A California bill aimed at tightening parole eligibility for older inmates has been revised, narrowing a proposed increase in the minimum age threshold and reigniting debate over public safety and prison policy.
The legislation focuses on the state’s existing “elderly offender” parole law, which allows inmates to seek release once they reach age 50 and have served at least 20 years in prison. Originally intended to address prison overcrowding, the policy has faced renewed scrutiny following several high-profile parole decisions.
One such case involved David Allen Funston, a Sacramento County offender convicted of crimes against multiple children, who was granted parole at age 64 earlier this year. The decision drew strong reactions from victims and prompted calls for reform.
Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen initially proposed raising the eligibility age to 75. However, the latest version of the bill lowers that threshold to 65, with an added requirement that inmates must have served at least 25 years.
Nguyen’s office said the revision was made in coordination with the Assembly Public Safety Committee to ensure the bill could advance through the legislative process.
The updated version also includes additional review steps, particularly for inmates serving life sentences, who may now be evaluated for classification as sexually violent predators before any release decision.
Supporters of the adjustment point to research suggesting recidivism declines significantly with age. Advocacy groups, including the Prison Policy Initiative, argued that setting the threshold too high would increase incarceration costs without clear public safety benefits. According to their position, rates of reoffending drop sharply after age 50 and approach negligible levels by 65.
Critics, however, remain unconvinced that age alone should determine eligibility, particularly in cases involving serious or violent offenses. Former Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Schubert questioned whether a one-year increase from 64 to 65 meaningfully addresses concerns raised by recent parole decisions.
She also raised objections to changes that allow certain individuals serving life sentences to be considered for release under the revised framework.
