SB 285: Criminal procedure: sentencing.

Prior law, in effect until January 1, 2020, required a sentencing court to impose an additional one-year term for each prior separate prison term or county jail felony term served by the defendant for a nonviolent felony, as specified. Prior law, in effect until January 1, 2018, also required a sentencing court to impose on a defendant convicted of specified crimes relating to controlled substances, an additional 3-year term for each prior conviction of specified controlled substances crimes. Existing law limits the imposition of these sentencing enhancements to certain specified circumstances.

Existing law invalidates any enhancement imposed pursuant to one of these prior provisions and requires the sentencing court, upon receipt of notice and verification of specified information, to recall the sentence and resentence the person to remove any invalid sentence enhancements.

This bill would, commencing January 1, 2025, make an individual sentenced to death or a term of life without the possibility of parole, who has been convicted of a sexually violent offense, and who, as of January 1, 2025, has not had their judgment reviewed and verified by the sentencing court, as specified, ineligible for recall and resentencing under these provisions.