A Democrat-led bill designed to protect prisoners from sexual violence in California state facilities is facing backlash from state Republicans, who argue it could inadvertently lead to reduced sentences for violent criminals, Fox News reports.
Senate Bill 898, authored by Democratic state Sen. Nancy Skinner of Berkeley, seeks to enhance protections for inmates by tackling issues linked to sexual abuse and expanding avenues for legal relief. However, critics claim that a little-known provision within the bill could allow inmates serving sentences of 15 years or more to seek resentencing or release based on changes to sentencing guidelines enacted after their convictions.
“They’re touting that crime is going down, but it’s because the Democrats have decriminalized crime in California. Victims of homicide, heinous sexual crimes, rape, murder, and child molestation could potentially have hearings every three years to seek release, regardless of whether they’ve been rehabilitated,” State Sen. Brian Dahle told the broadcaster.
The California District Attorneys Association has also voiced strong objections to the bill, arguing that it would create a “revolving door of hearings” for serious offenders, including murderers, rapists, and child molesters.
Under the provision, defense attorneys could request hearings if California updates its sentencing guidelines for certain crimes, but it is important to note that such requests do not guarantee release. Judges have the discretion to deny these hearings, and any change in sentencing guidelines does not automatically result in immediate freedom for inmates.
Sen. Skinner’s bill aims to address not only sexual abuse complaints within the California prison system but also to implement measures that protect those who report such abuse. Among the key proposals, the bill mandates that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation monitor incarcerated individuals reporting sexual abuse for a period of 90 days to protect them from potential retaliation.
