California Assembly Advances Bill to Raise Parole Age for Violent Sex Offenders

Legislation aims to close 'loophole' in state's elderly parole program

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:41am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A moody, cinematic painting of an empty, shadowy legislative chamber, conveying a sense of political tension and unease through the use of dramatic lighting and an understated, nostalgic style.As California lawmakers consider tightening parole rules for violent sex offenders, the debate highlights the complex balance between public safety and criminal justice reform.Today in Sacramento

A bill that would raise the parole eligibility age from 50 to 65 for those convicted of violent sexual crimes in California has advanced out of a key Assembly committee. Introduced by Assemblywoman Stephanie Nguyen, AB 2727 would also require a screening from the Department of State Hospitals before parole consideration for these offenders.

Why it matters

The bill is a response to concerns over the release of certain high-profile sex offenders, like David Allen Funston, who was sentenced to three life terms in 1999 for child abuse but was recently granted parole at age 64. Supporters argue the legislation will add necessary 'guardrails' to the state's elderly parole program, while critics contend the current review process is sufficient and the bill is an overreaction to isolated cases.

The details

AB 2727 would raise the age of eligibility for the state's elderly parole program from 50 to 65 years old for those convicted of violent sexual offenses. The bill would also require a screening from the Department of State Hospitals before these offenders could be considered for parole. Assemblywoman Nguyen said the legislation is meant to ensure 'those individuals have to serve a specific period of time, and that there are guardrails' in place, including the possibility of being labeled a 'sexually violent predator' and kept in custody.

  • AB 2727 was passed out of the Assembly Public Safety Committee on April 8, 2026.
  • The bill now heads to the Appropriations Committee.

The players

Stephanie Nguyen

California Assemblywoman who introduced AB 2727 to raise the parole eligibility age for violent sex offenders.

David Allen Funston

A serial molester sentenced in 1999 to three life terms for child abuse, who was recently granted parole at age 64.

Thien Ho

Sacramento County District Attorney who supports AB 2727, stating it will ensure offenders 'have to serve a specific period of time' and face additional 'guardrails.'

Turrina

A woman who testified before the Assembly committee, sharing that she was one of Funston's victims 30 years ago.

Courtney Hanson

A representative of the California Coalition of Women Prisoners who believes the current review process for elderly parole is sufficient and that the bill is an unnecessary overreaction.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When predators prey on our children, the impact is devastating. I am supportive of the elderly parole program. I believe that there have been individuals who have gone through it and they are doing good in the community, but there are certain individuals we need to take a closer look at.”

— Stephanie Nguyen, California Assemblywoman

“This law makes sure that those individuals have to serve a specific period of time and that there are guardrails including the fact that they can be labeled as a sexually violent predator and kept in custody.”

— Thien Ho, Sacramento County District Attorney

“I'm happy to that was able to stand up and speak out. I have children myself. I have a 7-year-old. I have a daughter. It's very alarming more so for them and not me that these type of men prey upon them.”

— Turrina, Victim of David Allen Funston

“I heard the assemblymember say we need to put guardrails in place and with all due respect the guardrails already exist.”

— Courtney Hanson, California Coalition of Women Prisoners

“We can't change laws based on one or two sensationalized cases. It's not fiscally responsible especially for California's budgetary situation.”

— Courtney Hanson, California Coalition of Women Prisoners

What’s next

AB 2727 now heads to the Appropriations Committee after passing out of the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

The takeaway

This bill highlights the ongoing debate over balancing public safety concerns with the rehabilitation and reintegration of elderly offenders. While supporters argue the legislation is necessary to protect vulnerable children, critics contend the current review process is sufficient and that the bill is an overreaction to isolated cases that could have significant fiscal impacts on the state.