FILE - In this April 28, 2020 file photo State Sen. Jim Nielsen, R-Tehama, left discusses the impact the coronavirus is having on rural residents and businesses during a news conference in Sacramento, Calif. California on Saturday is increasing early release credits for tens of thousands of inmates including violent and repeat felons as it further trims the population of what once was the nation's largest state correctional system. More than 63,000 inmates convicted of violent crimes will be eligible for good behavior credits that shorten their sentences by one-third instead of the one-fifth that had been in place since 2017. Nielsen, who once headed the state parole board, criticized Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom for this time acting unilaterally. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli,File)

FILE - In this April 23, 2021, file photo, California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference in Big Sur, Calif. California on Saturday is increasing early release credits for tens of thousands of inmates including violent and repeat felons as it further trims the population of what once was the nation's largest state correctional system. Officials announced in mid-April that they will close a second prison as a result of the dwindling population, fulfilling a promise by Newsom. (AP Photo/Nic Coury, File)