CA DA warns governor about criminal justice reform bills that may lessen penalties.

Central Valley-based Tulare County District Attorney Calls for Action on Criminal ‌Justice Reform Bills

Central‌ Valley-based Tulare ⁤County District Attorney Tim⁣ Ward is urging constituents to take action and put ​pressure on Governor Gavin Newsom to veto‍ two bills currently under consideration ⁤in the Legislature. These bills, ⁢Senate Bill 94 and Senate Bill 81, are related to criminal justice reform and have raised concerns among those who have been victims of violent crime.

Senate Bill 94, authored by Sen. Dave ⁤Cortese (D-San Jose), proposes the release of some​ inmates convicted of serious felonies and⁢ sentenced to‌ death ​or⁢ life without ⁣parole. On‌ the other⁣ hand, Senate ‍Bill 81, introduced by Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Oakland), aims to reduce sentencing ⁣enhancements that can prolong the time served for a‌ crime.

“Senate Bill 81 and Senate Bill 94 ⁣are of particular importance to those who have experienced victimization by violent crime,” ⁢Mr. Ward wrote in a press release on ⁣August 25. “Both of these⁣ bills concern ⁤the potential early⁢ release of serious offenders through reduced parole criteria.”

Support Needed to Address Rising Crime and Other Issues

Mr. ‌Ward​ is calling for support from residents⁤ across the state as communities‌ grapple with rising crime rates, drug abuse, mental illness, and homelessness. He highlights the​ lack of action​ from lawmakers in Sacramento to address these pressing issues.

“Right ⁣now, our lawmakers in Sacramento are refusing to ​help our victims of human trafficking, they’re refusing to protect our ⁢kids that are being poisoned by fentanyl, and ‍they’re refusing to take action to help our ⁤schools and our students against ‍school threats,” Mr. Ward expressed in a video ‌posted on Instagram on August 25. “Yet it appears ⁣they’re on a path to approve two new laws that make it easier for⁢ murderers to⁢ be‌ released early.”

Mr. Ward emphasizes ⁣the ‌importance of speaking up for victims who are unable to voice their concerns and urges ⁣voters to make ⁤their complaints heard.

Concerns and Proponents of the Bills

While proponents of the bills argue that criminal justice reform is‌ necessary, critics worry⁣ about the potential ⁢consequences. They fear that these bills could lead to the early release ‌of murderers sentenced to ⁢life without parole.

“SB 94 goes so far as to say murderers sentenced ⁣to life without the possibility of parole can somehow now be released,” Mr. Ward stated in the video. “Collectively, let’s ask Gov. Newsom ⁢to show some ⁢leadership, take ⁤a stance, and say that victims’ voices matter and to veto any of ​these early release bills⁤ that they pass.”

Supporters of the bills ‌clarify that⁢ the proposals do not guarantee ⁢automatic resentencing or⁢ release. If granted resentencing by a⁢ judge, individuals would still need to go before the parole board for a determination of their suitability for release.

Future‍ of the Bills

As ‌the bills are‍ currently held in suspense file, ​along with other bills related to child sex trafficking, fentanyl distribution, and violent crime, ⁢questions remain⁣ about their future. ⁢The suspense​ file process involves deciding bills with ‍a fiscal impact ‍of at ⁢least $50,000 ⁤in quick succession,‌ this⁣ year on September 1.

It is crucial for concerned citizens to engage in⁤ the ⁣legislative process and make their voices heard regarding‌ these important criminal justice reform bills.

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