Thousands of inmates in Washington state have been incarcerated for very lengthy sentences some who have served half of their lives in prison. Is this truly rehabilitation? Is keeping a young adult incarcerated for 20 to 30 years doing this justice? Research shows that certain areas of the brain particularly those that affect judgment and decision-making, do not fully developed until the early 20s. This has been confirmed in studies by Stanford university (2009) University of Alberta (2011) and The National Institute of Mental Health (2011). The fact that young adults are still developing means that they are uniquely situated for personal growth. People in their early 20s are still developing and the direction of that development is not one that can be treated with reliability. The US Supreme Court has recognize this, stating that young adults through their mid 20s are overrepresented statistically in virtually every category of reckless behavior. (Roper vs Simmons) Young people have tremendous potential to mature and change. This bill wouldn't just help young offenders or prison reductions, it would also benefit the community. Many young offenders are in prime position to deter youth from the same choices they once made as teenagers and young adults. This would hold young adults who committed a crime while under the age of 23 responsible for the criminal behavior, but gives them a chance to turn their lives around. Young offenders who have served lengthy sentences work towards rehabilitation and remorse for their crime. The common-sense provisions strengthen Public Safety. It cost the state $62,000 a year to keep someone incarcerated. Let's give these men and women a second chance at becoming productive citizens and the opportunity to stop living off of the taxpayers expense! I propose that this be an age extension onto Bill SB 5064 an offender that committed a crime from 18 to 23 years old and was sentenced to second-degree murder they should serve a term of 15 years, first-degree murder would serve 20 years and aggravated first-degree murder would serve 25 years. I am proposing this bill not only as a productive citizen of Washington state but as a wife to an offender who is been incarcerated since the age of 19. He's been in the Washington state prison system for 13 years. Over that time he has gone from an impulsive, immature teen to a loving family man who is always trying to better himself by earning a college degree, helping family whenever he can, and staying connected with the world outside as much as possible. His dream is to change the world through helping at risk youth. I believe he is as rehabilitated as they come, and my hopes are that soon Washington can pass this bill, and soon he can become a valuable member of society once again. I strongly believe that not only the offender but society as a whole would benefit from this bill if it came to be please sign this petition and share it with as many people as possible.