San Diego City Wire

Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones and San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan are scheduled to address a press conference at the California State Capitol on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 9 am. Alongside them, over 50 victims and victim advocates will urge legislative support for Senate Bill 286, known as “Mary-Bella’s Law.” This bill is aimed at closing a loophole in California’s Elderly Parole program, which currently allows violent offenders, including rapists and murderers, to be released early.

The bill is named after two survivors, Mary Johnson and Bella Clark, who will both attend to advocate for the legislation. Mary-Bella’s Law seeks to rectify issues with Assembly Bill 3234, passed in 2020, which lowered the age for elderly parole eligibility from 60 to 50 years. "Proponents of the measure vowed that sex offenders and rapists would not be eligible for Elderly Parole; however, that provision was never included in the enacted law," according to the statement on the press release.

A loophole in the current legislation has resulted in many violent offenders becoming eligible for parole after only 20 years of their sentences. Victims and their families have had to confront the trauma of potential early releases. "Mary Bella’s Law will finally correct this dangerous loophole, ensuring that rapists, child molesters, and murderers serve their full terms—no matter their age," the press release asserts. The bill will be reviewed in the Senate Public Safety Committee post-conference.

The event coincides with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Advocacy group Fight for Victims will also present resources for survivors during the event.

Several cases have highlighted the issues with the current system. Articles have been written on offenders who could be released early, stirring public outcry and highlighting the urgency for legislative change.