In what's being touted as a significant move for victims' rights, the so-called Mary-Bella's Law has unanimously passed the Senate Public Safety Committee. The bill, also known as Senate Bill 286, is a step forward to amend the Elderly Parole Program, barring violent sex offenders from its benefits. As reported by the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, this bill has gathered bipartisan support and is poised to advance to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
According to San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, the legislative piece aims to close a loophole allowing offenders to be released early. In a statement obtained by the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, DA Stephan expressed her dismay that victims "have to continue to fight for justice years later" due to the existing Elderly Parole Program provision. The law in question, which was established in 2021, enables inmates aged 50 or older who've served at least 20 years to be considered for parole, regardless of their crime's severity.
The push for change was underscored by overwhelming testimonies, including those from affected rape survivors. One poignant voice at the news conference in Sacramento was that of Mary Johnson, a survivor whose case partially inspired the bill's title. Johnson recounted her ordeal as her rapist, who was serving a lengthy 170-year sentence, was granted elder parole after only 27 years behind bars. She shared how the parole board considered factors such as her attacker's health issues, including a bad back and acid reflux, deeming him less of a threat. A direct quote from Johnson, outlined by the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, communicates her distress: "I had to sit before a panel of strangers who then went on to grant his parole. My life was suddenly turned upside down."
Advocates for the bill, including Senator Brian Jones, have been outspoken about its necessity, framing it as a means to safeguard public safety. "This bipartisan bill closes a dangerous loophole in California's Elderly Parole Program that allows rapists to walk free decades before serving their full sentence," Senator Jones said in a narrative confirmed by the San Diego County District Attorney's Office.
