- California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced plans to commute all 548 state death row sentences to life in prison without parole before leaving office.
- Newsom stated that state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California values, while acknowledging the decision will cause pain for victims' families.
- Under the California constitution, state Supreme Court approval is required to grant clemency to individuals convicted of multiple felonies.
- The American Civil Liberties Union praised the commutations as a necessary end to an error-prone and inhumane punishment.
- Newsom, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, previously noted he would not run if Kamala Harris enters the race.
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