Senate Bill 81 (“SB 81”) is a pivotal piece of legislation that dramatically changed the landscape of California sentencing procedures. While SB 81 is undeniably relevant to anyone with a current case in the California criminal justice system, it may also be used by inmates who were sentenced years ago to help them obtain a resentencing hearing. Read on to learn more about SB 81, who can benefit from the law, and how to pursue a resentencing hearing based on monumental changes to the justice system.
What Is SB 81?
Senate Bill 81 (Reg. Sess. 2021-2022) is one of the more dramatic criminal justice reforms California lawmakers have enacted in recent years. Drafted by Nancy Skinner of California’s 9th District, SB 81 is straightforward in its approach in that it requires a judge to strike or dismiss any sentencing enhancement “if it is in the furtherance of justice to do so.” SB 81 is not codified in California Penal Code § 1385.