On a vote of 5 to 2, the Senate Public Safety Committee approved SB399 after hearing testimony in support from Human Rights Watch, the parent of a youth sentenced to life without parole,  and the California Catholic Conference of Bishops. More than 75 others voiced their support for the bill with the committee.

Elizabeth Calvin of Human Rights Watch said that the time has come for change. “As a society we´ve learned a lot since the time we started using life without parole for children,” said Calvin. “We know now that this sentence provides no deterrent effect. While children who commit serious crimes should be held accountable, public safety can be protected without subjecting youth to the harshest prison sentence possible. This bill would punish youth but give them the opportunity to prove they have turned their lives around.”

The bill is now headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee.