Senate Democrats have effectively halted the advancement of bipartisan Senate Bill 286, known as Mary Bella’s Law, in the Senate Appropriations Committee by placing it on the Suspense File without a vote or a public debate. The bill, authored by Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones and coauthored by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, aimed to address a significant loophole in California’s Elderly Parole program that allows violent sex offenders to be released prematurely.
Jones criticized the Democratic leadership for their decision, stating, “Dangerous Democrats have once again chosen violent sex offenders over the rights of victims and public safety.” He condemned the use of the Appropriations Suspense File as a means to avoid accountability and debate on a crucial public safety issue.
Earlier this year, a press conference led by Jones featured numerous survivors and advocates, including Colleen Stan, who shared their experiences and underscored the urgency of closing the loophole that permits the early release of violent offenders. The bill had previously received widespread support, including a petition with 2,000 signatures and unanimous approval from the Senate Public Safety Committee.
Despite this backing, during a recent Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, the Democrats allowed hundreds of other bills to be voted on while blocking Mary Bella’s Law from consideration. As a result, the bill faces an uncertain future.
Survivors expressed their frustration with the decision. Bella Clark, for whom the law is named, emphasized the need for legislators to prioritize victims’ rights. Another survivor, Johanna Call, voiced her dismay at the perceived imbalance in rights between offenders and victims. Mary Johnson, also a survivor, highlighted the moral obligation of authorities to advocate for victims.
The Elderly Parole program was expanded through Assembly Bill 3234 in 2020, which inadvertently allowed violent sex offenders to be eligible for early release after serving just 20 years. Jones argued that SB 286 would have corrected this oversight and prioritized the safety of Californians by ensuring that serious offenders serve their full sentences, regardless of age.
