End the crack/powder cocaine sentencing disparity in California

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End the crack/powder cocaine sentencing disparity in California

Crack and powder cocaine are the same drug, with nearly identical effect on the body. But crack cocaine is punished much more harshly and that doesn’t make any sense.

Whatever the intended goal, disparate sentencing guidelines for two forms of the same drug have resulted in a pattern of institutional racism. Longer prison sentences and stricter probation guidelines are given to people of color who are more likely than white people to be incarcerated for crack cocaine offenses compared to powder cocaine offenses -- despite the fact that these groups use the drugs at the same rate.

If passed, this historic reform bill will save taxpayer dollars and make our criminal justice system more fair. It’s a first step to a smarter, more humane, and cost-effective justice system in California.

SIGN THE PETITION and send an email to your State Senator asking him or her to support Senate Bill 1010:

"As your constituent, I ask you to support SB 1010 by Senator Holly Mitchell and end the groundless disparity between crack and powder cocaine sentencing and probation. This bill will also save tax dollars so they can be spent more wisely on treatment and rehabilitation programs."