CSAC’s Administration of Justice Policy Committee voted 12-0 to
not take a position on Proposition 57, Governor Jerry
Brown’s Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act of 2016.
Proposition 57, would amend the Constitution to give parole
consideration for offenders 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 (CDCR) 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 heard support for the initiative from
the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) President and
Amador Probation Chief, Mark Bonini and the Governor’s Special
Advisor on Public Safety, Diane Cummins. Opposition was
presented by San Mateo District Attorney, Steve Wagstaff.
The recommendation to not take a position on Proposition 57 will
now move to the Executive Committee on August 4th and will then
go to the full Board of Directors on September 1st.
