Candace Lightner, Co-Founder Not an Accident.info Matt Capelouto, Co-Founder of Not an Accident.info

This week, California took a step toward truth and honesty for victims and their families.

Watch We Save Lives Founder Candace Lightner testify before the California Senate Health Committee in support of #SB1071. This legislation allows families to correct death certificates when a court has determined their loved one was killed, not lost in an “accident.”

The bill passed the committee on a 9-0 vote and now heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

We will keep you informed on how to support this effort and ensure the voices of victims and their families are heard.

#JusticeForVictims #Advocacy #CommunitySupport

Because we care...

https://bit.ly/4vszouk

SB 1071 Campaign Press Conference: A Powerful Step Toward Truth

Last week, We Save Lives, Stop Drug Homicide and Not an Accident.info joined Senator Rosalicie Ochoa Bogh, SenatorArchuletta, Senator Jones, Senator Strickland, Senator Grove and Senator Niello along with survivors, and victim advocates at a press conference at the California State Capitol to highlight the urgent need for SB 1071.

Co-Founder Candace Lightner and Co-Founder Matt Capelouto spoke alongside families whose loved ones were killed to violent and preventable acts, underscoring why this bill matters:

• SB 1071 creates a clear legal process to correct the manner of death on death certificates when a court has determined a person was killed, not lost in an “accident.”
• It ensures deaths resulting from homicide are accurately classified, honoring victims and the truth of what happened.
• It recognizes the responsibility of those whose reckless or intentional actions cause these deaths, reinforcing that such choices have serious consequences.

The press conference amplified a simple but powerful message:

Families deserve the truth. Our records and our laws should reflect that truth.

You can watch highlights from the press conference and Candace’s testimony before the California Senate Health Committee here: [insert video or webpage link].

SB 1071 has already passed the Senate Health Committee with a unanimous 9–0 vote and now moves to the Senate Judiciary Committee. We will continue to fight for its passage and will keep you informed about how you can support this campaign and stand with victims and their families.

Because we care…

#TruthandAccountability #Victimsrights #SB1071 #Advocacy #CommunitySupport

What You Can Do!

Actions for Coalition Partners:

1. Advocate Publicly:

• Use social media platforms to raise awareness about SB 1071 and its importance.
• Share personal stories or statistics that highlight the need for accurate death classifications.
• Our toolkit includes downlaodable social media graphics for your use.

Contact Legislators:

• Encourage your members to reach out to their local representatives to express support for the bill.
• Organize letter-writing or email campaigns to legislators, emphasizing the bill's significance.

  

Submit a Letter of Support

Deadline: April 14 at 12:00 PM

Please submit a letter of support through the California Legislature’s Position Letter Portal:

https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/

Steps:

• Select SB 1071
• Choose “Support”
• Upload your letter (organization letterhead preferred, PDF format)

Contact Judiciary Committee Members

In addition to submitting a letter, we strongly encourage you to contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee directly.

https://sjud.senate.ca.gov/committee/home

A brief email or phone call can make a meaningful impact.

• You will find samples of letters to send here. Please send copies of your letters to info@wesavelives.org. We will thank you publicly on social media!

Attend Legislative Hearings:



• Mobilize members to attend hearings or committee meetings related to SB 1071 to show community support.
• Prepare testimonies or statements that can be shared during these events.

Together, We Can Make a Difference!

By taking these steps, you not only support SB 1071 but also stand up for honesty and accountability for families affected by these tragedies. Every action counts, and together, our voices can create the change we need.

Join us in this crucial fight for truth and justice!

For more information, resources, and updates, visit our website at Not an Accident or contact us at info@wesavelives.org.

Thank you for your commitment to this important cause!

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