Crimes: notification of release.

Existing law requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to supply a form to designated county agencies in order to enable persons to request and receive notification from the department of the release, escape, scheduled execution, or death of the violent offender. Existing law requires the agency to give the form to the victim, witness, or next of kin of the victim for completion, explain to that person or persons the right to be notified, and forward the completed form to the department. This bill would require that form to additionally enable the person to request and receive notification of changes to the defendant's minimum eligible parole date that changes it by more than 6 months, as specified. By increasing duties on county agencies, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would also require these notices to be given by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to victims, witnesses, and their next of kin for changes of status for defendants convicted of a sexually violent offense, specified sex offense involving a minor, or homicide offense, among others, as specified. 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.