Crimes: torture of a minor: parole.

Assembly Member Bains proposes doubling the minimum parole eligibility period for adults convicted of torturing minors under their care or custody. The legislation establishes a 14-year minimum before parole consideration in cases where the victim was 14 years old or younger at the time of the offense, compared to the current 7-year minimum for torture convictions.

The measure applies specifically to crimes committed after January 1, 2026, while maintaining existing parole timelines for other torture cases. Under current law, all individuals convicted of torture face life imprisonment with parole eligibility after serving at least 7 years. The new provisions create distinct parole standards based on the victim's age and relationship to the perpetrator.

The bill requires implementation through a state-mandated local program, though local agencies and school districts will not receive state reimbursement for costs associated with the enhanced sentencing guidelines. This aligns with constitutional provisions regarding modifications to criminal penalties and their fiscal impacts on local jurisdictions.