The hour-long Assembly floor debate focused on the question of
redemption. Democrat Gil Cedillo argued that even teens who
commit crimes like murder ought to get the opportunity to change
their lives behind bars and earn a second chance.
CEDILLO "If you believe there is some possible
redeeming aspect to your humanity that should be reviewed, after 25
years, then you will vote Aye."
But Republican Jim Nielsen countered that the victims of
crimes deserve justice more.
NIELSEN "Yes, victims can forgive, that is a good
and Christian value. But it never goes away. And the
only single thing that a victim can ever have is justice. And
here you are denying them justice."
Republicans unanimously opposed the measure. Some
Democrats did too, and several other Democrats abstained.