VIDEO | Choosing criminal rights over victim needs Rep. Peter Abbarno’s opposition speech on House Bill 2539
Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, speaks on the House floor to oppose House Bill 2539, which adjusts regulations regarding inmate funds. He contends that the legislation effectively gives criminals more reasons to avoid paying child support and legal financial obligations.
Abbarno notes that while prisons provide all necessary essentials, this bill increases the amount of money inmates can retain for discretionary commissary purchases from 75 to 100.
He argues that these funds should instead go toward legal financial obligations that support victims, such as funding for courtroom navigators and PTSD treatment for domestic violence survivors.
By allowing inmates to keep more money rather than paying restitution, Abbarno believes the policy is prioritizing criminals over victims and ignoring the needs of those harmed by crim
