As long as they only murdered no more than two people, murderers serving life sentences in California could soon be released from prison.
Senate Bill 94, which was on the “inactive file” for nearly a year, has been resurrected by the California Assembly. The measure would allow individuals in prison for murder and similar offenses to petition for early release.
These petitions would almost certainly be granted as long as the inmates meet the criteria — which includes having been in prison for at least 25 years and only having killed up to two people. The measure prohibits serial killers and cop killers from being eligible for the early release program.
The California Assembly quietly moved SB 94 from the “inactive file” on Monday after being removed from circulation a year ago despite the Democrat majority being willing to hold a vote.
Meanwhile, opponents and supporters of the legislation are speaking out about it.
Crime Victims United (CVU) chair Harriet Salarno issued a statement encouraging lawmakers to vote against the bill and arguing that it would undermine the U.S. justice system.
“We believe that this bill is not only unjust but also undermines the rule of law and the justice system in our country,” Salarno wrote. “It would allow individuals who committed heinous crimes to potentially escape justice and receive reduced sentences, despite the severity of their offenses.”
Daniel Trautfield, a member of the SB 94 Coalition, claims that the measure is fair and “doesn’t guarantee release to anyone” — despite the bill being unclear about how petitions for early release could be overridden.
“SB 94 creates a simple process that allows a person who’s been incarcerated for decades and decades to prove they’ve been rehabilitated, and can one day be successfully released to the community,” said Trautfield. “SB 94 doesn’t guarantee release to anyone.”
The bill’s supporters also argue that judges were more likely to give murderers harsher sentences 25 years ago, which the bill’s opponents agree with — though they believe that the lessening of sentencing is a bad thing.
Social media also had a lot to say about the news, especially after X owner Elon Musk amplified a post detailing the bill.
"They will be eligible as long as they have only kiIIed up to two people"
SB 94 early release bill, California: pic.twitter.com/wg1e77lcHC
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) August 14, 2024
One user pointed out the absurdity of California policies, writing: “Rapists & murderers get early release, while people protesting outside abortion clinics face 10 years in prison.”
Rapists & murderers get early release, while people protesting outside abortion clinics face 10 years in prison 🙄 Can't make this stuff up.
— The Conservative Alternative (@OldeWorldOrder) August 14, 2024
“First couple of murders could just be an accident,” author Jim Hansen sarcastically commented. “It’s that third one that shows you’re a problem.”
First couple of murders could just be an accident
It's that third one that shows you're a problem— Jim Hanson (@JimHansonDC) August 14, 2024
“Well, I feel much safer knowing that only double murderers can get early release. What the heck is my state doing!?” asked the popular Trump supporter known as “Brick Suit.”
Well, I feel much safer knowing that only double murderers can get early release.
What the heck is my state doing!?
— Brick Suit (@Brick_Suit) August 14, 2024
Another popular X account, Wall Street Apes, warned that this measure, like a lot of California policies, will spread to the rest of the country if Democrats are in charge.
“The is Democrat plan for America nationwide. A country where the population is in complete chaos will never organize against you. They’ll always be too distracted and divided. This is the globalist agenda for power,” the post warned.
The is Democrat plan for America nationwide. A country where the population is in complete chaos will never organize against you. They’ll always be too distracted and divided. This is the globalist agenda for power.
— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) August 14, 2024
