Parole: victim's rights.

Existing law requires the Board of Parole Hearings, upon request, to notify the victim, or next of kin of the victim, of any crime committed by an inmate of any hearing to review or consider the parole suitability or the setting of a parole date for that prisoner. Existing law permits a victim, or next of kin of the victim, to designate a representative to appear on their behalf and participate in a parole suitability hearing, as specified. This bill would require the district attorney to inform any victim, or the victim's next of kin, of their right to request that the board notify them of any hearing to consider an inmate's parole suitability. The bill would also require the district attorney to provide the victim or victim's next of kin with reasonable notice of any hearing, including any change of date, time, and place of the hearing. Because this bill would place additional duties on local law enforcement, this bill would create a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.