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AB 38

Crimes: serious and violent felonies.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Lackey

AB 38 modifies California's serious and violent felony definitions, affecting sentencing and parole eligibility across the criminal justice system, pending committee review.

In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
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Bill Summary · AB 38

Legislative bill overview

AB 38 proposes modifications to California's definition and treatment of serious and violent felonies. The bill has been introduced by Assemblymember Tom Lackey and is currently in the Public Safety Committee after being referred in February 2025. The hearing was initially scheduled but subsequently canceled at the author's request in March 2025.

Why is this important

Serious and violent felony designations directly impact sentencing lengths, parole eligibility, and criminal justice outcomes for defendants. Changes to these definitions affect both public safety policy and incarcerated individuals' rights, making this a significant criminal justice reform measure with statewide implications for the court system and corrections agencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Sentencing implications: Expanding or narrowing felony classifications will either increase incarceration periods or reduce them, creating debate between criminal justice advocates and public safety proponents
  • Parole eligibility: Modifications may affect when individuals become eligible for parole, influencing victim advocacy concerns and rehabilitation perspectives
  • Implementation costs: Changes require training for prosecutors, judges, and corrections staff, with unknown fiscal impact to county and state budgets

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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