Assemblyman Patterson introduces public safety legislation sponsored by Placer DA's Office

Assemblyman Joe Patterson (R–Rocklin) on Thursday introduced two public safety bills, sponsored by the Placer County District Attorney's Office, aimed at strengthening accountability within California's parole and probation systems. "Public safety must remain our top priority," said Assemblyman Patterson. "These measures ensure that victims' rights are respected, parole decisions are consistent, and offenders — particularly serious and repeat offenders — are held accountable." Assembly Bill (AB) 2232 reforms California's parole process by removing an administrative loophole that allows inmates to circumvent parole denial decisions made by the Board of Parole. Under current law, individuals denied parole may request their next hearing be advanced administratively – undermining Board discretion and consideration. This bill eliminates that administrative loophole, ensuring that parole denial terms, whether three, five, seven, ten, or fifteen years, are fully served as determined by the Board. This legislation reinforces the intent of Marsy's Law, adopted in California in 2008 to preserve the parole hearing process and to provide greater certainty for victims and their families. "Victims deserve stability and predictability in the parole process," Patterson said. "This bill prevents repeated attempts to circumvent parole denials and strengthens confidence in the system." "When the Board of Parole Hearings issues a denial, it should mean something," said Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. "We have seen firsthand how this loophole erodes the Board's denial decisions and destabilizes victims during a difficult parole process. This bill restores integrity to the parole process, honors the intent of Marsy's Law, and ensures victims are not repeatedly retraumatized by surprise hearings." AB 2237 strengthens probation oversight for registered sex offenders by increasing the allowable probation term to three years for individuals required to register under California law. Currently, certain misdemeanor probation terms are capped at one year and felony probation at two years. This legislation authorizes courts to impose probation terms of up to three years for individuals required to register as sex offenders, allowing for extended supervision, monitoring, and rehabilitation efforts. "This measure ensures courts have the tools they need to properly supervise individuals who pose ongoing risks to community safety," said Patterson. The DA's Office is sponsoring both measures as part of its continued commitment to protecting victims and enhancing accountability within California's criminal justice system. "When someone is placed on probation as a sex offender for a misdemeanor crime, one year of supervision is wholly insufficient," said Gire. "This bill gives courts the ability to impose meaningful probation terms that prioritize monitoring, treatment, and public safety. Accountability shouldn't expire before rehabilitation is complete. We are grateful to Assemblyman Joe Patterson for being such a tremendous legislative partner to our office and a fighter for the safety of our communities."