Bill > AB788

This bill establishes a new Division of Female Programs and Services within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, specifically focused on addressing the unique needs of incarcerated women. The bill requires the Governor to appoint a dedicated director for this division who must have at least five years of experience working with female incarcerated populations. The new division will be responsible for managing and overseeing adult female programs, including prisons, conservation camps, and parole services, with a mandate to develop gender-responsive, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approaches to program and policy development. The bill also creates a Gender Responsive Strategies Commission composed of community representatives, experts, and formerly incarcerated women to help develop partnerships and improve practices. Additionally, the legislation requires the department to update its Female Offender Reform Master Plan every three years, conduct comprehensive staffing analyses for female institutions, and provide specialized training for staff working in female prisons, including 40 hours of initial training and 8 hours of annual training specifically focused on working with incarcerated women. The bill further mandates the appointment of an ombudsperson solely dedicated to adult female institutions to ensure comprehensive oversight and support.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB788