A Democrat-led bill in California that aims to protect prisoners from sexual violence could inadvertently lead to reduced sentences for violent criminals, state Republicans warn. SB 898, authored by Democratic state Sen. Nancy Skinner, includes a provision that would allow inmates serving 15-year sentences to seek resentencing if sentencing guidelines change.
California's SB 898, a bill sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Nancy Skinner, has raised concerns among state Republicans, who allege that a provision within the legislation could potentially reduce sentences for serious criminals.
According to SB 898, inmates serving sentences of 15 years or more would have the opportunity to seek resentencing or release if sentencing guidelines are revised since their conviction. State Sen. Brian Dahle, a Republican, claims that this provision will create a cycle of frequent hearings and petitions, forcing victims to relive their traumas every three years.
California Bill Could Reduce Sentences for Violent Criminals Despite Focus on Sexual Abuse Protections
"And you know, they're touting that crime is going down, but it's because the Democrats have decriminalized crime in California," Dahle told Fox News Digital. "So victims of homicide, heinous sexual crimes, rape, murder, molestation of children all can come up in every three years, can go have a potential hearing to get out, whether or not they've been rehabilitated or not."
However, Skinner dismisses these claims as "false accusations" and "distortions," emphasizing that SB 898 prioritizes the protection of incarcerated individuals from sexual assault by prison guards or staff.
California Bill Could Reduce Sentences for Violent Criminals Despite Focus on Sexual Abuse Protections
"SB 898 is focused first and foremost on providing protections for incarcerated people who have proven to have been raped or sexually assaulted by prison guards or staff," Skinner said in a statement. "Its additional provision merely adds defense attorneys to the existing list of those who are eligible to request a court hearing if California changes a sentencing law. SB 898 does not release anyone from prison, period."
The California District Attorneys Association opposes the bill, arguing against creating a revolving door for murderers, rapists, and child molesters. The provision in question allows defense attorneys to request hearings if California changes sentencing guidelines, but it does not guarantee release. Judges have the authority to deny these hearings, and a change in sentencing guidelines does not automatically lead to immediate release.
California Bill Could Reduce Sentences for Violent Criminals Despite Focus on Sexual Abuse Protections
Meanwhile, SB 898 aims to address various issues related to sexual abuse and sentencing within the California prison system. The bill mandates that the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation monitor incarcerated individuals who report sexual abuse for 90 days to prevent retaliation.
Dahle acknowledges the need to respond to instances of sexual abuse within prisons but expresses concern that the prison environment itself hinders the ability to effectively isolate perpetrators.
California Bill Could Reduce Sentences for Violent Criminals Despite Focus on Sexual Abuse Protections
"If somebody's being raped in prison, then obviously we need to isolate those incidences and do something to correct that," Dahle said. "That's been an ongoing thing since people have been put in prison. Yes, there are some bad actors, but for the most part, we're doing as good as we can in the situations we have, but they've made prisons a place where it's hard to isolate somebody."
The Senate Republicans' analysis of SB 898 suggests that the bill is "mislabeled" and that its provisions primarily focus on sentencing law rather than sexual assault resentencing. The analysis highlights that potential sentence reductions do not solely apply to sex crime offenders but could also impact individuals convicted of other offenses.
