Crimes: torture of a minor: parole.

Assembly Member Bains proposes extending the minimum parole eligibility period from 7 to 25 years for individuals convicted of torturing victims under age 14, through legislation that would modify California's existing torture statute.

Under current law, persons convicted of torture - defined as inflicting great bodily injury with intent to cause cruel or extreme pain for revenge, extortion, persuasion, or sadistic purposes - face life imprisonment with parole eligibility after serving 7 years. The proposed changes would establish a 25-year minimum period before parole consideration in cases where the victim was under 14 years old at the time of the offense. This new parole threshold would apply only to crimes committed after January 1, 2026.

The measure creates a state-mandated local program by introducing this sentencing enhancement. While the bill requires fiscal committee review and majority approval for passage, it includes no new appropriations. The legislation specifies that local agencies and school districts require no state reimbursement, as the changes solely modify criminal penalties rather than imposing additional administrative costs.