers hope for a future where individuals who have worked to change their lives are given the chance to rejoin their communities.

We ask for your support in enacting a law that will benefit both the individuals who have paid their debts to society and the communities that will be enriched by their successful reintegration.

**Sign the Petition.**

We stand for a California that believes in second chances and values the potential for change in everyone. Please support **SB 672** and advocate for the fair treatment and parole eligibility of those who have demonstrated genuine rehabilitation.

Thank you for your consideration and support.