ABC 10 News: California Bill Could Allow Felons Serving Life Without Parole Early Release

A bill that would give people serving life without parole a second chance at freedom was brought back in the California Assembly Monday after a year of inactivity.

Senate Bill 94, authored by State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), calls for a second look at Californians serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

The bill would allow people convicted of life sentences a chance to lessen their time behind bars if they have been imprisoned since June 1990, or for 25 years. Cortese says this is a chance for those convicted so long ago to have a second chance at life.

"They can only get released as a consequence of the bill. If they petition, they get a hearing, they succeed at the hearing, they then get a court hearing, parole board hearing and the governor's signature on top of all that. The bill won't automatically release and it's a misnomer that's out there," said Cortese.

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