Justice Reform Delayed But Not Derailed | Spokane News

Spokane County’s criminal justice reform plan is on hold for now, as commissioners decide not to put a sales tax measure on the November ballot—lack of time to build public support is the main reason. Chair Mary Brooks warns that without community understanding, the proposal likely wouldn’t pass. Though the Safe and Healthy Spokane Task Force’s 66 recommendations laid the groundwork, some commissioners criticized the lack of specific priorities and costs. Still, reform momentum continues: other funding options, including a potential state-backed public safety tax, are being explored. The goal is to have a ballot measure ready by August 2027’s primary, giving voters more time to digest the plan. Even as Brooks prepares to retire, she vows the county will keep pushing forward—honoring the work of the task force and the community’s shared commitment to justice reform. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/21d02a7471d9bd0a