California Assembly considers bill to reform Elderly Parole Program

Emotional hearing focuses on keeping serious sex offenders ineligible for early release

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:08am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty legislative chamber, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows casting an atmosphere of quiet contemplation and political tension.As California lawmakers debate reforms to the state's Elderly Parole Program, the emotional impact on victims of violent crimes remains a central concern.Today in Sacramento

The California Assembly Public Safety Committee held an emotional hearing on a bill that would make serious sex offenders ineligible for the state's Elderly Parole Program. Turrina, a victim of childhood sexual abuse, testified about her 'real-life boogeyman' being eligible for early release, while opponents argued the program has safeguards and low recidivism rates.

Why it matters

The debate over the Elderly Parole Program highlights the tension between criminal justice reform efforts and public safety concerns, especially when it comes to violent sexual predators. The outcome of this bill could impact how California handles the early release of older inmates convicted of serious sex crimes.

The details

The bill, AB 2727 introduced by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, would make people convicted of serious sex crimes ineligible for elderly parole and raise the age of eligibility to 65 for other serious crimes. Supporters, including the Sacramento County District Attorney, argued the program lacks sufficient safeguards, while opponents said it has low recidivism rates and the Parole Board has stringent measures in place.

  • The Assembly Public Safety Committee considered the bill in an emotional hearing on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • David Allen Funston, a serial sex offender, was convicted in the 1990s and is now eligible for elderly parole 30 years later.

The players

Turrina

A victim of childhood sexual abuse who testified about her 'real-life boogeyman' being eligible for early release under the Elderly Parole Program.

David Allen Funston

A 64-year-old serial sex offender who was recently granted elderly parole in California.

Stephanie Nguyen

The Assemblymember who introduced AB 2727 to reform the Elderly Parole Program.

Thien Ho

The Sacramento County District Attorney who spoke in favor of the bill, arguing it's about justice and public safety.

Courtney Hanson

A community organizer with the California Coalition for Women Prisoners who opposed the bill, arguing the Parole Board has sufficient safeguards in place.

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What they’re saying

“Now - 30 years later - I am hearing that my real-life boogeyman is able to get released early.”

— Turrina

“When predators prey on our children, the impact is devastating and it stays with victims for life.”

— Stephanie Nguyen, Assemblymember

“I've heard directly from victims. This is about justice. It's about public safety.”

— Thien Ho, Sacramento County District Attorney

“The Parole Board has a number of very stringent measures in place to assess somebody's risk and decide whether they're suitable to safely return to their communities or not.”

— Courtney Hanson, Community organizer, California Coalition for Women Prisoners

“Penal code section 1170 says – quote – the purpose of incarceration is rehabilitation and successful reintegration in the community – end quote. In other words, punishment driven solely by public outcry is officially not who we say we are.”

— Keith Wattley, Founder and executive director, UnCommon Law

What’s next

The bill, AB 2727, passed through the Assembly Public Safety Committee with bipartisan support and will now move to the full Assembly for consideration. Governor Gavin Newsom has indicated he is in favor of certain reforms to the Elderly Parole Program, including deeper scrutiny related to violent sexual predators.

The takeaway

This emotional hearing highlights the complex balance between criminal justice reform efforts and public safety concerns when it comes to the early release of older inmates convicted of serious sex crimes. The outcome of this bill could set an important precedent for how California handles the Elderly Parole Program going forward.