Wilson Approves Limits on Inmates Earning Early Release

Gov. Pete Wilson signed legislation Wednesday prohibiting prison inmates convicted of violent crimes from reducing their sentences by more than 15% with credits for good behavior and working while behind bars.

Wilson, reviewing more than 1,200 bills sent to him by legislators at the end of their two-year session, also signed a measure regulating advertising by lawyers and another bill granting new rights to victims of sexual harassment in professional relationships.

Wilson’s signature on the sentencing bill, AB 2716 by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar), caps a years-long struggle over rules governing how much of their prison terms convicted felons must serve before they are released.

Under the old law, murderers could reduce their sentences by up to one-third and other criminals could shave off half their terms for good behavior or by participating in work, training or education programs.

The Katz bill requires violent criminals to serve at least 85% of their sentences. It took effect Wednesday and will apply only to crimes committed after it became law.

“This bill represents significant reform,” Wilson said in a statement issued by his office. “But there is more work to be done.”

Wilson said he still wants to require all violent inmates to serve their entire sentences and limit most nonviolent felons--who are not affected by the new law--to credits totaling no more than 15% of their terms.

The governor also signed legislation allowing victims of sexual harassment by professionals--such as doctors, lawyers or accountants--to sue and win judgments of up to $25,000.

The bill, SB 612 by Sen. Tom Hayden (D-Santa Monica), will serve notice that taking advantage of a professional or consumer relationship will not be tolerated in California, Wilson said.

“Oftentimes, the victim of harassment cannot easily get out of a professional relationship,” Wilson said. “This bill will serve as a means to make harassers accountable for their actions.”

Under the measure, a victim would have to demonstrate that the sexual advances were unwelcome, persistent or severe, and continued after a demand was made to stop them. The victim also would have to show that he or she suffered an economic loss or personal injury as a result of the harassment.

The measure regulating lawyer advertising, AB 3659 by Assemblyman Paul Horcher (R-Diamond Bar), will require advertisers to provide factual evidence justifying their claims. Ads that mention money awards or depict bloody crash scenes will be considered inherently false or misleading.

Wilson said the new law will protect consumers from dishonest attorneys who lure clients by using misleading advertising and decrease the risk of lawyers encouraging people to file suits that are not well-grounded.

Times staff writer Carl Ingram contributed to this article.