Elderly Parole Program.

Assembly Member Stephanie Nguyen's proposal to modify California's Elderly Parole Program would exclude registered sex offenders and those convicted of specific sexual offenses from parole consideration under the program's provisions. The current program allows inmates aged 50 or older who have served at least 20 years of continuous incarceration to receive special consideration for parole based on factors including age and physical condition.

The bill adds to existing exclusions, which already prevent consideration of inmates sentenced to life without parole and those convicted of certain serious felonies. Under the proposed changes, individuals required to register as sex offenders, habitual sexual offenders, and those convicted of offenses including rape or sodomy would no longer qualify for elderly parole review. The measure also codifies exclusions for inmates convicted of first-degree murder of peace officers killed in the line of duty or in retaliation for their official duties.

The Board of Parole Hearings would maintain its current review process for eligible inmates, continuing to evaluate whether age, time served, and diminished physical condition have reduced an elderly inmate's risk for future violence. The board would apply the expanded exclusion criteria to all future parole considerations under the program while preserving existing victims' rights during parole hearings.