Parole: revocation.

Senator Archuleta's parole reform legislation modifies how California courts handle violations by individuals on parole for first- or second-degree murder convictions. The measure creates a new judicial option when addressing parole violations - courts may either remand violators to state prison under Board of Parole Hearings jurisdiction or order confinement in county jail, based on what the court determines serves justice in each case.

The bill establishes specific parole term lengths and review schedules based on the original sentence. Those serving determinate sentences face two-year parole terms with potential discharge after 12 months of violation-free supervision. Individuals with life sentences serve three-year terms with mandatory reviews at 12 and 24 months. The legislation maintains existing maximum supervision periods of three years for determinate sentences and four years for life terms, measured from initial release on parole.

Several categories of parolees remain exempt from these provisions, including registered sex offenders and those whose original parole terms were shorter than the new standard lengths. The measure applies to individuals released on or after July 1, 2020, while preserving any earlier review periods established at the time of the offense. Time spent in custody for alleged violations does not count toward completing parole unless the person is found not guilty of the violation.