California Bill to Review Life Sentences for Select Felons Stalls in Legislature

A controversial bill in California that aimed to give some convicted felons serving life sentences the opportunity to have their sentences reviewed has stalled in the legislature and will not move forward this session, Fox News reports.

Senate Bill 94, introduced by Sen. Dave Cortese, sought to allow individuals serving life without the possibility of parole to petition for sentence reviews if their crimes were committed before June 5, 1990. Proponents of the bill argued that it was essential for addressing the state’s overcrowded prison system.

The Los Angeles Times editorial board, in support of SB 94, stressed that “most eligible offenders are now in their 60s and 70s, well beyond the prime age for violent crime.” They highlighted that the bill was not intended for unconditional releases, instead establishing a “multistep process” that would enable inmates to present cases for resentencing. The board also pointed out that the bill would exclude serial killers, cop killers, and sex offenders from eligibility.

Advocates, including Anne Irvine, Founder and Executive Director of Smart Justice California, praised SB 94 as “sound policy that advances our shared goals of public safety and rehabilitation.”

Introduced during the last legislative session, SB 94 faced challenges and ultimately stalled to allow time for further negotiations and amendments. Proposed changes included narrowing the pool of eligible individuals and limiting the number of petition attempts from three to one per person.

Republican lawmakers viewed the bill’s failure to pass as a major victory.