Monday marks the first day of new sentencing guidelines in California. As part of AB-109, the Public Safety Realignment Bill, certain criminals will serve their sentences in local jails, rather than state prison. Those who will be considered for local incarceration will include people who have committed crimes that are considered “non-violent,” “non-sexual,” and “not-serious.” Sentences of 3 years or less will be eligible. Previously, those sentenced to more than 1-year were sent to state prison. Monterey County has already approved its realignment plan, while santa cruz county leaders are preparing to do that Tuesday. That will include approving a plan of how to spend 1-point-6 million dollars, provided by the state. 3 new corrections officers are likely to be added in santa cruz county.
