SW Riverside News

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – After a sustained effort led by California Senate Republicans, Democrats have officially shelved Senate Bill 94 (D-Cortese), which would have facilitated the release of some of the state's most severe offenders. This development follows significant pressure from Republican lawmakers, victims’ rights groups, law enforcement, and the public.

“The radical SB 94 was a direct assault on the rights of California families who have suffered the unimaginable loss of a loved one at the hands of violent criminals,” said Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego). “Thank you to Californians for standing up for justice, victims’ rights, and public safety. Together, we’ve ensured that when violent murderers brutally take a life, they lose their right to freedom—forever. Their punishment is in the name: life without parole. While I’m relieved that this dangerous legislation is finally dead for the year, we’re ready to continue the fight if it comes back. Californians will not stand for letting heinous murderers roam our streets.”

Legislative Republicans held a press conference last week to highlight concerns regarding SB 94. The measure specifically would have allowed violent offenders sentenced to life without parole to seek release from prison rather than serving their full sentences. Those affected by the measure included individuals convicted of torturing their victims, killing jurors and judges, committing murders for hire, and killings motivated by financial or racial reasons.

“The outcome of SB 94 would’ve been disastrous for public safety and victims’ rights,” said Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta), vice chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee. “We know that when voters come together and demand to be heard, even the supermajority has to take it seriously and listen to the will of the people. That is what we saw happened today—a victory of the people over dangerous proposed policies.”

In an opinion article published earlier this week, Leader Jones and Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) criticized Democrat lawmakers for allegedly disregarding public sentiment and victim welfare. They contended that Democrat politicians have been inconsistent in their stance on public safety in California. The previous week, Leader Jones and Senator Seyarto also released an analysis condemning SB 94 as dangerous legislation.