Help Support SB 672 - Youth Rehabilitation & Opportunity Act
Legislation would allow persons sentenced to LWOP for crimes committed before age 26 to request parole hearing after serving at least 25 years
California Senate Bill 672, authored by California State Senator Susan Rubio (D22 - Los Angeles & San Bernandino Counties) allows persons sentenced to life without parole (LWOP) for crimes committed before age 26 to request a parole hearing after serving at least 25 years in prison. SB 672 does not guarantee release and excludes the most serious crimes, including the murder of a law enforcement officer, torture, mass shootings, and violent sexual crimes.
Many individuals who were sentenced to life in prison at a young age have shown tremendous personal growth, maturity, and rehabilitation. SB 672 offers these individuals a chance to be evaluated on the merits of their transformation rather than the crime they committed as a youthful offender.
Additionally, research indicates the human brain continues to develop well into the mid-20s. Young people are more susceptible to poor decision-making due to the immaturity of their brains. SB 672 takes into account the evolving understanding of adolescent brain development and its influence on behavior, recognizing that youthful offenders can change over time.
SB 672 also addresses the disproportionate impact of life sentences on youth offenders of color, who often face harsher sentences and systemic disadvantages. By offering parole eligibility, SB 672 helps ensure fairness and equality in sentencing.
Paroling individuals who have demonstrated genuine rehabilitation has the potential to reduce recidivism. These individuals, having grown through education, therapy, and self-reflection, are often less likely to commit crimes upon release. This contributes to the overall safety and well-being of society.
SB 672 recognizes the potential for redemption and human dignity, offering incarcerated individuals who have served a significant portion of their sentences an opportunity to show that they no longer pose a threat to society. It acknowledges that justice is not about punishment alone, but also about providing individuals with a fair opportunity to re-enter society once they have reformed.
Felony Murder Elimination Project asks our supporters to contact their lawmakers, urge them to vote YES to pass SB 672 and to provide a pathway for rehabilitated youth offenders serving life without possibility of parole sentences to have their cases heard by a parole board. We believe this bill promotes restorative justice and offers hope for a future where individuals who have worked to change their lives are given the chance to rejoin their communities.
Enacting this law benefits both the individuals who have paid their debts to society and the communities that will be enriched by their successful reintegration, and we stand for a California that believes in second chances and values the potential for change in everyone.
Read more about SB 672 -->>> Senate Bill 672 frequently asked questions
