Legislative Alert: A dangerous “public safety” proposal is currently making its way through the legislature.
SB 94 (Cortese) would allow criminals sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for special circumstance murders to petition the court for a new sentence that includes the possibility of parole.
Eligible individuals include those who have served at least 25 years and whose offenses occurred before June 5, 1990. They all have one thing in common: having been convicted of a “special circumstance murder,” a conviction that is reserved for violent criminals who commit murder in a particularly egregious manner such as torture, poison, lying in wait, rape by instrument, mayhem, and more. These crimes were so heinous that they were deemed irredeemable by a court of law.
The ongoing effort to reduce the prison population in California has become entirely too focused on the criminals and has shifted its focus away from the safety and well-being of victims and their families. It is unacceptable for legislators to overlook the devastating impact this bill would have on those who have suffered by re-litigating crimes that have already received a fair trial.
SB 94 sends a terrible message and re-traumatizes families of victims who were reassured that the criminals who have done unspeakable things to their loved ones would never be released.
Although it was introduced last year, due to immense pressure from you, the voters, the author decided to hold it. However, it has now resurfaced, and the supermajority intends to push it through.
I will continue to advocate for victims of crimes and their families, and if this bill comes to a floor vote, I will unequivocally vote “No.”
Thank you for this opportunity to be of service.