Bill > AB622

This bill modifies existing parole laws to provide more opportunities for inmates serving life sentences to reduce their minimum time before parole eligibility. Specifically, the bill requires the Secretary of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to apply all constitutionally allowed credits (such as those for good behavior, rehabilitation, or educational achievements) to reduce the minimum term of confinement for individuals serving life sentences. Additionally, the bill expands the Board of Parole Hearings' consideration of inmate records by mandating that they review reports filed by probation officers, in addition to existing requirements to consider statements from judges, district attorneys, and sheriffs. Under current law, inmates with life sentences must serve either seven calendar years or the minimum term established by their specific sentence before being eligible for parole. The bill aims to provide more meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation and earlier potential release by allowing inmates to reduce their minimum confinement period through earned credits, while maintaining public safety considerations in the parole review process.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB622