Current law creates a specialized program (program) for offenders
who were sentenced to an adult prison for certain felony offenses committed while the offender was under 21 years of age. Current law permits an offender who successfully completes the program to apply to the governor for early parole, which the governor may grant under certain conditions. Current law requires the state board of parole to review the application, conduct a hearing, and make a recommendation to the governor concerning whether early parole should be granted. The bill removes the requirement for the governor's approval of an early parole application by an offender who completes the program and instead gives the parole board the authority to grant early parole.