AB 22 Repeals Controversial “Early Release” Program Deceptively Imposed by Prop 57 While Blocking Release of Sexually Violent Predators in Residential Communities
Assemblyman Carl DeMaio is introducing legislation (AB 22 and companion ACA-10) that will enact the “End Reckless Release of Criminals Act.” DeMaio seeks to keep Californians protected from dangerous criminals being released from state prison by repealing a controversial “early release” program voters were deceived into approving under Prop 57.
DeMaio provides the following statement explaining the importance of passing AB 22:
“California voters sent a strong message with the landslide approval of Prop 36 that they want to reverse the crime wave hitting our state. While Prop 36’s reforms allow police and prosecutors to once again arrest and prosecute criminals, we must ensure that criminals are required to serve their sentences. That’s why I’m proposing the “Stop Reckless Release of Criminals Act” to end the early release of criminals. My proposal also ends the release of Sexually Violent Predators into residential communities. I urge bipartisan passage of AB 22 – a common-sense law to help us fight crime and keep Californians safe,” states DeMaio.
KEY PROVISIONS OF AB 22:
- Ends Early Release: Repeals Prop 57 and ends the practice of good behavior credits being awarded to prisoners by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for early release.
- Improves Sex Offender Registry: Repeals the SB 145 (2020) which nullified enforcement the Sex Offender Registration Act for those who commit offenses involving a minor if the age gap is no more than 10 years. Under SB 145, state law would allow a sex predator to avoid sex offender registry even if he molested a child as young as age 14.
- Bans Placement of SVPs in Residential Areas: Prohibits placement of a sexually violent predator on conditional release in a residential area.
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