California Will Tighten Parole Rules for Sex Offenders
A new law raising the elderly parole eligibility age to 65 will take effect across California in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Sex Crimes
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Starting in 2027, California will implement Assembly Bill 2727, which mandates that sex offenders must reach age 65 and serve at least 25 years to qualify for elderly parole. The legislation aims to prioritize public safety by enforcing stricter release requirements for this population.
Why it matters
Lawmakers designed the bill to ensure more rigorous safety measures for sex offenders, accepting higher state incarceration costs to protect the public. This shift prioritizes public safety considerations over the financial burden of extended prison terms.
Inmates like David Allen Funston, currently held in Placer County jail, face new eligibility thresholds, while those such as Gregory Vogelsang, incarcerated at Valley State Prison, have already seen elderly parole petitions denied under current standards.
The players
David Allen Funston
He is a sex offender currently being held in Placer County jail after being re-arrested following an initial elderly parole grant.
Gregory Vogelsang
He is an inmate incarcerated at Valley State Prison whose case was highlighted during legislative discussions regarding parole eligibility.
The details
The law mandates expanded screening for inmates evaluated as sexually violent predators and requires increased funding for their associated treatment. These services will cost the state between $10.23 million and $20.46 million annually, alongside $4.13 million for screening processes.
Timeline
The original elderly parole program was established in California in 2017.
Assembly Bill 2727 was introduced in the California Legislature in 2026.
Lawmakers held a press conference regarding Gregory Vogelsang in March 2026.
Assembly Bill 2727 takes effect in 2027.
Legal Context
This legislation marks a departure from the 2017 California elderly parole program by introducing stricter exclusions for sex offenders. It reflects a broader trend of tightening release criteria for violent offenders in the state's criminal justice system.
Residents should be aware that this law aims to extend incarceration periods for sex offenders, potentially impacting the number of such individuals released into local communities. The policy shift focuses on maintaining longer periods of supervision and secure containment to enhance regional safety.
The takeaway
The implementation of Assembly Bill 2727 signifies a major fiscal and procedural change for California's prison system. Taxpayers will see higher annual costs as the state balances these mandatory incarceration expenses with increased public safety oversight.
Further reading
For more information on state policies, visit California Sex Crimes.
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Should states keep older sex offenders imprisoned longer even if it increases costs to taxpayers?
