California lawmakers continue shift from mass incarceration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The recently completed California legislative session continued a yearslong effort to lower criminal sentences, ease restrictions on suspects, and keep juveniles out of adult prisons.

From a nation-leading reform measure that eliminates cash bail to restrictions on trying juveniles, a major goal of Democratic lawmakers in this year's session was to limit mass incarceration that supporters say often disproportionately affects women, youth and minorities.

Law enforcement officials and other opponents say lawmakers are favoring criminals over victims and eroding public safety.