Calif. lawmaker seeks changes after Dugard case

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A state senator is seeking to change California law as a result of the Jaycee Dugard kidnapping case.

Republican Sen. Ted Gaines said Wednesday he will introduce legislation intended to circumvent a 2008 California Supreme Court decision.

The court ruled the state parole board cannot base its decision denying a prisoner’s release solely on the nature of the original crime.

Considering a variety of other factors could make it easier for prisoners to win release.

Since the ruling, Gaines says the board has granted parole to more than 1,300 inmates serving life terms.

Supporters of his proposal said the ruling means that even Dugard’s kidnapper, Phillip Garrido, could be deemed unlikely to commit new crimes. Dugard was held for 18 years by Garrido, then a paroled sex offender.