California lawmakers decline to hear criminal justice reform bill before session ends

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THE BELL TOLLS FOR SB 94

In the end, it just couldn’t make it to the floor for a vote.

In the waning days of the legislative session, the Assembly last week opted not to bring SB 94, the troubled criminal justice reform bill by Sen. Dave Cortese, D-San Jose, for final consideration. bringing an end to a two-year bill process that saw many ups and downs.

“After two years of negotiations and over a dozen deliberated amendments, I am incredibly disappointed that SB 94 was not granted the opportunity to be heard and the amendments considered for vote by the full Legislature. The bill, like those it would’ve helped, did not get its day in court,” Cortese said in a statement.

SB 94 would have granted certain incarcerated individuals serving life in prison without the possibility of parole the opportunity to petition for re-sentencing, provided they were sentenced before June 5, 1990, and that they have served a minimum of 25 years. The bill would’ve exempted sex offenders and people found guilty of killing police officers.

“The California model of rehabilitation often works, but we must do better. We must continue the conversation and revisit racist, inconsistent and harmful sentencing that has disproportionately impacted Californians for over twenty years, and will continue to wreak havoc until fixed,” Cortese said.

Legislative Republicans, who loudly opposed the bill, were equally loud to cheer it’s failure.

“The radical SB 94 was a direct assault on the rights of California families who have suffered the unimaginable loss of a loved one at the hands of violent criminals,” said Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, R-Santee, in a statement. “Thank you to Californians for standing up for justice, victims’ rights, and public safety. Together, we’ve ensured that when violent murderers brutally take a life, they lose their right to freedom — forever.”

Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, R-Yuba City, added that “Violent murderers deserve to be punished for their crimes. I’m proud we were able to amplify the voices of victims demanding justice, and grateful for the unwavering support from members of law enforcement and district attorneys who helped kill this harmful bill.”

Cortese defended his bill in his statement, saying that the proposed amendments would have narrowed SB 94 “substantially, and demonstrated our constant attention to the voices of concern while keeping intact its original intent — judicial equity.”

“SB 94 would not let a single person out of prison, it is not a risk to public safety nor does it tie judge’s hands in favor of resentencing. We must have faith that our judicial system, parole board and executive branch act to ensure safety and justice,” Cortese said.

TUBBS NOTCHES HIS OWN ENDORSEMENTS

Last week, we revealed that Democrat Sen. Steven Bradford has garnered the support of a number of his Sacramento colleagues in his bid to be lieutenant governor in 2026.

This week, fellow Democrat Michael Tubbs, former mayor of Stockton, has notched his own endorsements, including from former state senator and current Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell.

“His work as Stockton’s mayor and leading statewide and national advocacy groups exemplify the type of leader we need as lieutenant governor — someone who will lead on better education, a healthier environment, and a fairer economy for all,” Mitchell said in a statement.

Tubbs made a name for himself as mayor when he unveiled a guaranteed basic income program for some of his constituents, providing them with no-strings-attached money to help them pay for life’s necessities.

He now serves as special adviser to Gov. Gavin Newsom, as well as the founder of the group Mayors for a Guaranteed Income.

Tubbs and Bradford are two top Democrats seeking the office of lieutenant governor — a springboard to higher office for many, including Newsom. California State Treasurer Fiona Ma is a third. No prominent Republican has entered the race yet.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“When California voters passed Proposition 1 in March, we promised you transformational change. Today, we’re continuing to show our work — for you, the people of California. Counties have the tools to create change, and now Californians will have the tools to track their county’s progress. It’s up to all of us to make sure these life-saving transformations are happening urgently on the local level.”

- California Gov. Gavin Newsom, discussing the launch of a new website intended to hold the government accountable for the implementation of Proposition 1, the 2024 measure to expand mental health and substance abuse treatment in the state.

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