Plan Could Lead to Early Release of Thousands of Dangerous Criminals

Assemblyman Gaines, R-Roseville, today voiced his strong opposition to legislation passed by Democrats that will endanger families in Placer and El Dorado Counties and throughout California. The Democrat plan paves the way for the early release of thousands of dangerous criminals into communities across the state before they have completed their sentences.

“Allowing convicted criminals to get a break on their prison terms because the Legislature cannot spend responsibly is beyond unacceptable,” Gaines said. “These dangerous felons are in jail for a reason, and they should only be set free when they have completed their sentences and have been properly rehabilitated to return to society. Make no mistake, more dangerous criminals will be out on the streets and more innocent individuals in our community will become victims of crime because of the irresponsible action the Legislature took today.”

The bill approved today, Senate Bill 18xxx, attempts to save money in the state’s Corrections budget by facilitating the early release of thousands of so-called “non-violent” criminals from state prisons. Gaines noted that criminals convicted of a host of troubling crimes would qualify as “non-violent” criminals eligible for early release under the Democrat plan, including such crimes as human trafficking, stalking, solicitation to commit murder, identity theft and elder abuse.

Gaines also expressed grave concern about a plan to grant summary parole to thousands of felons. They would be set free without being supervised by law enforcement. Law enforcement would have no idea where they were living, or whether they were violating the terms of their parole, such as owning a deadly weapon or abusing illegal drugs.

He argued that SB 18xxx was a dangerous and irresponsible measure that puts the rights of prisoners above the rights of law-abiding citizens. Instead of granting early release or summary parole, Gaines said that there are less dangerous ways to save money in our prisons, such as reducing bureaucracy and soaring inmate health care costs. For example, health care costs have jumped 325 percent since 1997, even though there are fewer inmates today.

“We don’t need to compromise public safety to save money,” Gaines said. “There are plenty of ways to cut the corrections budget responsibly and in such a way that does not put Northern California families at risk. We can cut administrative costs and stop providing top-of-the-line health care for these criminals.”

Gaines noted early release could have another significant local impact, as well. Cal Fire relies upon the manpower of more than 4,300 inmates every year to help them fight wildfires throughout the state. Several hundred inmates were used to fight the Angora wildfire two years ago. These inmates have received appropriate training, and receive sentence credits for their labor in helping to fight wildfires. Granting the early release of these inmates could significantly reduce the available manpower to fight future fires and protect the region.

“Recently, I joined with local and state fire officials in touring the site of the devastating Angora wildfire, and I learned first hand just how essential the manpower of prison inmates are to fighting wildfires across the state,” said Gaines. “Several hundred inmates joined public safety personnel in fighting the Angora fire, many of whom would likely be granted early release under this proposal. This could hurt fire response next season, and make it harder to amass the manpower needed to put out a massive blaze and protect residents and property.”

SB 18xxx was passed on a party-line vote during today’s Assembly floor session, with Republicans in strong opposition.

Assemblyman Ted Gaines represents the 4th Assembly District, which includes portions of Placer, El Dorado, Sacramento & Alpine counties.