New law restricts sex offenders’ eligibility for ‘Elderly Parole Program’

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) - Individuals convicted of serious sex crimes will no longer automatically qualify for consideration of early release from state prison under California's "Elderly Parole Program'' after they've turned 50 years old, following amendments to the program signed into law by the governor this week.

The Riverside County District Attorney's Office took the lead in mustering support for Assembly Bill 2727, introduced by Assemblywoman Stephanie Nguyen, D-Elk Grove, which received the governor's signature Wednesday.   

The pain of victims of sexual offenses continues well after their perpetrator is convicted and incarcerated,'' Chief Deputy District Attorney Ivy Fitzpatrick said. "AB 2727 reflects that reality and acts as a safeguard for Californians."  

Prior to AB 2727, any prison inmate over 50 years old who had been incarcerated a minimum of 20 straight years could apply for release under the Elderly Parole Program. With passage of the new law, however, inmates convicted of forcible rape, sodomy, aggravated sexual assault of a minor and similar offenses will now have to reach the age of 65 and have served at least 25 consecutive years in prison before he or she can ask to be considered for elderly parole, prosecutors said.  

"These provisions ensure that parole eligibility better reflects both the gravity of the underlying offense and the ongoing risk to the community," according to the D.A.'s office.