The Administration of Justice (AOJ) Policy Committee will
consider taking a position on Proposition 57; The Public
Safety and Rehabilitation Act of 2016 when it meets on July
28th at 10:00 a.m. Proposition 57, which has qualified for the
November ballot, would amend the Constitution to give parole
consideration for persons sent to prison for a non-violent
felony, once they have completed the full term of their primary
offense. In addition, the measure authorizes the California
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to adopt
regulations to implement the above changes and additional credit
earning changes.
The Initiative also makes statutory amendments to Proposition 21
provisions that were enacted in 2000. The measure eliminates
the ability for a district attorney to direct file to adult court
on juvenile cases. Juveniles alleged to have committed a
felony can be tried in adult court only if the court, after a
hearing, determines the minor should be tried in adult
court. All presumptions are removed and the court must
weigh the factors and decide whether the youth should be charged
as an adult or juvenile. The initiative also limits the ability
to charge minors 14 and 15 years-of-age in adult court for
certain serious/violent offenses.
Policy Committee members will hear from both proponents and
opponents of the measure during the meeting. If the policy
committee decides to take a position on Proposition 57, the
recommendation would have to be approved first by the CSAC
Executive Committee and then by the full CSAC Board before it
became the association’s official position.
