Appropriations Committee advances bill clarifying CDCR credit rules for indeterminate sentences

The California State Assembly Appropriations Committee on April 23 advanced AB 622, which clarifies that the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) may issue credits that advance the minimum eligible parole dates of people serving indeterminate sentences.

Supporters told the committee the change restores a longstanding CDCR practice, encourages rehabilitation and produces budget savings. Assemblymember Coller, the bill—s sponsor, said the measure aims to resolve a discrepancy that has delayed parole eligibility despite parole-board recommendations and that the committee—s analysis projects tens of millions of dollars in savings and reduced staff workload if credits are clarified.

Why it matters: The bill affects people serving indeterminate terms (a range of years), a category that can include serious felonies. Backers argued the measure does not guarantee…