Chico Times

SACRAMENTO – Tomorrow, Thursday, August 22, victim advocates, law enforcement officials, and Legislative Republicans will convene at the State Capitol to voice their opposition to Senate Bill 94 (Cortese). The bill would allow individuals serving life sentences without parole for murder to have their sentences overturned. Critics argue that this could result in some of the most violent offenders being released and compel victims' families to endure parole hearings.

The bill, which failed to pass last year, has been reintroduced by Democrats and may be voted on before the legislative session concludes on August 31.

Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher commented on the issue: "The early release of violent criminals is an affront to victims, their families and all Californians concerned about rising crime."

Participants in the press conference include Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City), Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego), Assemblyman Bill Essayli (R-Corona), Assemblyman Greg Wallis (R-Bermuda Dunes), Assemblywoman Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Nigel), Assemblywoman Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach), Assemblyman Tri Ta (R-Westminster), Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson), Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta), Senator Janet Nguyen (R-Huntington Beach), Senator Brian Dahle (R-Bieber), Harriet Salarno, Founder/Chairperson of Crime Victims United, Lauren Pettigrew from Crime Victims United, Anabel Velasquez from The (Em)power + Resilience Project, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and other Legislative Republicans.

The event will take place inside Room 127 of the State Capitol at 8:30 AM and will be available for live streaming at https://www.youtube.com/live/SbFgCNJpadA.