Calif. law allowing an early release of inmates prompts protests by lawmakers, lawsuit

Calif. law to free inmates early draws protests

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A law that took effect last month that allows the early release of inmates at state prisons and county jails is sowing confusion throughout California.

Lawmakers of both parties have called for repealing and modifying parts of the law, and a county deputies’ union has filed a lawsuit asking a judge to block it.

Calls for changes intensified this week after a Sacramento County inmate was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape just hours after he was released from jail.

The law was designed to save money while relieving crowding in prisons and jails.

Differing interpretations by the state’s 58 counties and the alleged assault prompted several lawmakers to call for an immediate halt to the law’s implementation.