Assembly supports equal rights for victims at parole hearings
(Sacramento) – Legislation authored by Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson) to provide victims equal access to information prior to parole hearings passed the Assembly this week by a unanimous vote. Sponsored by Crime Victims United of California (CVUC), Assembly Bill (AB) 920 would require that an inmate’s board packet be provided to a victim’s attorney.
“At each parole hearing, the Parole Board, the district attorney, and the inmate’s attorney are all provided a packet of information regarding the inmate’s incarceration. However, this information is not shared with the victim, or their next of kin. AB 920 would allow those with the most concern regarding an inmate’s release the ability to access this relevant material,” state Gipson.
Currently, crime victims have a constitutional right to representation at all court proceedings. A recent 2014 law also requires that all victims, or their next of kin, be alerted to parole hearings relevant to their case.
“Our laws are structured to protect victims during court proceedings, and to allow them the option to provide willing testimony,” states Gipson. “This bill falls in line with those goals, and our State’s responsibility to ensure equality throughout the judicial process.”
"AB 920 is an important victim’s rights bill that will help ensure victims have equal standing and meaningful opportunity to be heard in the parole process," states Harriet Salarno, President of CVUC.
AB 920 will now head to the Senate for further consideration. For additional information, please visit - http://asmdc.org/members/a64/legislation/2015-2016.
Mike Gipson represents the 64th Assembly District. The district includes the cities of Carson, Compton, Gardena, Harbor Gateway, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, South Los Angeles, Torrance, Watts/Willowbrook and Wilmington.