Bill > SB551

This bill aims to transform the state's approach to corrections and rehabilitation by emphasizing personal growth, normalization, and dynamic security within the prison system. The bill recognizes the negative physical and mental health impacts of incarceration on both correctional officers and incarcerated individuals, and seeks to address these issues by promoting principles of humane treatment and rehabilitation. Specifically, the bill defines dynamic security as ongoing, respectful communication between staff and incarcerated persons, and normalization as making prison life as close to normal life as possible while maintaining the restriction of liberty. The legislation directs the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to develop staff training on these principles, facilitate community-based program access, and maintain a mission statement that prioritizes personal growth and successful community reintegration. Key provisions include acknowledging that 95 percent of incarcerated people will be released, emphasizing the importance of maintaining family connections, providing educational and rehabilitative programs, and treating incarcerated individuals with dignity. The bill also modifies existing law to explicitly state that the purpose of incarceration is not just punishment, but rehabilitation and preparing individuals to become productive members of society upon release.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB551