CA SB875

Prohibits the Board of Parole Hearings from considering discriminatory factors when determining suitability for parole, including race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability.

Adds protected categories to parole decision-making that cannot be considered, including cognitive, speech, or physical impairments and cultural or religious affiliation.

Restricts consideration of mental illness or substance use disorder history unless clear and convincing evidence shows the condition cannot be effectively managed in the community.

Prevents the board from considering housing status, employment history, socioeconomic status, education level, or prior associations based on shared race, ethnicity, national origin, neighborhood, or religion unless evidence shows ongoing current relevance to future violence risk.

Prohibits consideration of factors documented to be subject to bias, including victim status, verbal communication patterns, tone of voice, body language, eye contact, and ability to articulate complex concepts.