SACRAMENTO—A bill prohibiting a person convicted of an offense punishable by life without possibility of parole from being released on bail pending imposition or execution of a sentence was signed by Gavin Newsom. Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino), introduced the measure, AB 791, after the fatal on-duty shooting of Riverside Sheriff’s Deputy Isaiah Cordero in December 2022.
Assemblymember Ramos said: “AB 791 is a common sense measure that aims to improve public safety. Deputy Cordero’s death was a tragedy that never should have occurred.” Ramos added that the 32-year old Codero was fatally shot by a convicted felon during a traffic stop in Jurupa Valley. The suspect died two hours after the shooting in a freeway gunfight with law enforcement officers.
Ramos stated that AB 791 would eliminate ambiguity within existing state law and clarify that post-conviction bail cannot be granted to those facing a life without parole sentence.
The “Officer Down Page” for Codero states the suspect had an extensive criminal history and had stabbed a California Highway Patrol canine in 2021. The man was out on bail while awaiting a mandatory 25 years to life sentence for the incident in which he stabbed the canine.
Riverside Sheriff’s Association President Bill Young said: “AB 791 takes an important first step in preventing future instances of granting bail release to some of the most dangerous and convicted habitual criminals. We are incredibly grateful to Assemblymember Ramos for his consistent leadership and unwavering dedication to protect the public.”
AB 791 is sponsored by the Riverside Sheriff’s Association and the Riverside County Sheriff.
###
Assemblymember James C. Ramos proudly represents the 45th Assembly district which includes the Cities of Fontana, Highland, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto and San Bernardino. He is the first and only California Native American serving in the state’s legislature. Ramos chairs the Assembly Committees on Rules.