Juveniles Could Get Shot at Parole After Key Legislative Vote

A controversial bill that’s been stuck for more than a year has squeaked out of the California Assembly. The measure would give juveniles sentenced to life without parole the chance to request a parole hearing.

Six Democrats joined every Republican in opposing the bill, including GOP Assemblyman Donald Wagner. “This is breaking faith with every relative of a murdered victim who was told, don’t worry, the killer will never see the light of day again.

Democrat Tom Ammiano disagrees.“Over and over again, I see where where people are thrown away and left in the gutter because ‘Once a criminal, always a criminal.’ What happened to the idea of redemption?”

The measure passed the Assembly today by a single vote. It faces one last vote in the Senate before it could head to Governor Jerry Brown.