California to move some condemned inmates off death row

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) More than 700 condemned inmates on the nation's largest death row will soon have a chance to transfer to one of eight different California prisons.

It's a move a former district attorney terms "a slap to the face" of victims.

The voluntary transfers could benefit the inmates not only with more freedom and a change of scenery, but provide an opportunity to participate in rehabilitation and work programs.

California hasn't executed anyone since 2006 and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom imposed a moratorium on executions after he took office last year. Critics say the transfers are not what voters intended when 51% of them favored quicker executions four years ago.