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California Senate Bill 672 The Youth Rehabilitation & Opportunity Act
A New Path for Justice-Involved Youth
California Senate Bill 672 (SB 672), known as the Youth Rehabilitation and Opportunity Act, is landmark legislation designed to give young adults sentenced to life without parole (LWOP) for crimes committed before age 26 a chance to request a parole hearing after serving at least 25 years in prison.
What Does SB 672 Do?
Overview
California Senate Bill 672 (SB 672), known as the Youth Rehabilitation and Opportunity Act, is landmark legislation designed to give young adults sentenced to life without parole (LWOP) for crimes committed before age 26 a chance to request a parole hearing after serving at least 25 years in prison.
Purpose
SB 672 creates a new path for justice-involved youth, focusing on rehabilitation and the potential for change, while maintaining public safety and victims' rights.
Eligibility for Parole Review
Eligibility for Parole Review
Individuals who committed a controlling offense before turning 26 and were sentenced to LWOP can request a parole hearing after 25 years of incarceration.
No Guaranteed Release
The bill does not guarantee release. The California Board of Parole retains full discretion to determine if an individual is rehabilitated and no longer poses a risk to public safety.
Strict Exclusions
  • Murder of law enforcement officers or firefighters
  • Mass shootings or multiple murders
  • Hate crime murders
  • Murders involving torture, explosives, or violent sexual crimes
  • Killing a judge, government official, or juror
  • Murder as a domestic violence act
  • Crimes against children
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Victims' Rights Protected
Victims and their families will continue to receive notifications, attend hearings, and speak directly to the parole board. Their rights remain fully protected under this law.
2
Grounded in Science
The law recognizes that the brain—especially areas responsible for impulse control and judgment—continues developing into the mid-20s. SB 672 acknowledges that young adults have the capacity for growth and change.
Parole Hearing Timeline
1
Crimes Before Age 26
Eligible for a parole hearing after 25 years if sentenced to LWOP.
2
Lesser Sentences
For lesser sentences, parole eligibility may begin sooner (15 or 20 years), depending on the sentence length.
Rigorous Review Process
1
Individual Evaluation
The parole board evaluates each case individually.
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Evidence of Rehabilitation
Considers evidence of rehabilitation and psychological evaluations.
3
Community & Victim Input
Input from families, community members, and victims is taken into account.
No Automatic Release
1
Public Safety Priority
Every decision is made with public safety as the top priority.
2
Future Hearings
If parole is denied, future hearings are scheduled according to established guidelines.
Why SB 672?
Hope
SB 672 offers a new path for justice-involved youth.
Rehabilitation
Focuses on the potential for growth and change.
Public Safety
Keeps community safety and victims' rights at the forefront.
Second Chances for Young Adults
Recognizes Mistakes
Recognizes that young people can make grave mistakes but also have unique potential for rehabilitation.
Potential for Rehabilitation
SB 672 is designed to give young adults a second chance if they demonstrate true growth and change.
Evidence-Based Policy
1
1
Youth Development
Aligns with modern understanding of youth development.
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Legal Precedent
Acknowledges the developmental differences between youth and adults.
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Policy Alignment
SB 672 is an evidence-based approach to justice reform.
Upcoming Public Safety Committee Hearing on SB 672
Senate Bill 672 is scheduled for a Public Safety Committee hearing on
Tuesday, June 17 at 9:00 AM in Room 126 at the State Capitol.
The hearing will be streamed live by the California State Senate, allowing the public to watch remotely via their official streaming platform. This session will discuss the Youth Rehabilitation and Opportunity Act, which aims to provide parole eligibility for young adults sentenced to life without parole for crimes committed before age 26, while maintaining public safety and victims’ rights. For live viewing, visit the California State Senate streaming media page.
What SB 672 Does Not Do
No Guaranteed Parole
Does not guarantee parole or early release.
Excludes Heinous Crimes
Does not apply to the most heinous crimes.
Victims' Rights Remain
Does not remove or diminish victims' rights.
Accountability Maintained
Does not reduce accountability for serious offenses.
SB 672: Hope, Rehabilitation, and Public Safety
"SB 672 gives hope to those who have demonstrated true growth and rehabilitation, while ensuring that public safety and victims' voices remain at the forefront of the parole process."
Take action today! Reach out to your Assemblymember and make your voice heard. Urge them to support SB 672 by voting YES, so we can give young adults a fair chance at rehabilitation while keeping our communities safe. Your advocacy can make a real difference—stand up for justice and second chances now!